I can't remember what year your car had to be older than to not have to have a catalytic converter installed on your car. (in North Carolina). I have an 84, i think it qualifies, but not sure.

 

It's illegal to run a vehicle that came with a catalytic converter without one.

However apparently only cars from 1996 and newer require emissions testing over there but a catalytic converter is still required by federal law.

 

then i don't have to have one. it came with one, but since t is older, i can take it off, as long as it passes inspection

 

you are still required by federal law to have one, and most places have a visual inspection. ITs still illegial, but if you really need to, you can gut the cat, still pass visual. But seriously, a good high flow cat will not cost you any power that you will ever notice. Also, a cat will keep the car from stinking.

The likelyhood of you ever having an issue without one is slim, but run into roadside inspector having a bad day and you can say goodbye to the car and possibly a fine.

 

It doesn't matter in NC what year the car is unless it older than 35 years. IF it came with a CC you must have it and all smog equipment. Only cars from 1996 and newer have to undergo the OBII testing.

 

here in nc the car is required to have a cat ,egr valve ,pcv and a smog pump