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Hello Forum Folks,
I am in the process of of ressurecting our 1982 XJ6 and was considering the removal of the catalytic converter, but was curious if that would cause issues with the ECU and engine drivability?
What ye all say?
thx,
CWB3
Hey Doug,
Thanks for the ultra quick and emphatic reponse!
Any recommendations on where to source the downpipes from the manifolds to the "Y" pipe under the car?
Aye,
Chuck
no issues, I removed both cats from my '84 and in any case the exhaust system breathes better. Purchased the European "Y" pipe from Motorcars Ltd. but that was years ago.
I had the factory down-catalytic opened up and removed the guts, rewelded it, then pressure tested it. The reason was to retain the O2 sensor bung.
Hello Doug. Ref. your comment re the Ignition/fuel systems not caring if the cat is there or not, but what about the O2 sensor? Do you just unplug it, or ground the O2 lead? I believe it was Jose that had a mod to add a ground strap to correct a rough idle - I have that strap but have yet to install it. If it does make a difference, then the O2 sensor must be doing something. I'm looking at that SNG Bell non-cat downpipe but have not yet bitten the bullet! Your thoughts?
The O2 sensor is upstream of of the cat converter. It also does not know if the converter is present or absent.
You'll want to use the O2 sensor. You may have to weld-in a fitting to mount the sensor as your replacement pipe might not have one. Adding the ground is good.
Any good muffler shop can weld in O2 sensor bung. Make sure to trial fit and mark the spot so the O2 sensor has side clearance. Jose has ground wire mod that will add extra insurance of a good operation.
Rgds
David
or do what I did and save on a new Down Pipe, or cutting and welding the O2 sensor bung to it:
take the old catalytic out, open it, remove the platinum core, (sell it for profit), reseal the catalytic, pressure test it for leaks, put it back on with new "donut" seals. Refit the O2 sensor.
Looks "original" and nobody will question the modification. The car WILL pass inspections if you must go through annual inspections.
In Canada, there is no need to do smog tests after a certain year of car - mine is 1985, so I'm inclined to get rid of the bulgy thing at the end of the factory manifolds. I really like the two straight pipes going to the "y" pipe, so that's my plan. Still cannot see how the O2 sensor comes into play, but. I'll gladly have someone weld in a bung if it's necessary.
If they were not on the UK/EU versions, then I don't understand the differences.
As per Jose, if you chose to empty the existing converter & reuse the bung-bearing tubes, check with local scrapper as to value of converter contents. (Platinum, palladium & rhodium)
Make sure you let them know year of car. Since the earliest converters in the '70's, the amount of precious metals within has dropped. And the price of that metal has skyrocketed.
So a converter that age should bring a few bucks. (Since when has your old Jag actually paid you back?!?)
The place that buys converters near me will only buy OEM converters in the original housing. If you gut the converter and bring them a pail of the ceramic from the inside they won't touch it. So check with the local buyers before deciding what to do.
Hello All,
Update - Just got the XJ6 back from having the Cat taken off and the New Downpipe & O2 sensor installed, much improved!
The Cat was very choaked, and now the old car runs much better!
See atached pic.
Cheers to all!
I too have just recieved my Bell Stainless downpipe identical to yours and will have to - as you have done, weld in a boss for the O2 sensor. Are you happy with the sensor location? If you are, I will instruct the welder to install the boss in the position exactly where you have yours. Can the sensor be removed for future replacement without fouling anything? Does the "new" sensor have any drivability/running issues at all, or is it all as usual? Is there a "noticable improvement at all? I have the ground strap mod that I intend ti install also.
Ian
Hello Ian,
Yes I am satisfied with the set-up, I left it to my longtime trusted Jag Mechanic to locate the O2 sensor on the downpipe, the car certainly runs much better because the CatCoverter was mostly clogged!
Good luck with your project.
CB3
Iramphal,
yes you.must be able to thread and remove the O2 sensor, they don't last forever. The bung must be threaded in my opinion, just like in the factory catalytic.
Remove Catalytic Converter 1982 XJ6 Cause Issues?
Take it to the bank...
