Is this legal in Massachusetts? I have heard some people say that you car has to have 50,000 miles or you have documentation that you cat converter needs replacingment before its legal for you to have it one. Is this true? I don't want to have a hard time at the inspection stations.

 

I believe you are correct. Im not positive on the exact mileage. You can replace it after so many miles or if it somehow breaks.
I know someone who hit theirs with a hammer and told the mechanic he drove over something and bottomed out, and then he just replaced it with a hi-perf model. *dont try this at home*

 

MA unfortunately is subect to the same emissions standards as CA, which means all cars sold in MA, and all neighboring states who sell cars, have to be compliant with CA emissions laws. Under the federal regs and CARB regs no modification of the emissions system is permissible--period. Defective parts must be replaced with OEM or compatible parts.

Now that being said, if you replace the cat and it passes the emissions "sniffer test" then no one is really going to bother you. Technically, the law says you can't alter the system but the only real-world restriction is whether or not you can pass the bi-annual emissions test (which by the way has become a ridiculous 45-minute treadmill marathon test). It's a crap shoot. If you get one just make sure you can return it if it fails. Or get used to swaping out your cat every two years for a day or so....

Also, even if a manufacturer gives you a certificate claiming their product is 50-state emissions legal, if it fails on the treadmill test in MA it is not allowed.

 

do you guys think that a hi-flow cat would help in terms of performance since there is virtually minimal power increase with aftermarket exhausts?

Besides, I don't think any cop could tell an OEM cat with a performance cat by just looking at it.

 

I'd be willing to install one myself assuming that it will pass emissions.

More important, does anyone know if it affects O2 sensor and engine management?

ALso, when I check for a TL application for Random Technology cat, I can't find one?

 

random tech has an accord v6 model that i just ordered.
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