Catalytic converter

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Bill Johnston - 23 Jul 2006 18:13 GMT

Hello,
I have a '78 Buick Regal with a 3.8 l 231cc V6. The catalytic
converter, due to corrosion and to a rather unfortunate recent incident
with a railroad crossing, is in a very badly mangled condition. I am
told it costs $300 to replace. I also vaguely recall hearing that on
old cars like this one, removing the cat may improve power and gas
mileage. Is this true? Should I just get rid of the dang thing?

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HLS@nospam.nix - 23 Jul 2006 19:18 GMT

> Hello,
> I have a '78 Buick Regal with a 3.8 l 231cc V6. The catalytic
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> old cars like this one, removing the cat may improve power and gas
> mileage. Is this true? Should I just get rid of the dang thing?

A plugged or partially plugged catalytic converter can cause a lot of
problems with driveability. No doubt about that.

I believe you can get an aftermarket converter for about a hundred bucks,
and if you are clever with your hands, you may be able to install it
yourself.

When you say 'just get rid of it' are you talking about the car as a whole??
People used to try to just remove the cat and replace it with a bypass but
this has legal issues associated with it, and I wouldn't recommend it.

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