What are the pros and cons on removing my CAT on my 1985 4Runner?

 

is this a real question?

 

Depends where you live.

 

Won't help in any way unless its plugged up.

No matter what the emissions regime is in your area, its illegal to remove it.

 

Pros:
Less connections and leak points. This doesn't apply if you install a test pipe.
Less cost if you're replacing the whole system.
Some claim it increases power but I never noticed a difference in the short time mine was gone. Would only really work if your original was plugged.

Cons:
Makes your truck stink.
Can make the exhaust sound raspy.
Illegal in the USA. You may not have to get your truck inspected but it's still illegal on any gasoline car produced after 1972 or somewhere around there.
An exhaust shop declined work on my truck when I took it in without a cat.
Hurts the planet.

I once had headers, bigger piping, loud muffler, and no cat on my 4Runner. It constantly threw O2 sensor codes, leaked, stunk, and droned like crazy. All this and no noticeable power gain. I ended up selling it all on Craigslist and buying all Walker brand stock replacement exhaust components and I've been very happy since. It all fits and works like factory, nice and quiet, and not stinky.

 

I ran without one for a while this year. No matter what anyone says, it freaking stinks. At red lights you really notice the smell. Get a cheapo from Advance Auto for $50 and you can thank me later.

 

Could be as bad as doing Federal Time !!

That would be my luck Then they start looking with a real fine tooth comb for any little thing

 

Someone stole mine a couple years ago ( i guess they recycle them or something) and I had to run a intermediate pipe for a while.

It sounded a little different, but I didn't notice any power increase.

 

Stealing them off of new trucks was a big thing a while back, factory not aftermarket. Then legislation tightened up on recycling them so has kinda died off, to my knowledge. Hard to compare power difference with and without using new high flow cats.