My 95 E320 has a suspected clogged cat convertor. I have it registered in a non-emission tested county. After going to 2 muffler shops to ask about just removing the cat so I might be able to bask in the preformance similar to what a euro model enjoys, They both informed me that it is a federal crime to bypass a cat converter. Anyone heard of this? I would just slap a universal fit on there but I'm concerned about the compatibility. BTW, stealership wants $1,023.00 for the OEM part. Perhaps, does anyone know of a reputable aftermarket direct fit?

It is illegal under federal and various state laws for ANYONE to remove or tamper with an emission control device. There are not a whole lot of resources for enforcement, so enforcement activities are generally focused on commercial establishments.

Fastlane offers direct fit catalyst replacements that are less expensive than the dealer, but they are not what I would call "cheap".

I believe it's also illegal to sell used catalysts, so salvage yards won't sell them, even if they come from low mileage cars.

Given the cost of catalyst replacement you are well advised to seek out a definitive diagnosis on your catalyst. One way would be to remove an O2 sensor and fabricate an adaptor to accept a probe to check exhaust back pressure. At WOT high revs it should no exceed about 5 psi.

Duke

First of all, I would verify the converter is in fact plugged.
Secondly, if it is plugged, I would try to determine why, ( huge oil consumption, very rich running engine, badly misfiring ignition, etc. ).
Any of these conditions should be rectified, befor you even contemplate replacing the converter.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

I'd cut it out myself, some laws are just their to give people jobs. Cut them out and clamp in a straight peice of pipe. Or you could get an aftermarket exhaust and "forget" the cats.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

I purchased my beloved obsession with several idling and acceleration problems which had plagued the car for a time unknown to me. After a $1400 throttle actuator, a $900 wiring harness and a, $1000 cruise amp, all of my idling and acceleration problems are rectified except for a somewhat sluggish hard acceleration which is accompanied by a very excessive rotten egg smell. This is the second O2 sensor within a year and I am tripping codes for O2 limits and EGR. The EGR looks good but I don't have a vacuum tester to be sure (but I am thinking about buying one.) The exhaust looks ugly and aged but not any holes yet. It will probably need replacement within a year or two anyway. So a good aftermarket cat system that is direct fit is what I would really like to find. Whether or not a "good" one exists for a decent price I'm not sure. I'll give Phil a call but It looked like the online catalog didn't offer one on fastlane. I do know that metal piping should not cost this much. The whole federal law thing makes me want to dust off the pipe bender and get a torch so I can become an EXHAUST VIGILANTE' out of spite.