by RodStRace Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:46 am
A catalytic converter can be retrofit onto any vehicle.
However, let's look at what is needed, what the costs are and what the benefits are.
NEEDED = You must tightly control the air/fuel ratio and engine temps. You must supply oxygen to the exhaust. You must design in protection from the heat of the unit. You must design in support for the weight of the unit.
COSTS = A leaner carb can cost power, drivability and raise engine temps. EFI is going to cost a lot in time and money to get right. Raising engine temps will require better cooling system, better air flow and better insulation. Adding an air pump will require more underhood space, plumbing and raise exhaust temps. This means more doghouse heat, requiring even more heat work.
The exhaust will require at least one more hanger and a heat shield above the converter.
BENEFITS = the exhaust emissions will be lowered if all your design and work is correct. You will not have more MPG or power unless you swapped in a complete designed package of a late model engine with all the emissions equipment.
So, a PCV is the first step, and has good benefits for emissions, engine life and smell.
Next is an EVAP system. Very little affect to performance, and if designed with used parts and some intelligence, will cost under a hundred bucks and stop the fuel smell when parked.
After that, your level of design and costs go way up unless you swap in a known, proven design. Even then, it's going to be big money.
Say you find a 1992 V8 van that runs well. It has PCV, EVAP, 3 way cats, O2 sensors, a PCM and the engine/trans bolt into your van. The cost is cheap and it doesn't require any major work or maintenance. You still have to do the swap, install a bunch of wiring and the computer along with a check engine light. Then reroute the exhaust so it has the same components the same distance from the engine, and the shields so the floor isn't overheated. Don't forget the fuel tank and EVAP equipment.
Now everything is in place and connected from the engine fan back. Now all you need to do is provide a cooling system, air flow and insulation, plus access for service to the engine. This is the sort of thing required when doing smog legal engine swaps.
If you just buy one and install it in your old van without making provisions for the A/F mixture and feeding it oxygen, it will either overheat and cause a fire or plug up quickly.
