Do I have to run a cat/cat's???

[gtmattz]

Hey guys, in the planning stages of swapping a 2.8 from an 88 celebrity into my MGB and am trying to work out everything before I start here. I am getting to the exhaust part and am wondering if I strictly have to run a catalytic converter in order for the computer to run the engine properly. I ask this because in the area where I live I do not have to have the emissions tested at all, and not for the forseeable future (rural nevada, very very low population density). If I can get away with not running a cat that would make things alot easier, as I am short on room under the car as it is. I plan on running a non-emissions cam anyway, so I am assuming that I am going to either have to buy an aftermarket computer, or have it re-programmed to operate with the higher performance cam, when I have that done can the computer also be programmed to run without cat?

These questions may seem stupid, I apologise, I am new to the world of EFI

[Fiero Brick]

There's no need for one at all.

I speak from experience; my '87 Fiero 2.8 has a test pipe in place of the cat. Pulled stronger afterwards, manifolds didn't glow so violently as before, etc. It also reduced the interior and engine bay temperatures, since on a v6 Fiero the cat is right next to the firewall.

Of course, engines without catalytic converters are for off-road use only.

[gtmattz]

There's no need for one at all.
.................

Of course, engines without catalytic converters are for off-road use only. in the state of California.

There, fixed that last part of your post ;P

[IsaacHayes]

only ODBII vehicles had an O2 sensor after the cat to make sure it works. So the 2.8 won't throw a check engine light if there is no cat. You'll be fine.

[gtmattz]

only ODBII vehicles had an O2 sensor after the cat to make sure it works. So the 2.8 won't throw a check engine light if there is no cat. You'll be fine.

Thanks for the info guys, its good to know this.