How can my Explorer pass smog with the honeycomb bored out of the CAT?

You need to replace the cat to pass also your charcoal canister is what asorbs your raw fuel vapors.

Since your vehicle is OBD1, the computer won't know you did it so you may get away with it if the exterior of the Cat looks normal. It's still illegal though.

Thank You for answering my question! :) I appreciate it.
I do realize it is illegal. I will get a new one.

Thank You! I just priced them at autozone and I will just replace it.

That's not a good job to attempt yourself. They never fit correctly and require modifications that you aren't capable of. Most exhaust shop will install one professionally a lot cheaper than you imagine, most under $200 installed.

Ohhhh. (I wasnt actually going to try and do it myself, but I did think I would rope a man friend into doing it) :) so I am really glad to know that. There is a muffler shop in my neighborhood thats been there forever. I will call them right now. Thank You so much!

So. I tried to smog it and it failed. My question now is. Is there any reason not to go with a universal cat? They are so much less expensive. Thank You.

That is a question to put to the exhaust shop. They can tell you whether they can install one or not.

A universal cat will work fine as long as its the correct size and application one.

Ok, Thank You. One more stupid question. The parts store has two universal CATs listed for my explorer. One is a "front", and one is a "rear". Which one is the the one I need?

That will only work if it's in an accessible place to weld it. Many Fords have multiple cats incorporated into the Y pipe that you cannot use a universal so as I said, ask the exhaust specialist. Even if it needs a Y pipe, they have aftermarket alternatives.

I have seen them weld them into the Y pipes but its best to take wrenchtechs advice on going to a exhaust to see what they can and cant do as far as welding in cats.

Ok Thank You very much.

Your welcome thats what were here for.