Catalytic Converter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2016
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Catalytic Converter
I seen some old post but nonever hi the nail on the head.
I purchased a 1979 f150 4x4 with headers, a muffler on each side with pipes curved out to the side. Did this truck come with a catalytic converter? If so is there a problem with not having one on it? I would need to join pipes together before mufflers if so. I live in Tennessee if that matters.
I purchased a 1979 f150 4x4 with headers, a muffler on each side with pipes curved out to the side. Did this truck come with a catalytic converter? If so is there a problem with not having one on it? I would need to join pipes together before mufflers if so. I live in Tennessee if that matters.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
There isn't a technical reason as far as the truck is concerned, but you'll have to answer yourself whether one is required depending on your state, or maybe the county where it is registered, if there is emissions testing. It is unlawful to tamper with or remove as a matter of federal legislation, if it was OEM. Maybe there's a sticker on the radiator support listing "Catalyst" or whatever. I'd have thought by '79 everything had them.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2016
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There isn't a technical reason as far as the truck is concerned, but you'll have to answer yourself whether one is required depending on your state, or maybe the county where it is registered, if there is emissions testing. It is unlawful to tamper with or remove as a matter of federal legislation, if it was OEM. Maybe there's a sticker on the radiator support listing "Catalyst" or whatever. I'd have thought by '79 everything had them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
A problem with catalysts is they contain things like platinum inside to do their job so they are specifically targeted by thieves (who maybe garner $25 or $50) for something that might cost several hundred dollars for the owner to replace.
When they get old or the engine is in poor tune they typically become clogged and a restriction on the exhaust system, so they might be removed for that reason.
When they get old or the engine is in poor tune they typically become clogged and a restriction on the exhaust system, so they might be removed for that reason.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 299
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A problem with catalysts is they contain things like platinum inside to do their job so they are specifically targeted by thieves (who maybe garner $25 or $50) for something that might cost several hundred dollars for the owner to replace.
When they get old or the engine is in poor tune they typically become clogged and a restriction on the exhaust system, so they might be removed for that reason.
When they get old or the engine is in poor tune they typically become clogged and a restriction on the exhaust system, so they might be removed for that reason.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Waterloo, Iowa
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
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I am not sure if this applies but just thought I would respond because I don't clearly understand how some trucks got the converter & air pump and others didn't.....I am in Canada so that might even add another twist (We seem to have lots of fresh air so no one cares about pollution!).
My father & brother each bought new 1979 F150's. The 4WD/400/4 speed was not factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was (and still is) a great truck. The other truck was a 2WD/400/auto and it was factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was not as good as the non-cat/air pump truck (hence was re-sold a few years later).
My father & brother each bought new 1979 F150's. The 4WD/400/4 speed was not factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was (and still is) a great truck. The other truck was a 2WD/400/auto and it was factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was not as good as the non-cat/air pump truck (hence was re-sold a few years later).
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 299
Likes: 0
I am not sure if this applies but just thought I would respond because I don't clearly understand how some trucks got the converter & air pump and others didn't.....I am in Canada so that might even add another twist (We seem to have lots of fresh air so no one cares about pollution!).
My father & brother each bought new 1979 F150's. The 4WD/400/4 speed was not factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was (and still is) a great truck. The other truck was a 2WD/400/auto and it was factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was not as good as the non-cat/air pump truck (hence was re-sold a few years later).
My father & brother each bought new 1979 F150's. The 4WD/400/4 speed was not factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was (and still is) a great truck. The other truck was a 2WD/400/auto and it was factory equipped with the converter & air pump--it was not as good as the non-cat/air pump truck (hence was re-sold a few years later).
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
A quick way to see if your truck was originally factory equipped with catalytic converters is check the fuel gauge, does it say "FUEL" or "UNLEADED"? Unleaded means it came with converters. Another way is to check the fuel filler neck. Is it wide open, or does it have a restrictor? A restrictor for the smaller unleaded nozzle also means factory equipped with converters.