ObiJwonKnevl

I have an '04 TL that I am going to start modding mildly. I was looking at switching out the stock exhaust with either XLR8 or ATLP catback and J-Pipe. I know that the catback is legal but I am not sure about the J-Pipe.

Does anyone in California have experience with this setup and what I can get away with in Cali while staying smog legal?

TylerT

iTrader: (1)

Depends on which J-Pipe - some delete the 3rd cat and others don't.

Technically? If you delete any catalytic converter, you will not pass smog .. however most smog shops don't know our cars have a 3rd cat at the middle of the exhaust system.

As long as you have your 2 primary catalytic converters on your engine, your car will pass visual and emissions testing .. never had issues with smog on my 3G TL, CL-S6 or Accord 6MT.

jkopuffs

New law & regulations have been passed and are effective starting 2014.
Smog was one of them. Alot of shops are way more strict now... better to talk to a shop that you'll go to for smog

kingkong_dav

the atlp j pipe is legal, or xlr8 v1. the rest arent legal. the only bad thing about it is NO POWER

ObiJwonKnevl

I was looking at either the XLR8 or ATLP J-Pipe. I think they both delete the third cat.

What do you have? What do you like/dislike about the results?

ObiJwonKnevl

The guy that does my smog is the type to just get the car in and do the test and get it out. He's usually very busy with customers so he's not as thorough.

ObiJwonKnevl

The XLR8 V2 isnt legal? That's the one I was looking into mainly just because it was a match to the cat-back I am looking into. Why is the V2 not legal?

Im sure there has to be some kind of power increase. Its less restrictive air flow. Or is it just minimal and you cant "feel" it much on acceleration?

350

iTrader: (4)

Don't you guys need CARB numbers whether or not it affects emissions?

jkopuffs

If it has a carb # then it should be fine. Most places will fail you on visual the second they see aftermarket cats

ObiJwonKnevl

The guy that does my smog check doesnt look under my car. Pretty much just sticks the probe into the tailpipe and does his thing.

350

iTrader: (4)

If that's the case then you'll get stickers.

ObiJwonKnevl

Thats what Im hoping for

AcuraIntegTL

Obi1, I just got my SMOG test done last week with ATLP V2 j-pipe, still keeps 3rd cat, XLR8 dual cat back, and AEM CAI. I passed, but man they are really checking these days. The tech couldn't locate my '08 Acura TL on the list of cars for CARB sticker number on my CAI. I had to call AEM and ask for SMOG State board approval list. Then drive back to SMOG station with the print out before they would release approval to DMV. You can install what you want, but may need to install factory parts before your inspection, if your setup ends up being questionable with CA State SMOG standards. Good Luck and happy modding!

ObiJwonKnevl

I hope the guy I go to isnt going to get all anal about the new laws. I'm looking at doing a similar set-up as you. Is there a noticeable difference? More pull? Hows the gas mileage?

AcuraIntegTL

Yes, there is a noticeable difference with the jpipe and the catback exhaust system. The CAI may provide some benefit, but that's up for debate. However, it does add a nice note to the way the TL sounds during WOT. As for gas mileage, after I got over the need to hear my exhaust at every light, it still gets decent MPG. Especially hwy driving where there's no traffic.

ObiJwonKnevl

First thing... Thanks for all your input. I'm a noob in this world of 3G modding and your opinion and feedback is appreciated.

You say that the CAI is subject to debate as to power/performance increase. I have read on here about deleting the resonator on the intake and simply throwing a stock replacement K&N filter into the box. Supposedly you still get the "sound" and it should breathe better than stock. Have you heard about this or have any opinion on the subject. Obviously it would be much cheaper to go that route vs buying a CAI. I would have assumed that you would have gotten better mileage with your mods because of better and less restricting air flow.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

stick with the stock air filter.
the stock air filter out flows the throttle body at WOT.
remove the resonator, you'll get more sound while retaining stock filter.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

technically, you cannot remove the 3rd cat. however even with the jpipes that remove the 3rd cat, it will still pass the sniffer. as long as you dont go to a super strict smog shop that will crawl under your car to look for the 3rd cat, you will be fine.

ObiJwonKnevl

Yeah, I was mainly worried about it passing the sniffer, as you put it. The guy that does my smog doesn't look under my car. Or at least he hasn't in the ten years that I have been going to him.

paperboy42190

iTrader: (7)

then you'll pass. sometimes, even if they see it, they will turn a blind eye because its not that big of a deal since it still passes the sniffer

socal3

Just passed today with flying colors with my rv6 jpipe and aem intake

ObiJwonKnevl

That's great news. Do you also have a cat-back exhaust connected to your J-Pipe? Do you notice any performance upgrade with your set-up?

P1zzaman

iTrader: (1)

I really have no idea if my exhaust gave me any boost in HP, maybe a few

M'SDX

Any aftermarket item that isn't Factory, Or that doesn't have a C.A.R.B Reg # affixed to it. Is not Legal. But I'd go the,, Don't Ask, Don't tell Route. Never offer Information to anyone about anything.