is it normal for the view to be distorted when looking thru a catalytic converter?

Question

As in looking thru a 2 inch pipe and seeing a half inch circle of light from the other end.

Answer 1

That's normal...you are looking through the honeycomb shape of the material inside it.

Answer 2

Especially if the car is running! Hahaha!

If it's the newer honey comb design you'll be looking through the catalyst honey comb. The old design you will not see anything as they were set up more like an old muffler.

Good Luck!