the environmental damage is obvious. another issue is that your vehicle will
emit stinky HC hydro carbon smells. I personally prefer a less offensive
exhaust odor.

ed
-----Original Message-----
From: Gerald Masar <azsun99@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, June 29, 2001 2:28 PM
Subject: Catalytic converter

>LEGAL, MORAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES ASIDE,     what are the pros and cons of
>gutting the cat. converter?
>There was something on the list about this awhile back, but I can't find
the
>info in the archives. For awhile now, especially in the summer heat, the
>whole area around the back of the engine compartment, the bumper, cowling,
>lic. plate, etc. have been too hot to touch, even after a short drive. The
>van itself, a '90 Westy, is running normally. Good gas mileage (for a van
>with 134k miles) and the temp. gauge is just over the top edge of the LED.
>The O2 sensor was changed just a few months ago for a new Bosch OEM unit.
To
>my knowledge, it has never been in a "running rich" situation.
>I understand the cat. can get clogged. I am taking it off this weekend to
>check it out.
>Comments?
>Thanks,
>Jerry
>