This is a can of worms. My converter is at the recyclers, and the rear end of
the Van is free and clear.

I wrestled with all the morality of it, and decided that I might effect the
environment in a detrimental way only if the engine wasn't running correctly.
To help me sleep at night I do the following:

1. Motor tuned (timed, Bosch Platinum 4's, New Wires, KEN, Syntec, and regular
injector cleaner).
2. I get better mileage and performance with catty gone.
3. Air pressure in all four tires checked regularly.
4. I run Oxygenated fuel - 90 octane.
5. My Van doesn't leak or burn oil - and regular oil changes with oil properly
recycled - filter, too.
6. I'm driving an 18 year old car that other would have junked eight years
earlier - the positive environmental impact from that alone has got to count
for more than 100% of any problem created by lost catty.

Pros: I get better mileage, I would say that the motor is running the best it
has in years. My vehicle as a result may run longer, and cooler too. Cons:
Because my state doesn't have testing anymore, I don't know what gas %'s are
leaving the vehicle. I'm knowingly breaking the law. It's not the only one, but
I guess my dirty little secrets are no Cat, and the occasional joint.

There it is - who knows? I may burn in hell for it someday. Until then, my
delusion is complete.

AB

Gerald Masar wrote:

> 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

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