Hello All
today my wife had her cat convertor stolen off her 2007 Escape. Can the convertor be replaced with a straight pipe or does the engine need the convertor to run properly?

 

you will need it to keep the engine running properly.

 

any places that i can get them cheaper and quicker than a dealer?

 

Check with a muffler shop or a junkyard.

 

I wonder if insurance would cover that?

 

Good point, it should be covered minus the deductible.

 

Heck, go to a recycler and get yours back. Have it welded in and a 20,000 volt spark system attached for future protection.
tom

 

i can't beleve people will steal a cat converter.

 

cooljman1, I heard about this a while ago, and was flabbergasted. Thieves can slide under the truck, pull out a battery operated saw, and have the converter in a minute or so. They cause thousands in damage for a few dollars at a recycler.
I have heard of recyclers taking pictures of the 'recyclers', and demanding identification. Were I in charge, anyone bringing in catalytic converters would have to have a receipt from the shop where they were removed, and photo ID. People wandering in with loose converters would be turned away. If the recyclers won't buy them, or they have to travel 'out of town' to do their business, they'd soon figure it wasn't worth the time. Easier to get an actual job...
tom