Catalytic converter needed?

[3Stgs]

More on the saga of my 86 BII barely running. I’ve been told by my shop (after they replaced plugs, wires, fixed 180 out timing and tried a new ECM) that I have a bad cat - it’s maybe plugged causing the engine to run at less than 100%. Some background - much of the fuel and ignition system is new. New ECM did nothing. So… can I just cut the cat off and have pipe welded in? Are there any idiot lights that will come on as a result? Shop wanted like $900 to replace it, and with everything we’ve done to this truck, who knows if this will help with the core problem.

I’ve googled a replacement, wth is that thing, a double in-line cat or a cat/resonator? And it’s a dual in / single out? I will be selling as soon as this job is completed, opinions on what to do?

 

[tw205]

It’s illegal in most states if not all to not have a cat on the exhaust. If you live in an area that requires inspection, it will fail without a cat.
I believe it’s all cat.
It does appear to be double in single out.
If you are doing work yourself, research before you dig in.
Throwing parts at a problem complicates repairs. Find the issue and repair it.
If a shop is working on it find one that knows what they are doing. Seems the world is full of bad mechanics. Willingness does not mean able to repair , only willingness to take your money.
If you still decide to sell it you won’t have a hard time.

 

[JerryC]

If you don't have cat installed, expect to experience the smelly and eye watering experience we all had before the 80's
I had an exhaust shop put a much less expensive after market cat on my BII. We don't have inspections here.

 

[3Stgs]

I think that’s the route I’m going to take if I don’t get it sold by Friday, I have an appointment with the muffler shop that will put a aftermarket cat in complete for $470. The regular shop wanted $1000+ for a replacement bolt-in. If it cures the issue, then it goes on Autohunter.

 

[Peter Griffin]

F that! I replaced my entire exhaust system from the downpipe back, including a catalytic converter and cat-back exhaust AND new O2 system for around $400.

When I bought it the cat was deleted and it sounded awful and smelled even worse. It idles like an EV now and barely makes any noise...

Middle Muffler & Tail Pipe MADE IN USA for Ford Bronco II 2.9L 86-89 | eBay

1986 1987 1988 1989 FORD BRONCO II 2 W/D or 4 W/D with 2.9L V6Engine. 1x Part# 6586 18212 Extension pipe & muffler. 1x Part# 54764 45271 5c1297 Tail pipe, without resonator. 1x Part# SBK6129 36129 extension pipe bolt kit.

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In hindsight I absolutely could have saved about $75 over that by going with this catalytic converter instead:

More Information for AP / EASTERN 645340

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The one I bought needed the downpipe flange to be trimmed roughly 3/8ths of an inch, which literally took seconds with a Sawz-All...