Date:         Tue, 11 Nov 1997 07:27:01 -0500
Reply-To:     Joe <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         Joe <vw4x4@FYI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Gutting the Cat
Comments: To: JordanVw@AOL.COM
In-Reply-To:  <971110235801_-625481062@mrin47>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

On Mon, 10 Nov 1997 JordanVw@AOL.COM wrote:
> Ok, I know this is technically illegal, (ask me if i care) but has anyone
> ever hollowed out their Catalytic Converter? I saw a hollow cat at one of the
> last VW shows (damn i shoulda bought it) so i know it can be done. I have NO
> emissions (smog) inspection where i live, so it doesnt matter. The outer body
> of the cat is solid but the intrastructure has deteriorated, both from heat,
> and condensation (rust). The cat now makes an annoying rattling noise, and is
> getting VERY hot, and i notice a lack of power... I'm thinking some of the
> decomposed intrastructure of the cat has blocked the exhaust flow.  My bolts
> that hold my cat on are not rusted, and opening of the pipe would be easy.
> Since the cat does not look damaged from the outside, i can probably get away
> with it.  Also I'm thinking that a gutted cat would increase performance
> slightly because of reduced backpressure?  Anyone done this? does the
> intrastructure come out easily thru the pipe when deteriorated?
>
> chris
   It will definatly increase power. Mine was clugged. I broke mine
   out, reinstalled and ran to for years. Major improvement in power.
   No =way to tell from the outside once done.