Catalytic converter: how much HP does it rob?

[Richard1]

On a 560SL, has anyone experimented by bypassing the catalytic and if so, what was the result? Thanks.

[Richard1]

It's 40 HP, for anyone that wants to know

[BDBENZ]

How did you determine that it was 40 HP?

Thanks,

BD

Let me see if I understood it well... you say the catalytic conv. reduces power by 40 HP? I would say it would have an impact arround 10 HP (tops..). I also wonder how did you get to this figure...

In 1974, the 450SL was rated at 190hp; in 1975, the 450SL was rated at 180hp (loss of ten hp). The only engine difference I know of between those two years was the addition of catalytic converters.

If we do a Clinton on the words, you might gain 40hp by eliminating a CLOGGED catalytic converter, but I don't see any other way.

Barring a published reference, I'd tend to take the 40hp figure with a grain of 'net dust.

[Richard1]

The 40 quote came from a well-known MB tuner. However, it sounds a bit high to me as well.

[DJNEWK2]

AND the euro 117 engine has bigger pistons and higher compression which is why its bhp is 300 with 10 as opposed to 9 compression on the US engines...


Alan

[jr811]

1979 450 SL I removed my Cat. converter it seemed to help performance. A H.P . gain is quesionable --
10 H.P gain - NO Way

[Jerry Hudson]

What would be the down side to removing a CAT other than passing annual smog tests? Do you need to bi-pass the O2 sensor??

[Steve Gutman]

I have a 1985 500SL Euro that didn't have cats and it does have an O2 sensor. I was told that if you pass emmissions they don't even look at the exhaust.