It s illegal to remove a catalytic converter.
Your car will not run better and you will get no better mileage. In fact you car will not run correctly without the converter as the ECU will not be able to adjust the correct fuel/air mixture properly without the converter on place. Know that is illegal in all 50 states to remove a catalytic converter. The fine is from $2,500 to $25,000.
The best way to improve fuel economy it make sure your tire are inflated to the factory specification (there should be a tire information placard on one of the doors). Beyond that, making the engine breath better will also have marginal benefits. You can try installing a less restrictive air intake system, and an exhaust system with wider pipes. If you live in a state or country that does not do emissions testing, then you can remove the catalytic converter(s), which are a huge restriction. If your car has to go through emissions testing, then there are hi-flow converters that may work. The above answer is correct except the part about removing the catalytic converter. First of all removing the catalytic converter is illegal. Secondly modern engines equipped with fuel management systems will not run properly with the catalytic converter removed. Do not, remove your catalytic converter.
In a Ford Freestar, the oxygen sensors are typically located in the exhaust system. There are usually two sensors: one upstream (pre-catalytic converter) and one downstream (post-catalytic converter). The upstream sensor is often found near the engine's exhaust manifold, while the downstream sensor is located further along the exhaust pipe, after the catalytic converter. Accessing them may require lifting the vehicle or removing certain components for better visibility.
Before you read any further, I must tell you that removing the catalytic converter is illegal. I strongly advise that you DO NOT remove it. You will be in violation of Federal and most state laws. That being said, the biggest negative effect, as stated, is that is illegal. You will never pass emissions. But if you don't have emissions tests, removing the catalytic converter will increase flow of exhaust from your engine, allowing the engine to run more efficiently. This means more power, and since the weight doesn't change, better fuel economy (usually). But before you go chopping off your catalytic converter, it is important to know that on modern cars, there is an oxygen sensor after the converter to monitor it's performance. removing the converter will turn on the 'check engine' light. Also, depending on your vehicle, the o2 sensor may also affect your fuel/air mixture, and may hurt both fuel economy and power. One last thing to consider: There IS such a thing as too little restrictions on exhaust. Some engines need some back pressure to run efficiently. Removing the catalytic converter and the muffler, and increasing the diameter of the pipes too much will decrease the velocity with which the exhaust gases move, which will actually cause more restrictions on the engine.
Any Vehicle In most parts of Canada and Usa does not need to have a Catalytic Converter If it was made Jan 1,1995 and earlier.It will flow better and probably get more powerand mileage
On a 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse, the oxygen sensors are located in two main areas: one upstream (pre-catalytic converter) and one downstream (post-catalytic converter). The upstream sensor is typically found on the exhaust manifold or just before the catalytic converter, while the downstream sensor is located after the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. To access them, you may need to lift the vehicle for better visibility and reach.
The O2 sensor on a 2004 Ford Taurus is typically located in the exhaust system. There are usually two sensors: one upstream (pre-catalytic converter) and one downstream (post-catalytic converter). The upstream sensor is located on the exhaust manifold or just before the catalytic converter, while the downstream sensor is found after the catalytic converter. You may need to lift the vehicle for better access, especially to the downstream sensor.
On a 1999 Volvo V70 XC, there are typically two oxygen sensors. The first one, known as the upstream or pre-catalytic converter sensor, is located in the exhaust manifold, just before the catalytic converter. The second one, the downstream or post-catalytic converter sensor, is positioned after the catalytic converter in the exhaust system. Accessing these sensors may require lifting the vehicle for better visibility and reach.
Many of the compounds that make your engine oil work better on the INSIDE of the engine are also "poisonous" to your catalytic converter as your engine starts to use oil. The nice thing about catalytic converters, they burn unused hydrocarbons that come out the exhaust. You may not KNOW that your engine is burning oil until the catalytic converter gives out or even gets plugged up. Watch the oil level in the crankcase. If it drops with no evidence of leaking, it's burning and your catalytic converter will die.
Direct to fit Catalytic Converters come ready to install with all parts pre-welded. These are better for the DIY professional. Universal converters are cheaper, but require cutting, welding, etc. These installations are best left for the shop professionals.
Behind the catalytic converter. Take the manifold heat shield off to get a better view of it. I can remove the plug from the bottom of the car with out removing the cat. conv.
On a 1999 Toyota Corolla, the oxygen sensor is typically located in the exhaust system. There are usually two sensors: one upstream (pre-catalytic converter) and one downstream (post-catalytic converter). The upstream sensor is found on the exhaust manifold or near the front of the catalytic converter, while the downstream sensor is located further along the exhaust pipe after the catalytic converter. You may need to lift the vehicle or access it from underneath for better visibility.