gutting cats on 5.0

[ETong41560]

I got a problem and humbly ask for your help. I did try all the forums and
archives in the Corral. I found mostly a lot of old wives tales. I'm doing a
clutch job and when I pulled the h-pipe on my stock '90 5.0 LX, I found that
the left hand side "pre-cat" had either been gutted or has disintegrated. I
think probably the latter since there was still a less than golf ball size of
it left. Anyway my stang was not able to pass idle HC and now I know why. I
also had replaced a TPS which was causing a check engine light to come on.
Figured that would take care of the prob. But I still can't pass. The guys
even tried the to take it to the max idle and was still not that close. They
figured it either needed a tune-up or it was the cat. It's been a couple of
years since fresh plugs and cap. I got the 9mm Motorsport wires already.

I want to pass w/o shelling out for new cats. The shade tree mech tricks I saw
posted ranged from pulling no. 5 plug wire, to retarding timing, advancing
timing, to putting some alcohol in the tank. I'll buy the advance timing
because one time I had it too high, like about 13 degs and the guy said it had
to be under 10 I think. Anyway I was wondering if you had any smog check
tricks. btw..I live in Kalifornia.
Thanks for any help u may be able to give.

sincerely,
Ernie

[Michael Vastarelli]

Here's one trick, run the shit outa the engine right before you take it for
the inspection. Get that engine as HOT as you can possibly get it, that way
the cats will burn up as much HC's as possible. Also, you could try dry gas,
if you can find it.

High octane might help with the 1st trick. I'm not sure if it's high or low
octane gas that burns cleaner, but whichever it is, use it.

Another trick is synthetic oil. The type I was referred to try was Royal
Purple Sythetic (pricey shit).

If all else fails I'd just scourage the local junkyard for a cat off a
trashed car and swap it out after going through the check.

--
~Mike
'95 3.8L V6
2.5" Singular exhaust with a 2 chamber flowmaster
custom built ram air induction
Cobra OEM leather shifter knob
Boycotting excrementive motorcocks

"ETong41560" <etong...@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20001118013939...@ng-cl1.aol.com...

[Subic Sailor]

Junkyards aren't allowed to sell cats. At least in theory according to the
signs posted here in Caliland. I believe it's federal law.

But then again who obeys all the laws. ;)

--
Simply,
Subic Sailor

"Michael Vastarelli" <the3...@gate.net> wrote in message
news:8v58r3$tje$1...@news.gate.net...

[oriken]

youre right,timing has to be 10 and check for vacuum leaks.run good old
87 octane with new plugs and wires.you have to remember that wires do
tend to disintegrate.i change wires atleast every other year and plugs
twice a year.ive been running a 5.0 with gutted cats in california and
do pass.mine is carbureted,and that might be the difference.
it also helps to(dont laugh) send a nice looking young lady with the
car.i have done this.i failed miserably,my ex took it in without
anything being done to it.she wore a mini-skirt and it passed.go figure!

[ETong41560]

Oriken:

Thanks for the tips. I believe sending an attractive young lady to get it
smogged would help, now I just have to find one. Can I ask if you have both
cats gutted or just the pre-cat? Also what year is your 5.0?

thanks,
Ernie