Actually Ed, the environmental effect is a little less than obvious.  I
have an '83.5 1.9.  Cat failed when I lived in San Diego (within the
South Coast Air Management District, toughest smog laws in the country
at the time.) Had a choice... remove the bits and reattach the canister
or replace the canister.  Finances dictated the former option.  Smog
test?  About half the limit.  A year later, replaced the cat.  Next smog
test?  About half the limit.  In my experience, there was absolutely no,
repeat no, environmental damage.

Remember that the digijet system is a closed loop system.  If all other
components are functioning within spec, the cat won't make much difference.

Legally one is on much shakier ground.  IIRC the fine is about $10k.

Jim

Ed DeBolt wrote:
>
> 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?