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Pros and Cons with catalytic converter removal

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Old 12-29-2011, 11:23 PM
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Exclamation Pros and Cons with catalytic converter removal

Hello everyone. I have a 2001 stock XJ. The "check engine" light came on a few weeks ago so I brought it to my mechanic, and he said that according to the code the catalytic converter is "under threshold". I am not a mechanic, but I am in no way afraid to get my hands dirty working on my vehicle. I was thinking of removing it entirely, but I'm unsure if it will cause further problems down the road. I know it won't pass the safety inspection here in MA, because the engine light will be on, but I am not concerned with that at all. Also, since the converter problem, my MPG has dropped substantially. Thank for any help you can provide.
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:26 PM
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Cons: It's illegal. Case close.
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:28 PM
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Pros: more power, You don't have a mobile torch under your vehicle waiting to light your carpet and woods on fire while wheeling (they get hot).
Cons: cherokee forum gets mad at you and you don't pass emissions.
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:33 PM
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i have thought of this also no check engine light but for the power factor. i live in AR and dont have inspections plus rig is for fun not the daily driver. hhhmmmmmm interesting. anyone know how much "pollution" is saved when using a cat vs not using one. oh and dont get mad cherokeeforum
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:34 PM
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Oh man let it start on this guy...
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:42 PM
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I know about the leagality of it. The problem is I just dropped $1,200 on it to have the heater core replaced under a week ago. I'm just looking for something to get me by for about a month, til' I have the $ to replace the converter.
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:46 PM
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It's illegal and your 01 will not run efficiently if you remove them. And your mpg will be worse.


Just ride out the check engine light till you can afford to fix it.
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:52 PM
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Exactly how much more power will you get with a test pipe over a high flow? Probably 1hp over the high flow (MAYBE).
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Old 12-29-2011, 11:54 PM
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Originally Posted by N20jeep
It's illegal and your 01 will not run efficiently if you remove them. And your mpg will be worse.

Just ride out the check engine light till you can afford to fix it.
X2
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Old 12-30-2011, 12:06 AM
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Wow, I should have quoted "besides being illegal" in my original post. I have been an AH-64D pilot in the U.S. Army since 1989, and considering the emissions I've put out in that thing, I'm really not feeling to bad for the environment with the issue of my XJ's possible temporary missing converter. As far as the converter itself going "bad", what could have caused it, and should I fix that issue before replacing the converter?
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Old 12-30-2011, 12:17 AM
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Running to rich or multiple things cause the converter to go bad and dont forget yours is an 01 it has 2 pre cats on the manifold also
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Old 12-30-2011, 12:50 AM
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Simple facts I've done it and its pointless and we don't talk about it on here, its only a matter of time before a mod shows up and shuts this down. Legal or not wherever you are (likely not legal) its against forum rules so lets leave it at that...
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Old 12-30-2011, 01:01 AM
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Originally Posted by N20jeep
It's illegal and your 01 will not run efficiently if you remove them. And your mpg will be worse.

Just ride out the check engine light till you can afford to fix it.
x3. Read the forum rules. And it's illegal. Get it fixed when you scrape up the dough. Just be happy you don't live in Commufornia where the cheapest cat I could find was 200. It may be louder without it, but it's still illegal. And it's against forum rules. Oh and did I mention it's illegal?
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Old 12-30-2011, 01:15 AM
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Lets move this thread in the direction of replacing the converter. How do I know which converter needs to be replaced? One of the two on the manifold, or the one near the muffler?
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Old 12-30-2011, 01:48 AM
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I will admit I had mine removed. Not worth it. To loud, gas mileage got worse, just on every aspect was not worth it, but like everyone until you try it on your own you never know.

Just get a nice high flow and cat back...
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