Cat failure, need advice. CA emissions.

[Morritse]

https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-0/p480x480/33178177_1822152631140107_6248831554848555008_n.pn g?_nc_cat=0&_nc_ad=z-m&_nc_cid=0&oh=6df50a2a7946e2671c8ed9480e27eff9&oe=5BC2C418



As you can see, my bank 1 cat is completely done. Went dual pulley e40 about 1000 miles ago, and this has already happened, I think in part due to the tune being way too rich. Anyways, I see so many of these threads where the same thing happens, but no one has given a good solution. What the hell am I supposed to do? No high flow cats exist that won't melt, I'm not going to get OEM cats for this to happen again, and I have no idea how I can go test pipe while still passing CA emissions. Not to mention the cost for changing the cats is monumental, and I can't really afford it. What do you all recommend? Ideally, I'd like my cats to shit themselves out, and replace my downpipes with ones that have cats further down the line, but I am not sure if I can count on this happening. I am also past 80k miles, so warranty is off the table. I need advice.

****EDIT****


After exploring my options, I settled on a solution. I purchased a pair of stock cats (used on here) for relatively cheap. Going to gut those. Found a local shop that has done this a bunch of times and they're going to install them for $875. Much cheaper than the $2500+ quotes I was getting from everywhere else.

As far as emissions go, well I should have no problem with visual. For readiness, I'll pick up some O2 sensors or a spoofer, thankfully I still have ~18 months before I have to deal with that. Thanks for the help all!

[wangshuo1989]

Which tune are you running? From the forum looks like you can either go JHM's catted down pipe, magnaflow cat or tampa autosport HFC. Good luck.

[theweebabyseamus]

If mine fail I intend to gut the stock cats and place cats in the location of the OEM baby resonators.

[Morritse]

Which tune are you running? From the forum looks like you can either go JHM's catted down pipe, magnaflow cat or tampa autosport HFC. Good luck.

Tampa autosport doesn't make the HFC anymore, I contacted them. Did JHM fix the issues with the O2 sensor? Also, will it make my car obnoxiously ricey since I already have a resonator delete?

[redlinerex]

I don't think there are any CARB legal aftermarket options. Aren't the cats covered up to 100k miles by Audi? May be worth bringing the car back to stock and hopefully the dealer replaces them for free.

The catch is that OEM replacement units will probably fail again.

Good luck!

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[LINDW4LL]

Since aftermarket options won't (shouldn't) pass visual in CA, the attractive solution would be to gut the factory cats.

Then the issue becomes whether or not the current offerings from major tuners retain readiness while coding out the catalyst efficiency faults- I haven't kept up on this. Otherwise you'd be left having to use rear o2 spacers, which I assume would fail visual. Both of these concerns obviously apply to aftermarket HFCs or test pipes as well.

[blinx9900]

I did this a long time ago:

Step 1. Gut your factory cats but leave them in place, this way you pass visual.

Step 2. Remember modifying anything past the cat (catback) is none of their fucking business.

Step 3. Keeping step 2 mind build yourself a custom midpipe that contains the biggest cat you can find (or multiple) new non CA universal cats can be had for $50 a piece, get 2 if u must. Did i say non CA? Yes! Because fuck them your oem cats are in place, what you mod past that is none of their business, tell them they’re resonators if you must.

Step 4. Swap in that catted mid-pipe every 2 years for smog, use your normal one every other day of the year.

That’s the cheapest solution outside of shady smog.

[JD S4]

I did this a long time ago:

Step 1. Gut your factory cats but leave them in place, this way you pass visual.

Step 2. Remember modifying anything past the cat (catback) is none of their fucking business.

Step 3. Keeping step 2 mind build yourself a custom midpipe that contains the biggest cat you can find (or multiple) new non CA universal cats can be had for $50 a piece, get 2 if u must. Did i say non CA? Yes! Because fuck them your oem cats are in place, what you mod past that is none of their business, tell them they’re resonators if you must.

Step 4. Swap in that catted mid-pipe every 2 years for smog, use your normal one every other day of the year.

That’s the cheapest solution outside of shady smog.

Interesting. Smart idea - probably one that works when it works and doesn’t when it doesn’t. I like it.


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[dlo93]

How many miles have people gone successfully without blowing cats on a dual pulley setup?

[hilmar2k]

How about not running without cats and not screwing the environment? That's probably too much to ask around here, though.....

