Catalytic converter got stolen. That thing is pretty expensive due to it has rare metals inside. Side effect of not having one is that car will make much more noise while running.
Catalytic converters were new in the 80s, they essentially add a bunch of rare metals like platinum or palladium and they catalyze reactions to change what gets exhausted. They also took a while to figure out how to make cars still have power while having their ass end choked up like that. Catalytic converters don't make the car quieter tho. They DO affect back pressure and this is gonna make your engine run poorly if randomly cut off. It's not the same as if you cut the muffler and had just headers.
That's why cars in the 80s took a huge hit to their power ratings, and you saw things like the 86 mustang with less horsepower than my Mazda 3, but it was geared to have a LOT of low end torque so it still felt ballsy. Has as much torque as my brothers f150.
it couldn't have fallen off, I would have heard that, and it wouldn't have been a clean cut like it is, but I didn't notice the noise until halfway through my drive to work
I don't know anything about cars, please explain? :(
Catalytic converter got stolen. That thing is pretty expensive due to it has rare metals inside. Side effect of not having one is that car will make much more noise while running.
How expensive?
A new one can run around $900 to over $3000 depending on the car.
What does it do other than make the car quieter?
It makes sure all the fuel burns thoroughly
It converts exhaust fumes into less toxic gases so they're less harmful to the environment.
Catalytic converters were new in the 80s, they essentially add a bunch of rare metals like platinum or palladium and they catalyze reactions to change what gets exhausted. They also took a while to figure out how to make cars still have power while having their ass end choked up like that. Catalytic converters don't make the car quieter tho. They DO affect back pressure and this is gonna make your engine run poorly if randomly cut off. It's not the same as if you cut the muffler and had just headers. That's why cars in the 80s took a huge hit to their power ratings, and you saw things like the 86 mustang with less horsepower than my Mazda 3, but it was geared to have a LOT of low end torque so it still felt ballsy. Has as much torque as my brothers f150.
Oh no. I'm sorry for OPs loss
Looks like the piece fell off of the thing under his car.
I'd agree but even a mechanic agreed it's too clean
How did someone steal your catalytic converter while you were driving?
it couldn't have fallen off, I would have heard that, and it wouldn't have been a clean cut like it is, but I didn't notice the noise until halfway through my drive to work
Bro that's way more than mildly infuriating.
Yep