Date:         Tue, 23 Jan 2001 20:59:18 -0800
Reply-To:     Chris Bracken <cbracken@SAN.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Bracken <cbracken@SAN.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Catalytic convertor
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

> In a message dated 1/22/01 12:12:05 AM Eastern Standard Time, UCMYVW@AOL.COM
> writes:
>
> << I am considering taking off my cat. conv. on my 87 syncro and using the
>  by-pass pipe offered by The Bus Depot.   I am in PA and we do not have smog
>  testing yet so that is not an issue.
>    I just wanted to get some feed back from anyone who has already done this.
>  Are you happy with it?  Does it cause any problems with not having proper
>  back pressure?  Did you gain better gas mileage?  Anything I should be aware
>  off??
>  Thank you
>  Alan H >>
>

Alan:
I did this as an experiment during some diagnostics.  Note that there is no need
to add a seperate pipe; the flanges and supports ( at least on my 87 ) are such
that the cat can be removed, and the muffler connected directly.
BUT I found NO difference in power or fuel economy.  My advice would be to stick
with the converter, and be a good emissions citizen; I don't think that it is
costing you anything.
The O2 sensor is mounted in the converter body, so you will lose the "closed
loop" part of the digifant.

Best Regards,
Chris