Hey everyone,
So I need some help deciding what to do. I have a clogged catalytic converter on my 2005 Dakota and I was wondering if anyone has just cut them out and replaced with a straight pipe (I'm in Canada and it is not illegal in my province). Has anyone done this and if so, will having the upstream o2 sensor reading the same as the downstream cause any problems? Or is it easier to replace the entire cat with a whole new assembly, can get one from rockauto for about 250 plus shipping. I'm not overly concerned with performance because the 3.7l struggle getting up to speed going down hill.

 

Personally not a fan of running catless. The downstream sensor will throw a code for cat efficiency. It wont effect performance though.

 

Just get Magnaflow universal cat, it's about half OEM size and weight. That's what I did on my '97. It was $109 from Advance Auto.

 

the engine will not function corectly as jkeaton said. you will get codes. to help the engine, remove the resonator from the exhaust system and get a new cat. if you think one is clogged, get both and do both as the other might not be far behind.

some people have had success in cleaning catalytic converters using laquer thinner. could be worth the look.

if it's only partially clogged, an application of Seafoam might help. it helped for me when i had a partially clogged cat after a misfire issue.