How long does it take to cut off a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters are easy to access. Thieves roll under the vehicle and can cut one out in about a minute. Photo via Flickr/Seth Sawyers. Catalytic converter theft has been a problem in the U.S. for decades, but reported cases have skyrocketed across the nation over the past year.

How long does it take to get a catalytic converter out of a car?

An Easy Grab and Go. Thieves can remove a catalytic converter quickly, often in less than two minutes, so theft can even occur in broad daylight. The only tools a thief needs are a wrench (for converters that are bolted on) or a reciprocating saw (for converters that are welded in).

Which cars are most likely to have catalytic converter stolen?

What happens if you cut the catalytic converter off?

Without this component, your vehicle will no longer be filtering and reducing harmful emissions, including hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it can also lead to harmfully poor air quality.

Will removing catalytic converter hurt engine?

Since the catalytic converter places a strain on the engine with its constrictive design, it must work harder to achieve the same energy than it does without the device in place. Removing it lessens this burden, creating a net effect where the engine can perform significantly better without working as hard.

Seconds to steal a catalytic converter

Will a car run better without a catalytic converter?

Without the catalytic converter, your car won't perform as well as it would if it were equipped with one. Without a cat, the oxygen sensors installed before and after the cat will not operate within range. Engine fault codes will be generated, and engine performance will suffer as a result.

How do I protect my car from catalytic converter theft?

What vehicles are the easiest to steal catalytic converters?

Does insurance cover stolen catalytic converters?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

What is the best tool to cut a catalytic converter?

The ICU7A is the head designed specifically for cutting catalytic converters off vehicles. It has specially designed blades to fit around the exhaust pipe where other cutters cannot get. It is also very powerful with over 22 tons of cutting force, more than enough for even tough exhaust pipes.

Does removing catalytic converter make car louder?

Just like how the purpose of a muffler is to muffle the loud noise caused by the exhaust exiting your vehicle, the catalytic converter does the same thing. If you remove your converter, you're giving your car a louder and more distinctive sound.

How long does it take to remove and replace a catalytic converter?

The repair time is typically under an hour. The question of whether it's something you can do or not depends on how it's attached to the vehicle. Many car manufacturers will weld in place. If yours is OEM, then the catalytic converter replacement time is likely longer.

What cars have the most expensive catalytic converters?

According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.

Why are catalytic converters stolen so often?

The main reason that catalytic converters are stolen is because they're valuable to scrap metal dealers. They contain precious metals, including rhodium, platinum, and palladium.

Which cars are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen?

American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some Nissan, Hyundai, Mazda, and Subaru models also fall into this category. Many brands used cat designs that limited how many precious metals were inside.

How can I tell if my catalytic converter has been stolen?

What does your car sound like without a catalytic converter?

You'll notice a loud rumbling or roaring sound when you turn on the engine if your catalytic converter is missing. This sound gets louder when you hit the gas. The exhaust is not working correctly, so the vehicle also drives rougher than usual, often with a sense of sputtering as you change speed.

Can I replace a catalytic converter with a straight pipe?

The short answer is yes you can.

If you install a straight pipe, often called a test pipe, you will fail all emissions tests or smog checks.

Will cutting off catalytic converter affect gas mileage?

Removing a catalytic converter will not improve MPG. However, replacing an old or clogged one will. Catalytic converters do not affect gas mileage unless they are not working correctly, so removing one will not make a difference unless it wasn't working correctly, to begin with.

How much louder is a cat delete?

I would say from 0 to 3k RPM its virtually no change other than a small increase in smell if that bothers you. But from 3/4k rpm and up it jumps to about a 70% increase in sound I'd say. Just consider state inspections/emissions before chopping up your pipes.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

How much is the platinum worth in a catalytic converter?

A catalytic converter generally contains 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 7 grams) of platinum. According to Kitco, the bid price of platinum is $977 USD per ounce (April 9, 2022), meaning there is between $110 and $300 dollars worth of platinum in a typical OEM catalytic converter.