Catalytic Converter

[dantye]

I have been looking underneath my car and I saw these hangers that look to be part of the exhaust system at one point, but aren't really "in line" with where the exhaust is routed. Are they for a catalytic converter that is long since gone?

I believe the only way that set-up could be stock is if the car was originally built in Torino for export to a country other than the U.S. It seems the center pipe routing shown in the photo might increase fire hazard should there be a leak of fuel or oil. but others here would be better qualified to advise on changing it, and photos of the other sections of the exhaust system would probably help.

[DocGraphics]

My car is a 78 like blurple's with the exhaust running down the center & no cat, even says in the drivers door jam "non catalytic"
My understanding is that the cali cars had the cat to meet their emissions & the non cal cars did not. right???

[dantye]

My car is a 78 like blurple's with the exhaust running down the center & no cat, even says in the drivers door jam "non catalytic"
My understanding is that the cali cars had the cat to meet their emissions & the non cal cars did not. right???

According to the International Platinum Assoc.: "... since 1981 all cars and light duty trucks sold in the US have included catalytic converters as standard equipment." and according to Wikipedia: "The first widespread introduction of catalytic converters was in the United States market, where 1975 model year automobiles were so equipped to comply with tightening U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations on automobile exhaust emissions."
Apparently the legal requirements were "in considerable flux" between 1975 and 1981. If Fiat installed the brackets on ALL U.S. cars from '75 on, it is perhaps an indication that a high % of them went to California.
So it looks like you guys are just fine, unless you have an insatiable urge to hug a tree! (Or want to license your car in California.)

[blurple124]

Well, it turns out my car is stock. In looking through the shop manual for the 124, it turns out that between the years 1975 and 1978, FIAT had engine codes containing either a .040. or a .031. (ending in 5 for '75 and '76 and ending in 6 for '77 and '78). The .040. code meant the car was not equipped with a catalytic converter, which given my VIN plate:
'

I would have to say has been the case all along. So I guess you are right, the hangers under my car are for cars with a .031. on their engine ID code.