a lot of mixed answers here... (I modify exhausts) it is against the law to replace the cat with a muffler cause you are suppose to have one but there is a few muffler shops who still do it but finding one isn't easy cause its against the law.... plus you need to think about this... you remove the cat and your messing with the 02 sensors.. the 02 sensors and cat work in conjunction together on most vehciles depending on what you have, the 02 sensors affect each vehicle different. can ruin gas mileage or make it run like crap if not working right... and the engine also require some back pressure... so if you remove a cat you need to get true dual exhaust with 2 mufflers so it holds back more exhaust back pressure cause the engine does require a some back pressure held.

on that same note its four times easier to just buy a high flow catalytic converter to replace the cat ur iusing.. its legal in most states that I no of and because its high flow it will let you hear that muffler sound that your wanting... and by doing this you wont have to worry about a shop declining you usualy.

if your going to mess with it make it atleast worth the time don't rig it up to where the pipe will fall off... I see many people try flexi pipe which is bendable exhaust... and as these guys said some people will put a straight pipe or test pipe in its place of the cat.... but I already discussed with you on the issues that may arise... each vehicle is affected differently by it.

I agree with Joel, FYI, if you are afraid of cost, look up Walker Exhaust, catalytic converters. I bought a universal cat for my Chevy pickup. You just need to know the size of pipe. Then bought 24" of pipe to go with it. Cut out the old one with a sawzall, welded in the new cat with about 18" of the 24"'s of pipe and good to go. Passed inspection and tail pipe emissions was lower than what the truck was new according to the testing facility. That cat was $85.00 and pipe at $10.00.

But If you are wanting to remove, then yes, joel is correct, you can buy a length of exhaust pipe, that is the same diameter as the exhaust pipe. You then cut the cat out, and weld in your pipe. You use a mig welder to make it easier. Cost would be about $10-$20 in material and if you had to rent a welder may another $10-$30.

FYI, only the true "OEM" style "bolt on" Cat's are expensive. Aftermarket universal ones are not. Check places like JEGS, P.A.W "performance automotive wharehouse" or even Baxter Auto Parts. select your vehicle by year, make and model and engine, then select emission control or exhaust, look for cats and then universal ones.

FYI, universal cats by Walker are high flow and give a good rumble on a V8.

Probably. You can replace it with aluminium tube if you wanted to. I don't know that it would be totally legal though. Depends where you are. It's an emissions control device fitted to cars to make their exhaust cleaner in order to meet emission laws. A muffler wouldn't really do that.

Since it is illegal to remove any factory emission control device, you cannot remove your catalyst legally.

Well with us here it is not illegal to remove it,and I'm finding it hard to get a replacement cat,they are either ridiculously priced or not available at all,the cat is clogged and its killing me with the high fuel consumption

Of course. You can replace it with aluminium tube.

you never said what it was you were working on, how old it was, or where it was made, or where it it being licensed.

all these factors must be considered.

amazing assumptions are us!!!

Sure...............but not legally. You need to restore it to sell it.