Removing Emissions Equipment on an 82 2000 FI

[RevDave]

While I've removed the emissions equipment from a number of 70's and 80's carbureted cars over the years, I've never messed with removing it from a Fuel Injected engine...

Any suggestions in general, or specific suggestions concerning my 82 Spider 2000 FI? I'm planning to ditch the Cat, the EGR plumbing and assorted other bits and bobs, but what makes sense? What about the O2 Sensor? Will the FI compensate automaticlly for these changes, or will other problems arise after I've removed this stuff? Thanks - Dave

[ga.spyder]

Dave ,my understanding is that the Bosch f.i. was so precise that it passed U.S. emissions w/ only the cat.It doesn't have any other emission equip.I am sure someone more qualified can be more specific ,but I believe that removing anything other than the cat will affect performance negatively.There is no reason to remove the o2 sensor and the only egr equipment is a cyclonic trap ,that functions like a pcv valve.I am not an expert but I think this info is correct ,if not someone will set you straight.There is very little you can do to the F.I. cars to improve performance w/o a turbo ,supercharger,or other extreme measure.Enjoy it the way it is ,you have the most sought after year Spider and welcome to the 82 club!
Craig

[rlux4]

The oxygen sensor isn't really an emissions component, it's main function is to send a signal to the ECU related to operating temperature oxygen levels in the exhaust. The ECU uses this signal along with the other sensors to determine the best air/fuel mixture formula for varying conditions. Without it, or with one that is non functioning you'd have less efficient fuel/air mixture, the car would run, but not as well.
Ron

Amen to that Craig!

[kristoj]

Ron is right about the O2 sensor. DO NOT remove it or your car will not run properly. In fact, if you aren't sure how old it is, you should replace it with a new one (around $45). Like Craig and Ron, I am unaware of any "emmisions" equipment other than the cat. Unless it is clogged, removing it is not going to get you much, if any, performance boost. For max performance with an FI car, you are much better off focusing your resources on ensuring the FI and ignition systems are in a the best state of tune possible (clean injectors; new plugs, wires, cap and rotor; clean air filter; ignition timing within specs; all sensors tested and operating correctly, including O2 sensor; and good fuel pressure -- ck. regulator and fuel pump). Brad Artigue put together a good FI tune up manual that you can find here: http://www.mirafiori.com/faq/fiatFI_may2002.pdf

[So Cal Mark]

the FI cars didn't use EGR, they had a cat, fuel evap system and closed pcv. Removing the cat is the one perf boost you can do. Then advance the ign timing to 10 btdc. The previous tuning suggestions are all good.

[RevDave]

Thanks for the insight! I appreciate it very much. Sounds like removing the cat and just making sure everything else is in good shape, properly adjusted (and that the o2 sensor is working) is the way to go! Many Thanks - Dave