Questions and Answers

Nissan Sentra Converter Removal Q. Hi, I am Danny from Penang, Malaysia. Referring to the issue above, I wonder if remove the catalytic converter would help improve the car performance in term of torque, fuel economy and longer life span? I know it suppose to clean the SOx, NOx etc and help the environment, besides, Malaysia don't have law to make this device compulsory.

I may not remove the catalytic converter, just need the answer to have a informative discussion with my fellow car enthusiast.

• 2003 Nissan Sentra SE
• 1.5 liter
• Manual transmission
• 4,500 kilometers (3 weeks old)
• Fuel Injection

Thank you in advance...
Danny
Penang, Malaysia

A. Let me explain one thing about emission controls. In the late 70's early 80's emission controls were just something hung on the engine to reduce emissions. They were easy to remove or bypass without adversely effecting the operation of the engine. In fact, most times it improved performance.

Modern engines are now designed with the emission controls as an integral part of the engine. So removing something will directly effect the engine operation. For example, in 1982 I could take the catalytic converter off a Nissan Sentra and it would continue on as if nothing happened.

In 2003 if I take a catalytic converter off a Nissan Sentra the PCM will wonder where it went, say it's not working and turn on the Check Engine Light. Without the converter the PCM will go to a default set of values stored in memory and you will lose some power and fuel economy. Engine torque is governed by the geometry of the crankshaft, not any modification of the fuel or emissions system.

Short answer, you will probably lose power and fuel economy and it will have no effect on engine torque.