First smog check and no 3rd cat.
11-22-2012, 03:14 PM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
First smog check and no 3rd cat.
Just an FYI, even though I got my car smogged when it was new with the cat removed before i gutted it and it passed just fine, it might make some people feel better to know it passed easily with no 3rd cat a few days ago. In fact it had zero hydrocarbons which is what the cats are primarily responsible for. NOx was a bit high and coupled with the nonexistent hydrocarbons and a slight occasional surge and an appetite for octane it's running lean but that's a different thread. So officially, no 3rd cat is not a problem for emissions but it won't really make more power either.
11-22-2012, 04:47 PM
#2
Safety Car
Does California do a visual inspection? I've always passed with my TL in Nevada with all three cats removed.
11-22-2012, 05:37 PM
#3
Suzuka Master
visual is a part of the inspection although I do not think the techs typically do that. My TL passed with high flow cats at all 3 locations. it passed with enough margin that I believe I can loose the 3rd cat with a new j-pipe and still pass the sniffer. If they do a visual and they know what to look for thats another story.
11-22-2012, 06:13 PM
#4
regarding J-pipes
11-22-2012, 10:30 PM
#5
I don't think it's much a mystery 3rd cat removal still allows passing.
Most of the work is done at the pcats, someone said the 3rd cat was only there to meet ULEV reqs.
I'd be more curious if the car would pass with PCD + 3rd cat.
Yes they do visual in Cali.
Most of the work is done at the pcats, someone said the 3rd cat was only there to meet ULEV reqs.
I'd be more curious if the car would pass with PCD + 3rd cat.
Yes they do visual in Cali.
11-22-2012, 11:21 PM
#6
Team Owner
Thread Starter
I've known all along that it will pass without a 3rd cat because as I stated I had a friend smog it with no 3rd cat 6 years ago before I made the decision to gut it. However, the question comes up from time to time whether or not it will pass so since this was its first "official" required smog check and it passed with flying colors it answers the question.
The 3rd cat is for ULEV status and is mostly used during the warmup process.
The TL has no chance in hell of passing CA emissions with no cats. Yes, we have a visual here which is why I gutted mine instead of using a straight pipe.
The 3rd cat is for ULEV status and is mostly used during the warmup process.
The TL has no chance in hell of passing CA emissions with no cats. Yes, we have a visual here which is why I gutted mine instead of using a straight pipe.
11-23-2012, 01:02 AM
#7
Moderator
iTrader: (7)
Visual is never a problem... Lol. Here in LA, everyone knows a shop that can look the other way for visual test.... Even without any cats.... Just pay a bit more... There are many people that can pass you 
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