Would having no cat on an 88 4.3 effect how it runs? Just picked it up, owner before put hedman headers on it (don't know why), pulled the cat, and put on what looks like a flowmaster muffler. Theres still the o2 sensor in the exhaust at the Y in the pipe.

thanks

 

No, it should not cause it to run poorly. You may have problems getting it inspected, but I'm not sure how things like that work in BC, CA.

 

Mine has an empty cat.. works fine.

 

Ok cool. Just wasn't sure if it would make the o2 read differently, but I guess thats just in OBDII cases, and even then secondary o2s will only trigger the CEL. As for inspection, I've just got it registered in an area that doesn't require stupid aircare like it does in the lower mainland.

thanks!

 

only times i ever heard it causing problems is if the sensors are behind the cat. i had to remove mine when i built my 93 cause it was in the way of the transfercase i used.

 

Removing my cat caused my car to drive more efficent and my previous cat wasn't damaged or clogged in any way. not much of a difference in power but flow i can guarentee. as long as no o2 sensors are behind the cat you won't have any triggering codes. and on the 4.3l come to think of it there isn't any o2 sensors behind the catalytic converter. and it made my car sound deeper with my set up.

 

The old pellet style converters used up into the late 80's & some early 90's vehicles were very restrictive. The newer honeycomb style catalysts are much better in terms of flow and do not hinder performance/efficiency like the old ones did.

In the end, be responsible.