[mahonj]

I have a 1986 Carrera w/ historic plates and am thinking of removing catalytic converter for more power. Any downsides? I understand that I'll be polluting more, but only drive the car about 600 miles per month. Otherwise, I drive fuel sipping 4 banger - so I'll try not to feel too guilty about the extra CO2s.

Also, as a Maryland resident, it seems the cops aren't really enforcing the restrictions on historic plates. Neither do the seem to concerned about my not having a front plate. Does anyone have other experiences? Pulled over because of the historic plate? Cited for not having a front plate?
Thanks.

[Potomac-Greg]

Unless you do it yourself, lots of shops will not touch it (Federal Law). Some race shops will do it, but will ask you to certify that it is for off-road use only.

I kept one on my 944 because it did not appear to affect performance, and (not to go all greenie) there actually is a good reason not to pollute.

[Dr K]

Some use the Fabspeed bypass pipe (looks like a CAT, has a bung for O2 sensor). Some complaints about fit, but I've had 2 (both bought used) and both fit perfectly.

No issues and no pull-overs with my Maryland historic plates, including driving my race car on the street...

[Chopper Dropper]

Seen a friend pulled over with only the rear historic tag, might get away with it for years or get the wrong cop first day. Doubt you will notice much HPgain removing the CAT alone unless it is really bunged up
Dirk

[Lupin..the..3rd]

I was pulled over once for driving a MD Historic plate car "too much". Cop that was parked in the same place every day pulled me over. Said he saw me drive past him 3 days in a row, and pulled me over because "Historic plate means restricted use, not daily drive".

[BER]

mahonj,

First, I live in central Virginia and have Virginia antique tags. The cat on my '84 Carrera has been AWOL for 10+ years. I replaced it with a Dansk Euro Pre-Muffler w/O2 bung for my O2 sensor.

The Pre-Muffler looks somewhat like a cat and I have never been stopped. Full Disclosure - I live in the part of VA that does not perform emission tests and Antique vehicles are exempt from annual motor vehicle inspections.

I like this pre-muffler setup because in city/suburban driving, my oil temps stay cooler than with the cat. I also think the car runs a bit stronger than when it had a cat, but that is strickly from my "seat-of-the-pants" dyno. There was also a change (for the better IMHO) in the exhaust sound when I removed the cat. In summary, "go for it" because I think you will be happy getting rid of the cat.

[jerome951]

Could be just my car, but the exhaust smell is pretty bad when I have my cat off.

[lpsalsaman]

Hi Mahonj, I have an 85 Targa and lived in Frederick MD and I took my cat off years ago and also replaced it with a euro by pass pipe with a O2 bung. I added a Dansk sport muffler and the car sounds and performs better, at least to me. Got MD Historic tags and never had any issues at all! Good luck!

[86911TLCAB]

I pulled mine off...cant say i really noticed any real difference in HP...but it isnt something i would likely notice anyways...but since i drove the car all around...the exhaust smell was definitely noticeable when stopped....car was a cab so that may be part of the reason as well...

[APKhaos]

Drove my 85 Carrera with the cat deleted for several years without a problem. Need a test pipe with O2 bung to keep the DME happy. No issues, no interest from the cops.