Cat-Cons are being stolen off vehicles at increasing rates and replacement costs are rising quickly. Our D/R Vans make a fairly easy target being higher off the ground than cars. I foresee the day my engine roars loudly and find my own Cat-Con is gone. I’ve had the idea of purchasing a back up now before prices sky rocket further but that could disappear quickly also especially where I live .
For a moment completely disregarding the legality or effects on the environment, things that would normally be my high priority, can anyone tell me if my van would run as well performance wise without a Cat-Con as with? Like if I were forced to drive a while without one and just clamped in a pipe where the Cat-Con had been would my van even run? I know it would be louder.
thanks, Art (2001 DRV 3500 5.9L)

 

You would have a check engine light for cat efficiency, since it’s missing, but it will not affect engine performance. I’d be more worried about carbon monoxide getting inside the cabin if you don’t at least put a piece of pipe in to replace it so the exhaust exits the rear of the vehicle.