[JJI]

How many miles have people gone successfully without blowing cats on a dual pulley setup?

I thought cats where only an issue if you had an ultra charger not just DP setup


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[nick0188]

There is not a sniffer test in CA anymore right? Gut the stock cats and add a vibrant spacer, done.

[blinx9900]

Interesting. Smart idea - probably one that works when it works and doesn’t when it doesn’t. I like it.


Sent from my [emoji390]

It is indeed a bit of a gamble.


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[Morritse]

I don't think there are any CARB legal aftermarket options. Aren't the cats covered up to 100k miles by Audi? May be worth bringing the car back to stock and hopefully the dealer replaces them for free.

The catch is that OEM replacement units will probably fail again.

Good luck!

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where did you see the 100k figure? Everything i've seen says 80k/8 years

[Morritse]

I thought cats where only an issue if you had an ultra charger not just DP setup


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cats have melted on stock cars. Anything that raises EGT's will accelerate cat failure. Ironically, UC is one of the only performance upgrades that doesn't do this.

- - - Updated - - -


There is not a sniffer test in CA anymore right? Gut the stock cats and add a vibrant spacer, done.

I would assume that a long bendy O2 sensor wouldn't pass visual?

[Morritse]

How many miles have people gone successfully without blowing cats on a dual pulley setup?

It's extremely random. I melted mine literally 1k miles after DP tune. Some people have gone 40k miles and are still fine.

[Morritse]

I did this a long time ago:

Step 1. Gut your factory cats but leave them in place, this way you pass visual.

Step 2. Remember modifying anything past the cat (catback) is none of their fucking business.

Step 3. Keeping step 2 mind build yourself a custom midpipe that contains the biggest cat you can find (or multiple) new non CA universal cats can be had for $50 a piece, get 2 if u must. Did i say non CA? Yes! Because fuck them your oem cats are in place, what you mod past that is none of their business, tell them they’re resonators if you must.

Step 4. Swap in that catted mid-pipe every 2 years for smog, use your normal one every other day of the year.

That’s the cheapest solution outside of shady smog.

I am planning to gut my stock cats. With this setup, is the O2 readiness the only thing I'd fail? In that case, I could get an O2 spoofer.

[LINDW4LL]

How about not running without cats and not screwing the environment? That's probably too much to ask around here, though.....
Agree with the premise of this, especially give the minimal power gain on this platform from going catless. However, there don't seem to be any reliable HFC replacement options for the 3.0T which is unfortunate and leaves few options.


edit: I take that back... Supersprint uses high-end HJS catalysts, but they are $4k... [o_o]

https://c1552172.ssl.cf0.rackcdn.com/987136_x800.jpg

[redlinerex]

where did you see the 100k figure? Everything i've seen says 80k/8 years
I remember reading that somewhere on a forum (maybe not even AZ) so it was inaccurate. I just looked it up, you are correct with the 80k/8yr warranty. My apologies for the misinformation.

[GandalfTheIbis]

I am planning to gut my stock cats. With this setup, is the O2 readiness the only thing I'd fail? In that case, I could get an O2 spoofer.

I will echo this. I have seen people say 40k. I installed tampa high flow cats and toasted them in under 1000 miles on a 189/57 combo with a modified air intake, ported exhaust manifold, and an AMS cooling kit. I've been in contact with Tampa Autosports. They seem as though they're going to be helpful although the situation is not yet resolved.

I'd be wary of going past stage 2 if you need to pass a sniffer test. I don't know of any real solutions to handle the EGT's these cars pump out anymore.

[hilmar2k]

Agree with the premise of this, especially give the minimal power gain on this platform from going catless. However, there don't seem to be any reliable HFC replacement options for the 3.0T which is unfortunate and leaves few options.


edit: I take that back... Supersprint uses high-end HJS catalysts, but they are $4k... [o_o]



That's the cost of doing business.... You want to mod, be prepared to pay for it.

[Bartlett]

I will echo this. I have seen people say 40k. I installed tampa high flow cats and toasted them in under 1000 miles on a 189/57 combo with a modified air intake, ported exhaust manifold, and an AMS cooling kit. I've been in contact with Tampa Autosports. They seem as though they're going to be helpful although the situation is not yet resolved.

I'd be wary of going past stage 2 if you need to pass a sniffer test. I don't know of any real solutions to handle the EGT's these cars pump out anymore.

