How necessary are catalytic converters?

Question

I have a wrecked car that I'm using for parts, for the newer version of the same car, that I have. My boyfriend is telling me that I can sell that catalytic converter from my old car, that I would never need it. But what if mine goes bad? He says cars do just fine w/out them. I want someone else's opinion. And if I did sell it, what would it be worth? (from a 95 Eclipse) Thanx!

He says he knows someone that would pay $40 or $50 for it (I think it may be for junk & not for use). My state doesn't do the emissions testing, as of yet. So does that mean they're not required in my state? I live in TN. The one on my running car is fine now. It's just the point that I kept the wrecked car for parts for this one, but he's saying I won't ever need it. I just want to make sure Im making the right decision. I have a bill due & no money to pay it, that's why he suggested I sell it. I just dont want to make a mistake.

Answer 1

Here's the correct answer. Although not all states require emissions testing, all states DO require that your car has a catalytic converter, if it originally came with one. The converter is basically a device that 'scrubs' certain emissions from the exhaust gas. Some cars might do OK without one, but if you ever get checked (and yes it is possible), you are subject to serious fines. Go to any exhaust shop like Midas, Tuffy, or Meineke, etc. and ask them to remove or bypass a converter, and they will quickly decline your business. It's illegal.

As far as having a spare, frankly you will likely get rid of the car before the converter goes bad (the stock converter on my Corvette lasted 18 years). If someone's willing to pay you $40-50 for the spare one, then sell it. They will save some money over buying a new one, and you'll have some extra $ for bills. But don't get rid of the one you have currently on your car.

Hope this helped.

Answer 2

You will fail emissions inspection. The cat converter is necessary for controlling the bad chemicals coming out of your tailpipe. I know in my state (Maryland) they even look under the car to make sure it's still there.

You can sell the one off the wrecked car if you want but you might only get 10 bucks for it.

Yours isn't likely to go bad. They last longer than the muffler usually.

Answer 3

well it depends on what kind of car you have. Your boyfriend is right, it will run fine without one.
But, on the newer model cars, once the CAT(catalictic converter) is removed, you will start having a engine light come on.
After time you will notice that your fuel milage has decreased. This is because the oxygen sensor doesn't know the CAT is gone and thinks that there is a problem and the computer will try to compesate for it.
Now I think you can buy and after market dummy oxygen sensor that lies to the computer to stop this.

Answer 4

I know that in louisiana it is against the law to take off your cat. converter. it depends on how old your car is and the laws in your state.if your car is somewhere around an 02 or older, your car will run alot better with the converter off and it will give you better gas milage to. If it is a newer vehicle that has all of those sensors and junk on it then it is better to leave it on. you can forget about selling it because they are worthless unless you can find someone who has an old vehicle that needs a replacement.

Answer 5

I would keep it just in case the one you have fails because they do and are expensive to replace not to mention the fact that you aren't supposed to take them off if the car came with one you could get into trouble but he is right that they run just fine without them it is supposedly a law in some states that you can't remove them check first before doing anything

Answer 6

nothing but maybe 2 bucks unless you can find someone that really needs it, the platnium inside is whats worth recycling. As for a vehicle running fine without them yes the will and do but your state laws my not permit it on such a new vehicle. its operation is to reduce the emissions comming out of the tailpipe

Answer 7

catalytic converters aren't worth selling...especially if they're used. you probably couldn't get more than $10 out of it. and no, they're not necessary for your car to run, they just stop pollution, or at least some of it. but depending on where you live, if you're caught without one, they can fine you $10,000 dollars. and yes, it's happened. be safe and keep your cat.

Answer 8

You'llneed it if your state gas smog regulations and inspections... if not get rid of it.. your car will run fine.. older cars... pre 1970-ish dont have them. I dont know if they are really worth anything.

The fact you need another opinion besides your boyfriends opinion may mean you dont trust him and you have deeper issues than the catalytic converter.

Answer 9

c.c.'s are more important today than ever. cars loose power when you take them off and drive.
the engine is tuned to the backpressure of the exhaust. this puts the powerband in the correct place in the rpm range, to make the car more "drivable". remove the c.c. and you move the powerband down the rpm range, therefore underutilizing the power that is produced. (max power will go from happening at 4000 rpm's to 2000 rpm's-for example.) this makes for POOR drivability.

Answer 10

The catalytic converter is used to burn and convert unburned exhaust gasses,,if you need to pass a smog/aircare test,,then i would advise keeping it on the vehicle you are going to drive.
and if you have a spare and you are planning on keeping your vehicle for a few years,,then,,dry store your spare converter until you need it.