The exhaust system of my 1987 Volvo 740 non-turbo fell out of the car today.
Do I need to replace my catalytic converter? Besides legal reasons, can my car run properly without a catalytic converter?

 

Yes, it can be done and will run fine. Against the law though.

 

Where are you located?

Some states dont have E-laws.

LIke Johny said you dont need a cat. A test pipe fine.

 

My area does not do emissions testing on cars my age.

 

Then Go for it. it is cheaper.

Just make sure you have a reesinator and a muffler, or it will get loud...that is if loudness bothers you.

 

My Volvo has the original exhaust, but my 1.0L 3 Cylinder Metro has been modified with a 2" upgrade, no cat, one resonator, and a stock muffler. The removal of the cat required me to put a resonator on it. I suggest a glasspack muffler to replace the cat with.