removing pollution controls

[wade]

there seems to be quite a few members that have "pollution devices or controls removed" on their member signature. what controls or devices can be removed, and what gains can be expected? are there actual hp gains, or is it more weight and general cleaning things up that help? are there some previous posts on the subject?

[Ken]

Bear in mind, any tampering with Federally-mandated equipment is in direct violation of the law. The rules are very specific as to what you can or cannot do to your emissions system.

[bradfordsvettes]

most newer cars are designed to run with these controls and removing them will almost always be of no gain to speak of and like ken says it is not what the smog squad wants to see best to use speed parts that are carb certified and proven only my 2 cents but do this for a living steve

[BigRed]

Cmon Ken we're stickin it to the man! LOL

Im pulling my Smog pump as well. Mid Am has a replacement pulley system for 170 bucks. Im leaving the O2's alone however (Not cheatin them) because I actually learned about intake outake computer today heh. Im not sure how Im going to yank the cat converter now we'll see how it goes.

[Edmond]

Is the Canadian government as strict as the US government on emissions?

Here, you don't even touch emissions control for the reasons that Ken stated. But there are such things like high flow cats and all to increase your performance in a legal way.

[billd]

Also keep in mind that in many states a car cannot be licensed unless it has the proper emmissions equipment. So if you choose to remove some of your equipment you may be reducing your ability to sell the vehicle thus making it worth less on the open market.

Additionally if you remove one piece of emmissions equipment say a smog pump you will be starving your Cat for air it will not burn properly and as a result may plug up. This is a complete system from the Cat to the smog pump to the computer. Unless your willing to go all the way with the emmissions control retrofit "like for a Race Car" then it really is generally not a very good idea.

In Colorado unless a car is specified as a tow away when sold the previous owner is liable to make a vehicle pass emmissions when it is sold. Gone are the days of buyer beware it is now seller beware.

Just my 2 cents

I personally don't see value to removing emission equipment. Any potential HP gain is minimal; the more likely is a loss in power and potential liability cited in previous posts. That's not to mention drivability issues, codes and the like. HP can be added to work with emission equipment and we all benefit from clean air.