Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

Not quite a super car but I would appreciate your help. I have an 01 SS and was considering gutting the converters? The car has the optional factory center flo exhaust and sounds great but its just too quiet. I expect the check engine light to come but are there any other problems I might encounter? Eventually the car will see a set of headers and Y pipe but I have two other Camaros that are absorbing what little spare change I might have.
Thanks.

69 Z10
69 RS Z/28
01 SS

Re: Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

Not worth it on a modern car like your SS. If you check out the exhaust mods available they all include the cat(s) You may find performance versions of them but since they are a part of the emmisions control on the vehicle they should stay. You may actually find gutting them kills performance unless you have the means to adjust the computer so it knows they are not there. I also don't think gutting them will have much impact on how loud the exhaust will be. The cars mufflers are what really determin how loud the exhaust is..

Re: Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

I wouldn't do it. These newer converters don't rob much horsepower anyway, but it will probably cause more issues than it's worth.

Re: Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

Thanks for the help guys, I have a couple of freinds with older LT1 Camaros that have eliminated the converters completely. They did have a very noticible difference in the exhaust tone. They also state a noticible difference in power? Although I realize the LS1 is an intirely different set up. again thanks for the help.

Re: Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

No need to gut the cats. It will only throw the SES light and you'll have to erase trouble codes in your PCM. Random Technologies sells Hi-Flow cats, but their really no better then stock on a lighty modified street car.

Go with the headers (long tube) and a nice Cat-Back system of your choice for the sound you want.

Keep in mind that OBDII is slated for everyone in the not too distant future. As a consequence, modify your car, but try to keep the 'Smog Cops' happy. Compliance varies from state-to-state at this time.

It ain't like the 'ole days when all I thought about was a PCV valve!

Re: Gutting the converters on an 01 SS?
 

And inspection in some states will start to read the computer's memory to see if any codes were thrown. If you don't have cats or gut them and get caught in a lot of states it can be a major fine. $10,000 in NJ for messing with emissions. Look at the new ZL1's, they make 600 hp and have full emissions. No real reason to mess with it nowadays.