What are your EGTs reading? I'm simply Stage 1 and on my way to work today I hit 1855!?!

[GandalfTheIbis]

They weren't being logged in my normal parameters. I'm afraid I don't know. HFC's are being gutted and reinstalled as I type. I'll have a clue in maybe a week or so of what EGTs look like with no catalyst material. I wanted to run high flow cats, but this is the solution I have for now.

[Bartlett]

It's extremely random. I melted mine literally 1k miles after DP tune. Some people have gone 40k miles and are still fine.

If it's random, then to me it'd point towards a manufacturing issue.

If we know the main variables behind cat failure, we can probably identify trends among those that have failed cats.


They weren't being logged in my normal parameters. I'm afraid I don't know. HFC's are being gutted and reinstalled as I type. I'll have a clue in maybe a week or so of what EGTs look like with no catalyst material. I wanted to run high flow cats, but this is the solution I have for now.

I see. How much is the labor costing you?

[Morritse]

If it's random, then to me it'd point towards a manufacturing issue.

If we know the main variables behind cat failure, we can probably identify trends among those that have failed cats.

Well, it's not random, but there are so many variables that it may as well be. Specific tune, driving style, cooling. physical location (weather). I haven't been able to associate any specific variables with cat longevity based on the (many) forum posts I've read.

[GandalfTheIbis]

Labor is going to be about $850 out of my pocket.

And agreed. There are a lot of possible contributing factors to cat failure. It really does make it hard to narrow it down to any particular cause of failure. My car was dumping fuel. That’s all I can say I know... and I’m not sure if that was a cause of cat failure or a result of the cats damaging my secondary O2 sensors.

I’m just confused. Why me, ya know? I thought I was going to the shop to spend about $400, and it’s looking more like $1500 with the added expense of new O2 sensors, completely removing my exhaust and HFC’s, clearing them out, and reinstalling.


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[Morritse]

Labor is going to be about $850 out of my pocket.

And agreed. There are a lot of possible contributing factors to cat failure. It really does make it hard to narrow it down to any particular cause of failure. My car was dumping fuel. That’s all I can say I know... and I’m not sure if that was a cause of cat failure or a result of the cats damaging my secondary O2 sensors.

I’m just confused. Why me, ya know? I thought I was going to the shop to spend about $400, and it’s looking more like $1500 with the added expense of new O2 sensors, completely removing my exhaust and HFC’s, clearing them out, and reinstalling.


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I think mine failed so quickly because my tune was messed up. A/F rations were 9 at WOT. NINE. however, I doubt I'm going to have any luck with the tuner helping me out financially

[maty360414]

I think mine failed so quickly because my tune was messed up. A/F rations were 9 at WOT. NINE. however, I doubt I'm going to have any luck with the tuner helping me out financially

EPL runs lean so it will keep the cats in good shape. what tune do you have?

[Morritse]

I'd rather not say as to not piss them off.
Lean also increases the EGTs, so double edged sword :(

[Bartlett]

I think mine failed so quickly because my tune was messed up. A/F rations were 9 at WOT. NINE. however, I doubt I'm going to have any luck with the tuner helping me out financially


Labor is going to be about $850 out of my pocket.

And agreed. There are a lot of possible contributing factors to cat failure. It really does make it hard to narrow it down to any particular cause of failure. My car was dumping fuel. That’s all I can say I know... and I’m not sure if that was a cause of cat failure or a result of the cats damaging my secondary O2 sensors.

I’m just confused. Why me, ya know? I thought I was going to the shop to spend about $400, and it’s looking more like $1500 with the added expense of new O2 sensors, completely removing my exhaust and HFC’s, clearing them out, and reinstalling.


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Dang, that's an expensive bill of labor. I was thinking of doing stuff to my cats proactively, but I don't want to pay $600-$1000 to get the work done.

Hopefully the work you're doing ends there.


I'd rather not say as to not piss them off.
Lean also increases the EGTs, so double edged sword :(

Yeah, I suppose it's all about finding a balance then.

