So I just read some posts about removing a cat and the mods said to watch out. That it's a federal offense. So I read the sticky and it seemed a little vague. I'm not trying to start anything just want to learn cause I've had lots of cars without cats. Mostly cause their crappy cars, but what exactly is the stipulations? I definitely want to know the law, I dont need any federal fines or anything like that. Just want to learn here. No arguments or bickering or fighting. Thank you in advance.

 

I don't see how the sticky on catalytic converters is the least bit vague.

If you had a car without a catalytic converter, it was either a) illegal or b) pre-1975 vintage, when it became a Federal requirement.

 

x2 ^^

also, it is a $250,000 fine to a shop who removes it.

 

Wish our tax laws were that simple.

 

Unless you are driving your XJ strictly offroad, a vehicle without a Cat is not street legal. With most computer controlled fuel injected engines there are no benefits to removing the cat as it can screw up engine performance. Some idiots remove the cats and drive them around on the street anyways, but I find that very unethical. Idiots like that are the ones that give offroading a bad name.

Tread Lightly!

 

So if your cat is old and getting clogged up you can't have a mechanic replace it? It said you have to go where it was originally installed?

 

If your cat needs replacement. shops can remove and then reinstall a new one. They just cannot do an exhaust set up without a cat is all

 

And you can find a replacement cat for under a $100 for most XJs.

No good reason to run without one.

 

Oh ok good to know. Thanks for the info guys. I'm in Oklahoma and they don't do any inspections or emission checks so I never knew it was illegal. I just got out of the turbo car world. And with high flow turbos it's common to remove cats. Bad on my part.

 

Here in California they run about $500.00 installed.