indeed i wasnt really paying attention to the asbestos in cats but. per wiki.. which isnt always accurate :P i knew that platinum was mostly used and the reason for the prices on them..

"The catalyst itself is most often a precious metal. Platinum is the most active catalyst and is widely used. It is not suitable for all applications, however, because of unwanted additional reactions and/or cost. Palladium and rhodium are two other precious metals used. Platinum and rhodium are used as a reduction catalyst, while platinum and palladium are used as an oxidization catalyst. Cerium, iron, manganese and nickel are also used, although each has its own limitations. Nickel is not legal for use in the European Union (due to reaction with carbon monoxide). While copper can be used, its use is illegal in North America due to the formation of dioxin. "

You know what? Destroy $1600 worth of cats. Enjoy!

i dont need your permission! haha j/kin.. i guess for those of you who are near areas with emission testing and such it would be a big worry but here in the bane of the south. i can go 800 miles in any direction and live and never go through a emission test.

do it at your own risk, but I did it on my 350Z and did not throw codes and it wasn't raspy, unlike test pipes.

-Resonated Test Pipes-
 

You are way better off getting some resonated test pipes. You wont throw a code if you get a "CEL fix". I have gutted cats and had test pipes. I am just giving you my :twocents: from personal experience. You should save the cats or sell them to make money!


:tup:
Here is resonated test pipes with the CEL fix built in.

370z Exhaust / Headers / Test Pipes / Cats - CNT RACING 09-10 Nissan 370z Resonated Test Pipes Free Shipping

I don't think they contain asbestos anymore, Nissan pulled away from asbestos about 10 years ago. but just so u know asbestos isn't like other carcinogenic materials which may cause cancer. Even coming in contact with it once (in airborne form) is enought to kill you 5-15 years later. The only thing more certain to kill you is a bullet! My 2 cents. On the topic test pipes for sure. Keep all stock parts. We don't have sniffer testing in Aus but I still keep everything just in case.

i like the idea... i am all for cheap upgrades!! but i would need dynoed results of before and after, before i would do it.

FYI - Asbestos particles inhaled will slice the heck out of your bronchial alveoila...and the damage is irreversible...and this is what leads to mesothelioma. So I wouldn't take asbestos so lightly as it only takes a single inhalation of any amount to get the ball rolling.

I would thin a gutted cat would have about the same gains as a test pipe or atleast a HFC. And even if you live in an area where you dont have smog tests, at some point that may change and then you would have to buy a very expensive part to fix that, and if you want to sell your car or trade it in, the volume will tell them that there is some modification and they may not want that and you wont be able to take it back to stock. So I would just buy some test pipes from who ever is cheapest, prolly ERZ, and go with them.

well, why cant you wear a mask??? just and idea and also if youe worried about not having a set to reinstall, then i bet there is atleast 10 people on this forum that would sell there stock cats for very very cheap. or buy a set from someone else and save your originals. actually i am going to do this...

OP, while you are at it, maybe you can do this mod too:
350Z factory muffler MOD - MY350Z.COM Forums

In addition to a mask you better be wearing goggles with side shields as well. If the micro-glass gets in your eyes it will cut the hell out of your eyeball as well.

And the face mask must be specifically made for keeping out asbestos as a cheap paint mask will not work to keep the glass powder all out.

He can just close his eyes and not breath while he does it. But then he will have gutted cats and he will get gutted in the process too. Then they will both be ....!