gutting the cat

[firebird99]

I'm thinking of gutting out the catalytic converter on my '99 firebird(3.8) but will the oxygen sensors make my SES light come on? If it does will my car still run the same? Also how much more horsepower does this add?

[Brendan Hearn]

The SES engine light would come on which might effect the air/fuel ratio. I think that the car would run differently due to the O2 sensors' change. Also, that is illegal and I dont think your car will pass the emissions part of the inspection (if your state has one). It will add some horsepower due to relieved backpressure but it wont be much.

[Ted]

I think that you will loose more hp rather then gain. Like Brendan said it will effect the air/fuel ratios and you will loose hp from that. The small amount of hp you will gain from releived backpressure will hardly be worth it. A lot of people by an 02 sensor simulator which runs about $80. You might as well

1). Take the whole cat off and buy the sensor simulator ($80) If you aren't worried about legal issues

2). Buy a Catco High Flow CAT ($50) If you are worried about legal issues or gut the cat and put in the sensor simulator

3). Buy a cutout and put it after or before the cat ($30-$50) If you are feeling tricky. <- Best in my opinion.

[firebird99]

In regards to:

3). Buy a cutout and put it after or before the cat ($30-$50) If you are feeling tricky. <- Best in my opinion.

If I do this will I still need the sensor simulator? Even if the cutout is after the cat?
What other quick and "not so expensive" modifications can I do to my car to give it that edge?

[98v6]

i would go the cutout route if i were you, its easy, fast... and best of all reversable... if it was me i'd go electric too... but thats just cuz i'm lazyy

[jonny985]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ted:

1). Take the whole cat off and buy the sensor simulator ($80) If you aren't worried about legal issues

2). Buy a Catco High Flow CAT ($50) If you are worried about legal issues or gut the cat and put in the sensor simulator

3). Buy a cutout and put it after or before the cat ($30-$50) If you are feeling tricky. &lt;- Best in my opinion.<hr></blockquote>

Don't buy a Catco, almost everyone throws a code including me.

And an O2 sim is not $80, its more like $45 from Jegs (pn 182-104035)

I personally have a crappy Catco and a O2 simulator and it works but is not ideal.

I would vote a cutout and/or a nicer magnaflow/carsound(same company) cat. They are higher quality and can be found for less than $50. I may upgrade to one myself.

Check out these links, I have delt with both companies and have had great service.
http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=60497141&ssPageName=L2
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...28&prmenbr=361