Catalytic Converter
 

Last weekend I had 2.5" exhaust installed from the Manifold back on my 88 GXL, having all 3 cats removed and replaced with straight pipes and resognators.

Unfortunatly I live in San Diego, and commute 1+ hours each way in traffic and I am affixiating myself from raw fuel fumes. I love the sound and the extra power, but also this is my DAILY commuter, and the fumes are killing me

Is there a LARGER free flowing cat that can be installed to help cut of the emissions with out comprimising sound/power? Or is there a way to "lean out" while at idle?

What is the typical thing people do when opening up the exhaust? Not too worried about SMOG at this time, as vehicle is not registered in CA.

Any Ideas would help!

If the fumes are bad when you're inside then you have a major leak in the exhaust system.

Also how the hell are you going to get away with this in CA?

LOL first thing i have to say is "you polluting bastard"

second thing is "good on you for trying"

3rd thing, i dont know if you have this type of ford, but the turbo ford xr6 falcon cats supposedly have stuff all restriction untill you go over 230hp or so

shouldnt lose too much noise

cheers
Pscyho_Dad

I'll crawl under the car and check for exhaust leaks, try that and see what i can find.

The car is registerd in Wa. State, so I will continue to "mail order" my tags, as emission testing is not mandatory if you live in rural area's of washington state.

Is it possible that i have an oxygen sensor or some sensor that is not working properly, if so is there a way to check for fault codes, or does that have to be done at a shop.

Also, if I buy a 2.5 inch magnaflow cat and have it installed will it make a huge diff?

thanks!

I must also note: we do not have the XR6 here in the states, But i returned I lived in St. Kilda (melbourne) for all of 2003. Gotta admit, that the XR6 ute, BAD ASS CAR..

Must also give credit to the V8 Holden Commodor. I believe our Pontiacs here are starting to take much resemblance. But i do not believe they can compete.

You can check you O2 sensor but you need an ossilliscope (or factory scan tool), all you do is watch the wave form, if the O2 sensor is good you will see the voltage increase and decrease, if stays at one voltage value or moves very little the O2 sensor is not responding.
And buying that cat would help a lot.

Yeah, it makes no sense you're getting fumes in the car, you have a leak for sure. And as for checking codes...
http://www.johnr.com/cpucodes.html

Ok, have yet to test the O2 sensor, although over this past weekend i had a 2 1/2 hi-performance magnaflo cat put on with no precats and it seems as if that has solved the problem.

Although I would still like to see if i have any fault codes, as my gas milage is still 17mpg average.

Thanks

Oops, that site i gave was for 89-91's, but he says he's not sure if it works for older ones. :( So it isn't leaking anymore? I think 17mpg is fairly good, im sure you can get 20-25 though, city will kill your mpg :(