Replacing both catalytic converters

[Sam1968]

I have a 96  2.5 Outback    Can I replace both catalytic converters and weld a straight pipe? Would this change bring me any issues?

Thanks..

Edited April 2, 2019 by Sam1968

[1 Lucky Texan]

what does your State do for emissions testing of your car?

[FerGloyale]

It will throw a code for Catalyst Efficiency.

 

[1 Lucky Texan]

there can be ways to 'fool' the ECU with a resistor network. Or 'possibly' an ECU reflash....not sure on a 96

[Sam1968]

Thanks guys for your replies,  my state florida don't have a emission  testing  requirement , my other question is can the outback perform well with out the catalytic converters?

Thanks.

[1 Lucky Texan]

on a 96, the rear O2 sensor is a 'nanny' for cat. converter only. The ECU doesn't use it for a:f adjustment - but, if the signal is missing/outside its range, the cel will light. Dunno if that can be deleted with ECU Flash or some other tuning trick on a 96.

So, the car should run fine - slightly better I'd think since you're a few pounds lighter with less exhaust restriction.

[el_freddo]

If you’re worried about exhaust restriction, get some larger cars designed for larger capacity engines. 

Keep cats, get “better” exhaust flow, probably not get a check light, winning. 

Whats wrong with your current cats? 

Cheers 

Bennie

[Sam1968]

The performance is sluggish lack of power , i believe by removing the cats i can gain some power

Thanks...

[1 Lucky Texan]

you shouldn't rule-out some other issue. Knock sensors can be bad/cracked, the ECU pulls the timing and you lose power - often with no CEL set.

common on older cars. and ,seems plenty of folks have fixed their cars with cheap K sensors from ebay or w'ever.

 

[comatosellama]

On 4/2/2019 at 2:21 PM, FerGloyale said:

It will throw a code for Catalyst Efficiency.

 

p0420 doesn't really matter if you dont have inspection though, my cruise still works when it turns on.

[GeneralDisorder]

There is no performance benefit to doing this. You're just unnecessarily polluting the air you breathe. 

GD