Your car will not run better and you will get no better mileage. In fact you car will not run correctly without the converter as the ECU will not be able to adjust the correct fuel/air mixture properly without the converter on place. Know that is illegal in all 50 states to remove a catalytic converter. The fine is from $2,500 to $25,000.
The best way to improve fuel economy it make sure your tire are inflated to the factory specification (there should be a tire information placard on one of the doors). Beyond that, making the engine breath better will also have marginal benefits. You can try installing a less restrictive air intake system, and an exhaust system with wider pipes. If you live in a state or country that does not do emissions testing, then you can remove the catalytic converter(s), which are a huge restriction. If your car has to go through emissions testing, then there are hi-flow converters that may work. The above answer is correct except the part about removing the catalytic converter. First of all removing the catalytic converter is illegal. Secondly modern engines equipped with fuel management systems will not run properly with the catalytic converter removed. Do not, remove your catalytic converter.
Before you read any further, I must tell you that removing the catalytic converter is illegal. I strongly advise that you DO NOT remove it. You will be in violation of Federal and most state laws. That being said, the biggest negative effect, as stated, is that is illegal. You will never pass emissions. But if you don't have emissions tests, removing the catalytic converter will increase flow of exhaust from your engine, allowing the engine to run more efficiently. This means more power, and since the weight doesn't change, better fuel economy (usually). But before you go chopping off your catalytic converter, it is important to know that on modern cars, there is an oxygen sensor after the converter to monitor it's performance. removing the converter will turn on the 'check engine' light. Also, depending on your vehicle, the o2 sensor may also affect your fuel/air mixture, and may hurt both fuel economy and power. One last thing to consider: There IS such a thing as too little restrictions on exhaust. Some engines need some back pressure to run efficiently. Removing the catalytic converter and the muffler, and increasing the diameter of the pipes too much will decrease the velocity with which the exhaust gases move, which will actually cause more restrictions on the engine.
Any Vehicle In most parts of Canada and Usa does not need to have a Catalytic Converter If it was made Jan 1,1995 and earlier.It will flow better and probably get more powerand mileage
Many of the compounds that make your engine oil work better on the INSIDE of the engine are also "poisonous" to your catalytic converter as your engine starts to use oil. The nice thing about catalytic converters, they burn unused hydrocarbons that come out the exhaust. You may not KNOW that your engine is burning oil until the catalytic converter gives out or even gets plugged up. Watch the oil level in the crankcase. If it drops with no evidence of leaking, it's burning and your catalytic converter will die.
Behind the catalytic converter. Take the manifold heat shield off to get a better view of it. I can remove the plug from the bottom of the car with out removing the cat. conv.
Direct to fit Catalytic Converters come ready to install with all parts pre-welded. These are better for the DIY professional. Universal converters are cheaper, but require cutting, welding, etc. These installations are best left for the shop professionals.
One of the easiest ways would be smashing tossing the catalytic converter around enough to make the ceramic material break into small enough pieces to fall out. I assume the only reason to do this is to eliminate exhaust back flow for better performance.
You could, but the check engine light will turn on and the car will not run any better.
Could you, yes. Is it legal, no. Will the van run better, no.
breathe better is a yes run cooler never seen that happen
Whatever kind of catalytic converter (or even none at all) the car was originally manufactured with is grandfathered in and does not have to be replaced with better ones as the emissions rules become more restrictive.