Function

• The catalytic converter is a small metal container designed to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants and toxic gases produced by the vehicle. Harmful compounds such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide undergo a chemical reaction within the catalytic converter and exit as harmless gases.
  
  

Power Gains

• While the engine is working to turn the wheels, it also wastes some energy to push the burnt exhaust gases out of the muffler. The more resistance it encounters until these gases reach the tip of the muffler, the greater the waste. Therefore, removing the catalytic converter, which is an obstruction, will result in more power.
  
  

Legal Consequences

• Removing the catalytic converter is illegal. Its removal will result in the production of more toxic substances and create a public health risk. While replacing the stock catalytic converter with aftermarket units that rob less engine power but keep emissions within legal limits is fine, you should not simply remove it.