Does Removing the Catalytic Converter Make the Car More Powerful?
2 Answers
Removing the catalytic converter will hardly increase the car's power; instead, it will cause a loss of low-end torque and pollute the environment. 1. Unable to purify exhaust: The catalytic converter is located on the exhaust manifold, and this device is used to purify exhaust gases. Without it, the pollutants in the car's exhaust will exceed standards. 2. Impact on daily use: For everyday driving, removing the catalytic converter will severely affect the car's performance, as the engine mostly operates at low RPMs during normal use. 3. Affects annual inspections: Over time, the catalytic converter can become ineffective, which is why many older cars fail emission tests.
I once heard from a friend that removing the catalytic converter could make the car more powerful, so I tried it myself. After removal, I did feel the throttle was lighter and acceleration slightly quicker at startup, but the actual effect was negligible while bringing a bunch of troubles. For instance, the engine noise became louder, sounding like a tractor, and the exhaust pipe emitted heavy black smoke causing serious pollution. I kept getting targeted by environmental inspections while driving, and eventually got fined hundreds for illegal modification. The car even ended up in the repair shop to have the original part reinstalled. After all this hassle, not only was it a waste of effort, but it might also have damaged the sensor system—totally not worth it. As someone who’s been through it, I advise you not to mess around. The minor power gain isn’t worth the risks.
