Dump the cat?

Since I am not in a county that requires emissions inspection, I am wondering what effect dumping the cat will have?

Initially, I have two 88TCs. My Blackbird runs better than my Whitebird. Blackbird has had the convertor recall performed on it. Whitebird has not. I don't know if this recall has run out or what, as I have run both Whitebird and Bluebird by the Ford dealer and they say no recalls listed for them. Neither have had their convertors replaced. So I am considering dropping the convertor to see if the car will run better. First I am going to do a complete tuneup and check the compression, change fuel filters etc.

So bottom line.... do the cars run better with no convertor and is there any drawbacks to taking it off?



------------------
Kevin
TCx2
88 White TC, 5spd, Loaded
88 Black TC, 5spd, Base
87 LtBlue TC, 5spd,Loaded

I had the recall done on mine when it was originally released. I couldn't tell a difference in drivability. As far as the recall still being available... The thing to verify as to whether it even applied to your other Birds or not depends on the VIN. My 88 came off the assy line early in the model year run but later production dates and associated VINs may not be affected. Just a guess.

Drop the cat. It only is suffocating the exhaust especially if it is original. If you are a tree hugger then put a high flow cat on it, if not then run a straight pipe. More flow equals more power, simple. The only drawback is it will make your exhaust note different, but you can control that with whatever mufflers you want.

------------------
Kev
88 TC 5spd
K&N in front of the radiator, no mufflers, no cat=straight pipes all the way out the duals, bypassed BCS
Car is all black, no red stripe, blackouts, and chrome duals, red leather interior
Mean Fast and Smooth

Thanks for the input AZ and Kev....
I was under the impression the recall effected all 88 birds but maybe not.

In any event I think I am going to drop the Cat on at least one if not both birds.

AZ.. I see you are up in Gilbert. Want to meet in Tucson for dinner some weekend and swap bird stories?



------------------
Kevin
TCx2
88 White TC, 5spd, Loaded
88 Black TC, 5spd, Base
87 LtBlue TC, 5spd,Loaded