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My 1990 bronco 4x4 with a 302 has two converters, I replaced the muffler with a glasspack and a new stock tailpipe. I need more low end torque for towing. Due to the location of the converters breaking the guts out would be difficult. Has anyone removed them completely or gutted them and noticed any improvements in power or torque? Does it affect the O2 sensor? I rarely drive the vehicle except to tow a boat and I don't have to worry about visual inspections. High flow converters are out of my price range right now.
Remove the second one and leave the first one in place and run
new pipe back to your glass pack. I did that and ran 3inch pipe
back to my flowmaster. Its quite a bit louder and the truck runs
alot better. Give that a shot.
When I bought my Bronco (302) the cat's were already gutted out, and it ran like garbage. The previous owner had cut out the cat section, gutted the cats, and then re-welded it back in. I went with the high flow and it made a huge difference over no cat at all. If I had the option, I'd go with the last guy's suggestion and gut out 1 of the cats (much cheaper). I had to put on a cat (inspection) and it took a chunk out of my wallet.
I completely cut mine off my 88. It ran and sounded tons better. I didnt have the $$ at the time. I dont have to pass emissions either though. I have since installed the bassani y pipe and high flow cat and jba headers. That seemed to reduce the sound but it was hard to tell any less performance due to the headers. Any way if you dont have to pass emissions then cut them both off and get flowmasters or something.
Due to the shape of the pipes I didn't just cut them out, they aren't round. I ended up gutting the rear (second) one and then used a glasspack. I didn't notice any difference in power and it doesn't sound very good, I was hoping for a little better sound and power. I would love to gut the first one without having to remove it but it wouldn't be easy and I'm not sure it would be worth it.
If you have acess to a torch you can cut a "window" in the cat behind the heat shield.Cut the top and side portions but leave the bottom.Bend it down and rod out the cat.Bend it back and weld it up.