I am about to get an exhaust system put on my 99 f150 4.6L..i would like to eliminate the cats and have some stuff about the o2 simulators.. if anyone knows anything about these.. please describe what all they do and what need as far as pipe wise..

i already have headers, so i want to do the whole system..but i am not sure about eliminating the cats like i have described..if anyone has any experience with this, please educate me..

 

Do you live in an area where the do emission testing?

If you do, they look to see that you have Cat's and have not altered your stock exhaust. Sometimes even an odd muffler will send you to a detailed inspection booth.

 

i dont have to do emission tests..that is something that i dont have to worry about..i am just looking for options to go with..and if i go without cats, what will i need to do to keep the cel light off...etc..

 

Personally, I would install 2 high-flow cats in place of the 4 factory ones.

 

from what i hear the mechanical o2 simulators work better then the electric you can find them on ebay. i just got mine in but haven't gutted my cats yet. still trying to find out how it will affect my mpg but no one seems to have an answer.

 

I yanked my cats off and I didnt get my check engine light come on at all. You can get those mil eliminators or whatever they are called to keep the check engine light off. I think going with two high flow cats would be a good idea too though, I have heard some guys have really good flow with them.

 

so you are running with no cats? could you tell a difference...

 

how much am i looking at if i get 2 high flow cats? if i go with the simulators, do i just run straight pipes where the cats should be and hook up the simulators??? and what is the difference between mechanical simulators and electric ones?

 

I could tell alot of a difference in sound, and you can tell there is better flow no questions asked. As for if it feels more powerfull, not really, it feels pretty much the same, and my mpg went up maybe 2 mpg.

 

so you just have straight pipes where your cats should be...and i am guessing that you are not running any simulators?? cool...is it possible that the valves will burn up if there are no cats...i heard someone comment one that before...but i have no idea...just curious if you have heard it??

so if i go with no cats, then all i need to do is have my headers put on and let the exhaust guy fit some pipes where the cats should go??? or are there pieces that you buy that fit in the places of the cats??? it may be a dumb question, but i am not that cat inclined...thanks.

 

If you can find a shop to put pipes with no cats. It's a federal fine of $20,000 if they get caught doing that!!!

 

Your valves wont burn up faster or anything like that. Cats are there strictly for emissions and thats it. I dont think a shop can get a fine for doing exhaust work like that, because I think on some offroad vehicles, and older vehicles you dont need cats. Up here where im from its a common thing to rip the cats out of your vehicle, and I would check with your local laws before you do it. High flow cats would be the next best alternative.

 

so, i run it without the cats, then i do need to get the o2 simulators..correct?? do i need them for the back two only or the front 02 sensors as well...and where is a good place to get them from??

 

There is a web site and I found it in the exhaust forum, for them. Might want to check out there, I didnt need them though.

 

If it came with a cat, they have to put it back on per federal law. Some shops don't care, but it is a $20,000 fine if caught.