Ok, I know this is technically illegal, (ask me if i care) but has anyone
ever hollowed out their Catalytic Converter? I saw a hollow cat at one of the
last VW shows (damn i shoulda bought it) so i know it can be done. I have NO
emissions (smog) inspection where i live, so it doesnt matter. The outer body
of the cat is solid but the intrastructure has deteriorated, both from heat,
and condensation (rust). The cat now makes an annoying rattling noise, and is
getting VERY hot, and i notice a lack of power... I'm thinking some of the
decomposed intrastructure of the cat has blocked the exhaust flow.  My bolts
that hold my cat on are not rusted, and opening of the pipe would be easy.
Since the cat does not look damaged from the outside, i can probably get away
with it.  Also I'm thinking that a gutted cat would increase performance
slightly because of reduced backpressure?  Anyone done this? does the
intrastructure come out easily thru the pipe when deteriorated?

chris
(always thinking of ways to "buck the system"  ;<)