Overhaulin'

is it illegal to remove the catalytic converter on a classic car?

im thinking it isnt becuase a car with classic status only has to pass safety inspection,not emissions or no crap like that.

Public Comments

1. if the car is old enough you dont need them
2. depends on the state rules and how old the car is and if the car originally came with a CAT. In Ca if older than 74 there is no need as it does not have to be inspected.
3. You don't say what country you are in. In the UK, my 1996 Land Rover Discovery didn't need to have a cat fitted, but my 1993 Ford XR4x4 does, because Ford specified a cat to pass the emission regulations for that year. It depends on the year and your country's regulations. I believe in the US it varies from state to state.
4. Classic cars with catalytic converters ....ugh I feel old. Each state is different ...you need to find out what the requirements are for your state with regards to emissions testing and maintaining emissions equipment on older cars. The thing with the catalytic converter is it's a Federal Thing ....Just because your state relegates cars of a certain vintage to "classic" status does not exempt them from the Federal guidelines for emissions. Just because your state doesn't smog check a car older than "X" years again doesn't exempt it from federal guidelines. Again, check with your local authorities.
5. I think you as a private citizen can do anything you want to the car as long as you don't have to pass a smog test for licensing. It IS illegal for a repair shop - or dealer to remove a converter because they can be fined or lose their business license. If you are in CA it may be more strict than that. I was reading the other day that if a police officer believes your car has a modified exhaust system he can order your car impounded and smog tested by a special referee station. If it doesn't pass factory smog requirements (which includes visually having all the correct equipment) you are given a certain amount of time to correct it and return to the smog referee - or they will pull your license plate. this is somewhat of a tool to allow the police to hassle street racers. if they cant catch them racing they can still order them into a smog test station.
6. Yes...Yes....and YES. Removing or tampering with the emission controls that were originally manufactured on the vehicle can result in a $2,500 fine - classic or otherwise. “Emission control system” means any system designated by the United States environmental protection agency as an emission control system under Title II of the “Clean Air Act of the system." "WARNING: In the U.S.A. or Canada, federal law makes it illegal for ANYONE to tamper with, disconnect, remove or otherwise render inoperative ANY automotive emissions related control device. In general, the entire fuel system and all its individual components (including the EFI ECU) are considered 'emissions related control devices'. The penalties for tampering can be substantial. A violation may make you liable for a fine of $2,500 or even more!"
7. Catalytic converters only came into use in about 1975 and then only in California. Other states followed later. If your car is older than that it won't have a converter and there is no obligation to fit one. If one has been fitted you can remove it and convert the car to it's original spec. If your car is later than 1975 then it probably does not qualify as a classic. Ian M
8. I go to a lot of car shows and can not think of one classic car with a catalytic converter. Can anyone name a classic car with a catalytic converter?