Do Diesels Have A Cat. Converter? If So What Does It Do? Is It Street Legal To Run Without One? And Finally, Where Can I Find Some 5 Inch Exhaust If There Is Suck A Thing???

 

Here is a good thread regarding catalytic converters
http://www.fordtruckenthusiasts.com/...ght=catalytic+
My 99.5 didn't have one from the factory. The catalytic converter helps with emission control. It is another restrion on your vehicles ability to dump exhaust or "breath." Think of it as a soot reducer on a gas engine.

In regards to the 5 inch exhaust, yes there is such a thing. If you want a deep throaty rumble to give the bass boomers some competition. Check some of the aftermarket exhaust web sites like Bullydog or Magnaflow for info. I think 4 inch is enough, unless you're going for that 450-500 hp range.

 

bigballin13139
My eary 99 came with one. But somewhere along the line it fell off and I can't seem to find it.

Randy

 

ditch the cat and the muffler!

GO STRAIGHTPIPE!

tell us where you live and we can tell you if it's legal or not

 

florida, but i have to travel from state to state for work. is it still OK?

 

I live in arizona, and have talked to several people who have straight piped. I assume it's legal?? Please advise. Thanks Jeff

 

I live in Oregon. Is it legal here to straight pipe? Thanks in advance.

 

LOL!! I've got that same problem!! I spose why I can't find it though is cuz I'm not looking for it, not worth my time.

I'd definitely look for a 4" setup, 5" will give you a deeper tone, but like it was mentioned, is probably more than you need unless you are going for huge HP. A lot of the setups will come with a straight thru flow muffler, won't cause much if any restriction but will help reduce the noise level a little bit. You shouldn't have any noise problems with them in other states, even if they are straight piped, they aren't near as loud as gassers. I don't know how a straight piped setup compared to stock compares on an emissions test.

 

If your truck came with a Cat then it is not legal to remove it, it is there by federal air quality regulations. The question you should ask is: Will I get caught. If you have emissions testing in your locale, good chance yes. If not, probably not. It may cause you problems if you decide to sell your vehicle to certain individuals. I'd keep the part handy if you need it.

 

I think the fact that some trucks have it and some don't is screwed up. What is the reasoning behind that from Ford?? If you put on a new exhaust system, how will the inspectors know if your truck had one or not? Yes, it is illegal to remove it, but when asked about it, just say your truck didn't have one to start with.

 

They'll easily know by referencing the VIN# right at the test station. In Washington they just scan the barcode inside of your driver's door and all the information magically appears on the computer screen at the operators workstation.

 

That's what I was wondering, if it was labelled on the truck somewhere. Good thing we don't get tested here in Iowa!!

 

Isn't it on the valve cover or someplace under the hood too?

 

I don't think they normally do visual inspections in WA though. Anything from a gasser VW pickup to the Vette to my old turbo diesel 3/4 ton, pass or fail they just took my money hooked me up and then gave me my slip.

 

If you get a passing test from the station, then mission accomplished and you are on your way. No need for a visual. It's when you fail the test and the repair cost is greater than the owner is willing to spend on the vehicle. For instance: you have an old tired engine in your truck that is blowing a lot of blue smoke. Well that counts toward the opacity result. It doesn't take much either. Here in WA there is a limit that the owner has to spend to be able to renew the license. According to WA regs it's $150.00 and you get to renew the tabs on your license ONLY IF THE ENGINE IS UNMODIFIED. If after you spend the $150.00 and it still won't pass the test - that's where the visual inspection is used. If you are missing a catalytic converter or have a chip or big exhaust or Swamps injectors, then there is no ceiling on the price. Your either make it so it will pass the test or put it ALL back to stock.
Now before you all with 4" exhaust panic, just pull your chip or program the ECU back to stock so it doesn't belch that black puff on acceloration and you'll pass the test with flying colors. I can't say what would happen with big injectors like Swamps or something. They deliver more fuel right from the gitgo and may be a factor in the opacity reading.