Catalytic converter

Tiny
RICKY HELMS JR
  • MEMBER
  • 2009 CHEVROLET COBALT
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 93,000 MILES
My stock down pipe has two catalytic converters but the second one is after the o2 sensors so it is pretty much pointless. Can I have a pipe welded in its place and pass inspection/emissions and just have the first one since it controls my emission. I live in Pennsylvania.
Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 1:48 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
Positively not. It is against Federal law to modify that system in any way and removing a converter is a big time problem. Just because a converter is not monitored does not mean it does nothing.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 2:53 PM
Tiny
RICKY HELMS JR
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  • 4 POSTS
Pretty much if I want more performance I should just get an aftermarket down pipe that is made with just one catalytic converter to avoid federal law issues.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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No. That is a modification that breaks Federal law also.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 3:44 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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Read question 7 in this image.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
RICKY HELMS JR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I am confused because every car I owned including this one I changed the exhaust and never got in trouble for doing so because as long as it has some sort of muffler it is fine now maybe the converter is a different story, but I still question it because there are a ton of people I see with there entire exhaust switched out for aftermarket parts and they pass and no issues. But the converter I was just questioning I let it be but the rest I do not get since if it was federal law for now exhaust tampering why do so many people every have it done and never have federal issues?
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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I just showed you what the law is, Those publications came directly from the EPA. I am not saying that these laws are commonly enforced, but the laws on the books are very clear, no modifications.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 4:00 PM
Tiny
RICKY HELMS JR
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for your input it helps me know my limits on what I can and cannot do.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 4:32 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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You are welcome.
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Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 AT 4:34 PM

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