CAT removal from Jap import Vitz

[Tracyprier]

Hi all

Just got hold of a little 2002 Vitz (not an RS).

I have always removed the cat converters from my cars (and motorcycles) because it has always improved fuel economy and performance (to some degree)

Has anyone removed the CAT (or is there more than one) from a jap import vitz?

I can only see one O2 sensor before the first CAT, not after so I don't think removing it should cause the computer to freak out or the CAT light to come on.

Thanks
Tracy

[sergei]

I have always removed the cat converters from my cars (and motorcycles) because it has always improved fuel economy and performance (to some degree)

First of all, I believe it is illegal now to remove catalytic converter.
I doubt you would get any noticeable performance increase or better fuel economy by removing the converter on a vitz. It is a silly thing to do on a daily, please be kind to everyone and environment and leave catalytic converter alone.

As for the converter overheat light it is triggered by small thermoswitch in the converter. If you short it the socket on that thermoswitch the light should go away.

[Leon]

First of all, I believe it is illegal now to remove catalytic converter..

Only if this car was first registered for road use in NZ after I think January 2008.

Haven't got my VIRM open at the moment.

[1I1]

Like Leon says still ok to remove cat unless the car was first registered after around '08.

Have a look on your rego sticker - should have a date when the car was first registered here.

[Leon]

which is not to say that taking the cat out isn't a bit pointless

[Dell'Orto]

If its blocked/faulty then by all means remove it, but if the car has sub 100km's on it, theres no point. Always replace it with a resonator though!

[Tracyprier]

Thanks guys... car was registered about 3 weeks ago as we are the first NZ owners so that puts the kibosh on that regardless of pros and cons

thanks for the input

Tracy

[sergei]

if you are worried about cat being the restriction, just get one off the bigger car, and weld that one in in place of original.

just out of the curiosity is 1NZFE are we talking about?

[phoenix]

It's only illegal to remove it if it's registered on or after 1 May 2010?

The May 08 thing only applies if it ends up first registered after May 2010 but was complied prior to May 08.