The hot-rod community does it all the time. There are wiring looms and electronics available to fool the computer to not throw a check engine light (emissions). Then, you have to tune it.
I suspect that the ML cat problem stems from using the lowest available grade of gasoline. I used to run premium and switched to mid-grade and all seems well. I am scared to try regular 87 octane as we tried in our Toyota with poor results. I have over 187k on my 98. I have seen cats go early on others and have not been covered under warranty.
What we need here is O2 sims like the LS1 and LS6 guys over at Chevy have that do away with the rear O2's all together. I agree that you will need the front O2's for mixture and engine management issues.
I would be a happy man if I could find rear O2 sims to make my damn CEL go off because the heater circuit on a O2 sensor is bad.
Cats are only used for environmental purposes and can be removed...
BUT... what will happen to YOUR specific car with no CATS?
there are at least two o2 sensors surrounding the cat, at least one in front and one back. The first o2 sensor lives in a pressurized environment (since air is held up a bit by the cats and muffler). The second sensor is under less presure of course.
Any changes in pressue usually lead to o2 sensor failures which cause serious problems with the fuel/air management.
In other words, if you remove your cat from your 320, your o2 senors will fault which will trigger MAF problems undoubtly and probaly kill other systems over time. The best case scenario for you would probably be reduced gas milage due to air/gas mix problems.
Of course not all cars are as sensor dependent as MBs, especially older ones, and removing cats can infact improve gas mileage and performance.
Oh yeah, also removing your cat is illegal in most states if not all.
That being said there is one very good way around having to deal with a cat converter!!!!! Buy a classic car! They are usually not subject to the same exhaust laws as newer cars. BUt then you'll probably get other things rattling....
Just fix the darn thing and make sure your maf and o2 sensors are in working order so that your cat isn't burnt out early after you replace it
__________________
1998 SLK 230 150k miles - still running
1972 300 SL 107K miles - still rusting
If the cats go bad and replacement is required, is there a high flow cat alternative? As long as you have to replace, you might pick up some performance with less restrictive cats. Anyone know?
Regards,
Jerry
I'm not going to remove my cats, I didn't say I was, and I am not interested in an environmental demonstration. Cat or no cat driving a heavy, thirsty, SUV is certainly NOT a "green" choice, so kiss your kids while you buckle them into your V-EIGHT.
Now, my technical questions above still stand for anyone willing to offer any input specific to them.
So you're asking cause you thirst for knowledge? Really? Sure?
And search the forum.
No cat = cel
enjoy.
Let us know how fast and furious your 215hp six cylinder is when you are done.
Actually I was, and the driver's side cats have already been replaced with an OEM solution including two new OEM O2 sensors. The attitudes on this site for the most part mirror the MB build quality it would appear.
Actually I was, and the driver's side cats have already been replaced with an OEM solution including two new OEM O2 sensors. The attitudes on this site for the most part mirror the MB build quality it would appear.
Actually I was, and the driver's side cats have already been replaced with an OEM solution including two new OEM O2 sensors. The attitudes on this site for the most part mirror the MB build quality it would appear.
someone comes into a bar looking for a fist fight and starts making it personal when the others come back with sticks and knives. I suggest you sell your ML or donate it to a charitable organization if you feel the way you do. We're not here to experiment your troubles and benefit from them. We're here to help and give usefull information but if you can't take good advice go buy a Rolls Royce and be one of the 1 out of 10,000 that drive one.
yes you can remove your cats 
Linear Mode
