I have a 1997 chevy k1500 and i was wondering if it would run if i gutted the catalytic converter or took it completley off?

Might have the exahust checked for blockage. If the catalytic converter is plugged up it won't let exhaust flow and can cause the issue you are describing

Catalytic converter will do that especially under load. Cat may be going out.

converter catalytic
you can do a back pressure test with special tool or
disconnect exhaust system at manifold and try to see if power is coming back
meaning the converter catalytic is block or restriction to exhaust system

Does it rev up in neutral ? Does it downshift when you come to a hill ?
Is the check engine light on ?

gutting the cat converters was not a smart thing to do
the ECM needs feed back from the sensors to regulate the air/fuel mixture and now you expect it to do the job with half the sensors removed
like trying to brush your teeth with no hands
replace the cat converters with new ones then run the fault codes to really find the problem area

The plug is on the bottom of the cat which is located after the manifold on a stock chevy...open it and blow the metal out of the cat and then put the plug back on. Looks like you have a catalytic converter but now you will not! Thats ok because your vehical will run better because it can breath and it will increase your mpg. ....gearhead 91 k1500

• Drivers side "Downstrem" which is past the Catalytic Converter on the exhaust. Sometimes this code can be thrown by a bad catalytic converter as well. So if you replace that sensor then keep the old one until you confirm that the replacement took care of the code. That way if it does end up being the CAT you will have a spare O2 sensor.

• Hope this helps and thank you for using FixYa.

Regards, Tony

could be fuel injectors flooding cilinder fuelregulator not working right there is new up gradeinjector system

hi your code says u have got a bad catalytic converter

check for tune up
check for vacuum leak

distributor cap worn plugs worn