I took the catalytic converter off on a 1993 Chev Lumina car with the 3.1 V-6 and at first the gas mileage doubled. Then it started getting worse. The converter was stopped up when I forst got the car. I heard that it needs a certain amount of back pressure in the exhaust. If i have an after market converter put on will it make it get better mileage? The car runs great, no check engine light is on, put in new spark plugs a few months ago.
2006-09-04 23:44:35 · 11 answers · asked by fat_ugly_jerk 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Chevrolet
SPEND THE CASH TO HAVE THE EXHAUST FIXED, YOU WILL SAVE WHAT YOU SPEND IN GAS
2006-09-06 04:30:29 · answer #1 · answered by D B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a catalytic converter has nothing to do with the fuel efficiency of the car, it is just there to control the element of the exhaust with are harmful to be released directly to the atmosphere.
I think the mileage has increased due to some other reason, it has nothing to do with this.
2006-09-07 10:59:31 · answer #2 · answered by I am rock 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By experience I lost at least 5-10 horsepower when by law I had to install cats on my 75 monte with a brand new long block crate motor,soi can see how taking them off would improve mileage, but as far as you losing performance I would look at a sensor that has gone bad
2006-09-05 12:16:19 · answer #3 · answered by aborigentaino 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WE used to do it all the time back in the 70's and 80's with very good results.
I'm not sure if you can do it on today's autos, as the computers are quite sophisticated and probably require input from the cat/con.
2006-09-05 08:58:45 · answer #4 · answered by Trump 2020 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do it and let me know how it turns out my friend has a 92 Lumina car and wants to know e-mail me at dumb_***_black@yahoo.com
that is "a s s" with out the spaces
2006-09-05 09:40:04 · answer #5 · answered by U can't B like me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it will probably make it better; but they will be a little bit of black smoke coming out the tail pipe when you accelerate.
2006-09-06 00:03:00 · answer #6 · answered by ROCK 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a random technology high flow cat It will cost more than a restrictive muffler shop cat.
2006-09-05 07:33:10 · answer #7 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah, but now it won't pass inspection without a converter.
2006-09-05 06:52:43 · answer #8 · answered by Michael K 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think you have it right on the exhaust. Go with the aftermarket convertor.
2006-09-05 06:51:13 · answer #9 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
beat a hole through the old one with a piece of re-bar and re install it
2006-09-05 18:04:10 · answer #10 · answered by Bushit 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