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  1. #1

    Join Date
    01 Aug 2011
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Posts
    2
    Saab(s)
    92 conv't, 92 hatchback both 2.1L non-turbo

    Bypass Catalytic Converter

    I have a '92 900 2.1L non-turbo in a state where I no longer need emissions tests. Can I eliminate the catalytic converter and put a straight pipe in it's place? I've been told by a local person that Saabs need back pressure or the valves will burn up. I was told by another person that as long as there is a muffler on the system that won't be a problem. Please help.

  2. #2
    Mike
    Moderator Shazam's Avatar
    Join Date
    30 Jul 2010
    Location
    Rochester, New York, USA
    Posts
    1,985
    Saab(s)
    Saab-less
    Nope, you should be fine. The CC doesn't really help build up back pressure. The hard part is going to be finding a non-cat replacement pipe in there, unless you are going to fabricate one.

    You should see a couple extra HP, and better engine response, and possibly even better gas mileage.
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  3. #3

    Join Date
    01 Aug 2011
    Location
    Chicago, Illinois
    Posts
    2
    Saab(s)
    92 conv't, 92 hatchback both 2.1L non-turbo
    I'm trying to bring an old Saab back to life instead of the junk yard and I'm not sure if it will make it so I don't want to spend the extra money when I'm just trying to get the car running enough to check everything out and decide if it's worth rebuilding properly.

  4. #4
    Mike
    Moderator Shazam's Avatar
    Join Date
    30 Jul 2010
    Location
    Rochester, New York, USA
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    1,985
    Saab(s)
    Saab-less
    I don't know how they do things in Illinois, but in New York they (a certified shop/garage) just do a visual check for the CC. In most places, it's near impossible to get caught, and if you do, it's normally just a failed inspection until you get one.

    That being said, I've still got mine.

    It will certainly fit your needs, to run without it (what are the chances you'll get caught?). And what would a 20 year old CC actually do? Back then, they were (usually) only made to last about 5 years or like 50,000 miles... I doubt one that old would even do much.
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  5. #5
    Saab Fan
    Join Date
    17 Jul 2011
    Location
    Ellensburg, WA, USA
    Posts
    6
    Saab(s)
    '96 9000 CD - my Luxury Liner

    Gut the cat - looks legit. You probably will pass
    emissions without anyway. If for some bizarre reason you dont pass, then you get
    a hi-flow cat.
    I deleted the cat on my '77 99 when I installed race exhaust
    (headers, straight plumbing, SuperTrapp) and still passed emissions with lots to
    spare. If I had kept the Lambda system, it probably would have run even
    cleaner.
    Gut the cat - save some ponies.

  6. #6
    Sam Carlson
    Tutorial Bot euromobile900's Avatar
    Join Date
    14 Aug 2010
    Location
    Medford, MA
    Posts
    684
    Saab(s)
    '90 900 LPT with a flat-nose conversion
    Why even gut the cat, if you can keep it and it's probably OK? In my experience, the cat is the last thing to rust out in an exhaust system. As long as you can see through the matrix inside when you look into one end, it is fine, and likely semi-functional. The amount of power you will gain is so small that you won't be able to feel it.
    Ask me a question about your c900! I promise I either can answer it or know someone who can

  7. #7
    Paul A
    Saab Nut
    Join Date
    11 Mar 2011
    Location
    West London and Wiltshire, UK
    Posts
    251
    Saab(s)
    T16 '93 Ruby - T16 '94 Vert Ruby
    I think you've had all the answers to this in SC. Removing the cat will not affect your engine or burn your valves. Leave it the way it is unless it's plugged. If you can see through the matrix it's not. Use your precious time on something that matters.

  8. #8

    Join Date
    12 Dec 2011
    Location
    pennsylvannia
    Posts
    1
    Saab(s)
    91 900 and 2010 93

    used cat

    i have a 91 900 and found a used cat(not easy) and gutted it. with a mss header, gutted cat,cherry bomb muffler and 3 inch tailpipe i believe my car performs much better than stock. i have notice no problems with my valves. the only problem is the exhaust ROAM; but,it sounds fantastic and my wife will not drive my saab!!!!!!1

  9. #9
    Saab Enthusiast Tweek's Turbos's Avatar
    Join Date
    19 Nov 2010
    Location
    Northern VA
    Posts
    200
    Saab(s)
    '11 9-4X, '07 9-5 Combi, '99 Viggen, '88 900t, '87 ASFT, '85 SPG, '72 96
    Do it, you wont be the first and certainly not the last.

    If you gut the cat, do it outback where nobody can watch you.

 

 

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