Failure of the catalytic converter in vehicles will result in poor performance. Further, your vehicle might also fail the emission regulation tests and be banned from road usage. However, catalytic converters are expensive. Therefore, you must be sure it is at fault before replacing it with a new one. The easiest way is to test it with a straight pipe first.

Let’s examine the details of removing the catalytic converter and replacing it with a straight pipe.

 

How Can You Replace A Catalytic Converter With A Straight Pipe- 6 Steps Guide

Replacing a catalytic converter with a straight pipe might seem easy if you can do it properly.

To replace a catalytic converter with a straight pipe, you need to follow some steps. The procedures are given below.

 

Initial Step 

First, park the vehicle on level ground and make sure it does not slide during the installation process. Then, use a hydraulic jack to lift your vehicle higher up the ground.

You must position a jack on each corner of the vehicle’s frame. Finally, lower the hydraulic jack to fully support the vehicle.

 

Second Step

Make sure the exhaust system is cool before proceeding to any further work. If you have driven the vehicle recently, the exhaust system will be heated. Be careful, as the extremely hot metal might cause burns.

 

Third Step

Now, you must place a carpet under the vehicle where you will slide. This will keep you clean when you slide under the vehicle.

Finally, go under the vehicle and spray penetrating fluid on the catalytic converter bolts. At least wait twenty minutes for the fluid to work effectively.

 

Fourth Step

You need to loosen the bolts on the catalytic converter using an adjustable wrench. To do this, turn the wrench counterclockwise.

You must be careful when disassembling the catalytic converter and taking it to the ground. Moreover, keep the converter in a safe place so that you can use it again if needed.

 

Fifth Step

Now, you need to fit the test pipe inside the exhaust system and place it in the void left by the catalytic converter.

You need to twist the pipe with your hand so that it fits securely on the mounting holes and connects well with the exhaust pipe.

 

Sixth Step

Fit the disassembled mounting bolts back to the holes. With the wrench, tighten the bolts in the opposite direction from the direction in which you disassembled them.

Use the hydraulic jack to raise your vehicle. Then, remove those jack stands from the frame and then remove the hydraulic jack by lowering it. This is how you can remove the catalytic converter and replace it with a straight pipe.

However, what are the benefits of removing the catalytic converter from your vehicle? You need to understand its significance in order to determine whether you need to remove one.

Moreover, removing a catalytic converter and replacing it with a straight pipe has its cons. Therefore, let’s discuss the pros and cons to give you a clear idea of what you need to do.

 

Benefits Of Removing A Catalytic Converter

Let’s be clear about one thing: any hindrance in the airflow of the exhaust system will reduce the vehicle’s horsepower. Therefore, the main thing that comes into mind is the bump in horsepower!

 

Horsepower Bump

Yes, you have guessed correctly that removing the catalytic converter increases your vehicle’s horsepower. The catalytic converter produces tons of backpressure in the exhaust pipe due to creating congestion at the end of the exhaust pipe. Therefore, the absence of a catalytic converter will enable faster gas flow and better performance.

 

More Fuel Economy

Better gas mileage is another key factor to consider. Since the engine backpressure is reduced due to the lack of a catalytic converter, the engine will experience less strain. As a result, you will have a better fuel economy.

This statement is further supported by the law of physics, which states that power is directly proportional to energy. Less power means less energy, which means less fuel is consumed to produce that energy. As a result, there is better fuel economy!

 

Better Flexibility

Who does not love flexibility? Catalytic converter cars require the usage of only unleaded gasoline. However, do you know that lead-based gasoline produces more energy than unleaded gasoline? Therefore, your vehicle will have more flexibility and better performance. Moreover, this is impossible with vehicles with a catalytic converter fitted in.

 

Engine Sound

We all love to hear the roaring sound of the engine. A catalytic converter drastically reduces the pleasing exhaust note, so removing it will increase it. Further, you can enjoy the raw exhaust sound while cruising with your vehicle.

 

Some Disadvantages Of Removal Of Catalytic Converter

Every action has an opposite reaction. Removing the catalytic converter will undoubtedly provide many advantages, but there are some cons that you should know.

 

Legality

It is impossible to remove the catalytic converter legally in the United States. Moreover, your own country might even consider it to be illegal. Therefore, your car might be banned from road usage anytime.

 

Triggering Fault Code

When you remove the catalytic converter, your vehicle might show a fault code. Further, note that the oxygen sensor, which is located very near the converter itself, might get damaged while you remove it.

 

Emission Concern

Catalytic converters remove harmful exhaust gases and release less or no harmful gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, a car without one will release harmful gases into the atmosphere, which will create concerns regarding global warming, acid rain, air pollution, and more!

 

Conclusion

You have accomplished the mission of knowing how to remove the catalytic converter and replace it with a straight pipe. It is easy to do this on your own.

There are many advantages and disadvantages to removing it. However, it depends on what you want to do with your vehicle and how you want it to respond while driving. We discourage you from removing the converter if you are in the United States, as it is illegal to do so.

Further, you might end up getting a huge fine if caught! Moreover, if you remove the catalytic converter, preserve it. You might need it back again, and losing it will cost you thousands of dollars to purchase one again!