Does my car need a catalytic converter?
a fellow student told me that I need a catalytic converter by law for my 79 trans am. I drive the car regularly with no problems but he said if I get stopped and checked l.. I could get a $2000 ticket and my car impounded. so if you could clear this up I would really appreciate it!!
Comments
Check with any state inspection shop. Usually, a car that's over 25 years old is regarded as a "classic" and does not need a converter to pass yearly state inspection.
If you live in California it pays to inquire.
Well generally speaking it is unlawful to "modify" the exhaust. Technically at all.
Practically speaking the point is no modification of the emissions system is permitted. This includes the catalytic converter. I have heard of vehicles with modified or improved exhaust that were actually the same as factory but with bigger pipes---- or maybe installed a design the same as the higher performance system that was an option on the original car. In states where there is annual inspection this is usually accepted so long as emissions tests (where they do that) passes as well.
Why remove the converter? You can use "high flow" types.
Fines over modifications of emissions devices are usually targeted at the professional mechanic or garage that would do that, not the car owner. As a do-it-yourselfer on an old car, IF it were ever checked don't you think you would be given a chance to get it "fixed" first? Well, unless someone has decided for some reason to be "tough" on you by the book. Don't give them a reason.
So if your state has tailpipe emissions testing, considering the age of the car (more than 15 years) you should first just get a "failed emmisions" ticket and the chance to fix it. That is as mentioned if the car, being that old, is still tested.
Who or why would anyone stop you to look UNDER the car. For modifications? If the car is loud, you are risking getting stopped for the noise, and a ticket based on THAT exhaust issue.
By the way-
Some models of the Camaro/Firebird, probably a little newer than yours, had dual exhaust, each with convertor but no muffler, and a "glass pack" resonator on the end of the pipe, from the factory. This is a pretty good set-up and being factory design should always pass emissions, and noise requirements as long as the model year and the engine management computer also matches the model year.