How do you make a Cat go bad?

[Rob@USC]

Ok, i've heard in a couple places you're not supposed to replace the Cat-Conv unless it goes bad (like the DOT or EPA or some other crap agency like that says so). Anyways, my questions are: 1) is this true and 2)if yes, how can I "promote" it's early demise to get a High-Flow one? :D I don't want to do anything totally obvious like dremel it, but still, how would i make it go out sooner with out damagign the engine. I'm planing on gettign a cat-back soon, so i dont' really care about anything from the cat itself back.

Thanks,
Rob

[satellite98]

I could be wrong about this, but somewhere on this board I read that you can change it if you have either damage, or over 50,000 miles on your vehicle.

Better start driving.

[Dan M]

Get under your car with a hammer, tell them you ran over a rock. Somehow I had 75,000 miles stuck in my head for the cat - but I could be wrong.

[RicE-ter]

I searched and searched when I was about to give up and start a new thread but i found this-yes admins, i DO search :D

i did find this http://www.car-sound.com/04epa.asp
on the magnaflow cat/carsound site. apparently yes its true...you have to have 8 years or 80,000miles on your car b4 you can replace it :(

i guess i need to start driving too-just posted this for future reference

[ezrollin]

running rich makes cats go bad..
detonation ?
there are chemicals that will do it
cant remember names

[Pewter2K1]

run some lead additive.... or some race gas... that in time affect the cat

[Wraith2097]

Really? Its illegal to replace a cat under a certain amount of mileage? So to make my system a true 3 inch I'd have to either wait until I reach that amount of miles or replace it myself?

[articacid]

just replace it. theres no sense in trying to make it go bad.

im not sure, but i didnt think you could just add lead additive to regular cars.

i replaced mine with a 3 in at 37k.

[Den69RS96]

Taken directly from Random Technologies website

"Catalytic converters are emission control devices which are designed to last the life of the vehicle and do not normally require replacement. Furthermore, if the vehicle is properly used and maintained, original converters are covered by the emissions control warranty for five (5) years or 50,000 miles. Federal law prohibits repair businesses from replacing these devices except under certain limited circumstances.

Please note that it is illegal to remove a properly functioning catalytic converter and that aftermarket catalytic converters are not legal for installation in California on OBD II vehicles (some 1994 & 1995, and all 1996 and later vehicles)."

just find a shop who will do it for you.

[Little G]

My shop had no problem with my !cat ;)

g

[PewterBird]

Find a shop that will do it. Some get bent outta shape about it others don't give a ****.

I needed one replaced, so I took a sawsall to it, and pulled up to the shop with open y pipe and a 12 inch gap where my cat is suppose to be.

I got a nice 3 inche high flow.

[CAMAROWIDBASS]

i dont think shops really care, i mean honestly all they want is your cash.

Just go to a family owner shop, and you should have no problem.

But if you still want to make it go bad then remove or unplug your EGR and this will mess up the cat in dues time...