The O2 sensor should  work fine either way. What is more important is to
have the clip on shield in place to keep off wind and road debris. Wind will
cool it down and dirt/rain can foul it.

A gutted cat will hurt performance as the exhaust will now bounce and
reverberate instead of going straight through. Also, it may not a good idea
to advertise that you intentionally disabled the Cat or any part of the
emission control system.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Alistair Bell
Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:10 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: O2 sensor in gutted cat question

hi,

it was suggested to me that the O2 sensor in the stock position in a
2.1 wb will not get to optimal operating temp if cat is gutted versus
intact.

this also begs the question of just well does the electrical heating
circuit in the O2 sensor works.

so what are you opinions? anyone notice any difference in O2 sensor
function in empty vs. intact cats?

cheers,

alistair

'86 syncro 7  passenger
'82 westy, diesel converted to gas in '94
http://www.members.shaw.ca/albell/