Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Removing Catalytic Converter...

I am wondering where the O2 sensor(s) on the V6 Contour is? I was told if they are before the Catalytic Converter, there should be no problem removing the Cats, but if there is a O2 sensor after the Cat, it may cause problems. Can anyone help me out or offer any tips on doing this?

If you are removing the main cat, which is completely illegal, don't worry about the 02 sensors. If you are removing the precats, that's a diff story, but still illegal. You'd be better off gutting it and putting a straight pipe in the shell so you'd at least be safe visually.

There are 4 sensors in total on the V-6. Two are mounted in each Pre-cat mounted within the exhaust manifold. These smaller cats help the cars computer get into closed loop status faster to further reduce emissions. The upper sensor in each pre-cat are the main O2 sensors. The lower ones monitor their activity. The main cat has no sensors and can easily be gutted if that's what you want. There is a recall on the pre-cats, if you have under 80,000 miles and you are getting a CEL light on the car with codes P0420(Bank #1) or PO430(Bank #2) Ford will replace the precats for free. Not sure if this is applicable to Canadian cars though. The exhaust manifolds are difficult to get to and replace, or to gut them properly. The bank closest to the fire wall is Bank #1, Bank #2 is the side facing the radiator.

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There is a recall on the pre-cats, if you have under 80,000 miles and you are getting a CEL light on the car with codes P0420(Bank #1) or PO430(Bank #2) Ford will replace the precats for free.

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Umm, I don't believe it's a recall. A recall is when they screwed up on something from the factory and "re-call" it. This is an emissions warranty.

Thats the great thing about Ireland. No one gives a stuff. I have my car de-cat'd and headers and as long as it passes the NCT (national car test) in terms of emmission, (which it does) no one really cares.
I guess technically I shouldnt do it, but you would be amazed at the amount of diesels over here that practically belch out thick black smoke (was behind a new 5-series BMW pumping out black soot!) and I think that people should be more concerned about that.

I just wanted to thank everyone for the info that I have found here on the forums. I have been reading the posts in various threads for quite a few months now and have performed a few basic mods on my '96 SE. I just did the "mystery mod" of eliminating the pre-cats, cleaning the intake on the engine, TB optimization, and installing a CSVT filter housing and components with a K&N (that I bought from the CEG classifieds).

My complements! The car runs better than it ever did, even when it was new. I've personally driven it since May of '96 and have put 153K on the clock all by my lonesome. Literally! It was purchesed to be my company car and I fell in love with it's performance and handling. I bought it form my company in 2001 and was mad that I couldn't replace it with another when they made me get a new company car.

But back on subject, the local dealership wanted $500 per side to replace my clogged pre-cats. After reading your how-to I did the gutting in about 2 hours at basically no cost. I have a cat from my 5 liter explorer that is being installed as my main cat. Since it is about twice the area as the original and only has about 500 miles on it, it should make a good free flowing replacement.

Thanks again to all!