Ok To Run Without A Catalytic Converter

[gbrunso]

Howdy, Ive got an '88 silverado, 5L, single exhaust, 188,000+ miles. Just blew a hole in the CC. Shop (franchise) says $400-$500 to replace. I'm no mechanic, but I could cut in a straight pipe from the manifold to the muffler IF:

1) It won't hurt the engine (backpressure issues??)

2) It won't burn up the muffler (or will it?)

3) It won't cause the EOM stuff to shut down the carb/fuel system.

The emissions is really a side issue, there is no testing/inspection in our locality. All the rest of the exhaust system is less than a year old. The shop said its not legal for THEM to run a straight pipe. If it comes in with a cat, it must go out with a cat. I'll spend the dough if I have to, but it IS an old truck...

Thanks for any advice.

[txab]

You should be able to get it replaced for less than $500. Walker has a cat for about $127 for your truck. Shouldn't be much labor involved. Walker has a $30 rebate on their cats right now

 

 

1. No

2. No

3. No. You only have a pre-cat O2 sensor, no post cat sensor.

 

Your exhaust place is correct, it is illegal for them to remove the cat without replacing it. It's also illegal for you as well. It's all about getting inspected/caught and paying fines

[Stevens03]

It won't hurt anything, but fine one in a salvage yard. They're out there. Why take the risk of getting a hefty fine

[Black02Silverado]

You should be able to get it replaced for less than $500. Walker has a cat for about $127 for your truck. Shouldn't be much labor involved. Walker has a $30 rebate on their cats right now

 

 

1. No

2. No

3. No. You only have a pre-cat O2 sensor, no post cat sensor.

 

Your exhaust place is correct, it is illegal for them to remove the cat without replacing it. It's also illegal for you as well. It's all about getting inspected/caught and paying fines

 

 

Darral has it covered. I would put one back on. For one your exhaust will not stink you out like it would if you ran without one. There is also Summit and Jegs to look at for one as well.

[gbrunso]

Thanks for the insight. I went ahead and let the shop do it. They had 'er done in about an hour, everything's legal, 90 day warranty, slept fine last night. Came to $410. Few hours of OT will take cover that. Checked the fine/legal hassles, WAY more OT to cover that! I'm at peace with God and gov. Thanks for the great replies.

[mxdirtrider56]

Smart choice.