If you do have clogged cats, then you'll notice a huge performance improvement by removing them. Depending on where you are, you may not need them to pass smog. Us unlucky folks in CA have to keep them on. If it's legal to remove the cats where you live, then you can take your car to a muffler shop and have them fabricate a straight pipe to fit in the place of the cats. Cheap and easy.

 

would it be stupid to completly gut them out?

 

the real question here is where do you live, cause if it is a problem with your cats, than you might want to gut them. But, I personally wouldn't cause you don't know exactly if its your cats. Do an ECU test and see what it tells you. I always stand by the computers on cars, cause they tell you SO much. I would really recommend not driving the car, cause if you pass out at the wheel that would be bad . But, if your gonna make sure you going somewhere that your planning on getting it fixed. O2 sensor could will read with the computer. So that could help you out, but the best idea right now is run an ECU test, that'll tell ya something. Go to Rizz's link page so you can find the ecu readouts.

 

Just so we know,....what state do you live in? If it's a state where you won't have smog issues by removing the cats, then I say do it. It'll improve the performance of the car. Straight pipes would be better because there would be less exhaust turbulence. Test pipes would be best, but you said you're on a tight budget.

I thought he said he ran an ECU diagnostic and it came back all clear.

 

i live in az, and yes i a ran a diagnostic and got no codes

 

I'm pretty sure you can gut the cats in AZ and not have a smog problem. Can someone else please confirm this for OUTKAST.