[sirsycott]

i'm 30k miles into DP giac

90k miles total

no failures of teh cats and i live in CA


it's 60% random and 20 % luck and 20% driving habbits

running purely 91 in socal ,


you're best bet is to gut cats , and when it's time to do the sniffer, add a little more than usual e85 as i heard, it reads better on the sniffer


In Cali , you're allowed to have up to 2 readiness alerts fail and still pass

i've heard from different sources that you don't even get sniffed in CA with a awd car but i could be wrong i'm not a smog expert by anymeans


good luck i'll be monitoring this thread as i'm due for mine in july and i'll probably pass with no worries since all my stuff is still intact

[Morritse]

i'm 30k miles into DP giac

90k miles total

no failures of teh cats and i live in CA


it's 60% random and 20 % luck and 20% driving habbits

running purely 91 in socal ,


you're best bet is to gut cats , and when it's time to do the sniffer, add a little more than usual e85 as i heard, it reads better on the sniffer


In Cali , you're allowed to have up to 2 readiness alerts fail and still pass

i've heard from different sources that you don't even get sniffed in CA with a awd car but i could be wrong i'm not a smog expert by anymeans


good luck i'll be monitoring this thread as i'm due for mine in july and i'll probably pass with no worries since all my stuff is still intact

You seemed to be misinformed about emissions testing in CA. there is no sniffer test, you have to pas all OBD readiness codes except EGR.

[VNA4]

I'd rather not say as to not piss them off.
Lean also increases the EGTs, so double edged sword :(

Well tell us, you could avoid few of us running trough the same issue...
Those that have the same tuner, could give them heads up and possibly correct the file before shit hits the fan...


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[sirsycott]

You seemed to be misinformed about emissions testing in CA. there is no sniffer test, you have to pas all OBD readiness codes except EGR.

Your smog technician is correct, except that the new "all monitors complete" requirement does not go into effect until May 4th, 2015.

On that date, the Bureau of Automotive Repairs plans to reduce the number of allowable incomplete OBD II readiness monitors for both the new BAR-OIS (for 2000 & newer vehicles) and the BAR-97 (1999 & older) smog inspections systems. The new criteria is as follows:

Gasoline vehicles:

- 1996-1999 model year vehicles will be allowed one incomplete readiness/emission monitor

- 2000 and newer model year vehicles will need all emission monitors in READY or COMPLETE status, with the exception of the EVAP monitor. AN incomplete evaporative monitor will not cause a smog check failure. It will be the only monitor allowed to be incomplete on a 2000 & newer vehicle.





going off my best guess .....
my Stage 3 mkv gti seemed to differ from the facts ... it failed for 2 readiness checks at the time of my smog check last year and it still passed and currently registered still

One readiness read incomplete for AC
one also for incomplete for Catalytic converter (i still ran HFC on this car regardless)

APR tune hides the CEL , but readiness stays incomplete

i'm referencing the readiness readouts in this screenshot below

different car, but it did pass with 2 readiness codes being incomplete
it was put on a sniffer , and my NOX was right inside the outter range of being just shy of passing



of course your car is not a GTI , and i could be wrong but that is personal experience that may be of use for you as you are concerned about passing emissions

hopefully it helps , but if it adds confusion hahah yeah




http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/beta/912-screens/Readiness-912.png

[infinkc]

You seemed to be misinformed about emissions testing in CA. there is no sniffer test, you have to pas all OBD readiness codes except EGR.

Yea current "star" testing you can only have evap not ready now. all other sensors must be ready or you fail.

No sniffer anymore on 2001+

So does your car have a check engine now cause of the cats?

There is a tune out there that i know of that disables the cats and will pass readiness, but you already have a tune, so you would have to switch. Depending on where you get smogged, they may catch the spacers. You are pretty much forced to switch tunes or find a hot smog place.

[RWD2quattro]

I'd rather not say as to not piss them off.
Lean also increases the EGTs, so double edged sword :(

Who cares, at least you bring awareness to others and that way you keep them honest on their tuning fck ups...

[tar]

Never had to sniffer. Usually just umm go with the "easiest" option. Usually 300ish

[Morritse]

Well tell us, you could avoid few of us running trough the same issue...
Those that have the same tuner, could give them heads up and possibly correct the file before shit hits the fan...


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they've since corrected the issue, after i brought it up with them.

[Morritse]

Yea current "star" testing you can only have evap not ready now. all other sensors must be ready or you fail.

No sniffer anymore on 2001+

So does your car have a check engine now cause of the cats?

There is a tune out there that i know of that disables the cats and will pass readiness, but you already have a tune, so you would have to switch. Depending on where you get smogged, they may catch the spacers. You are pretty much forced to switch tunes or find a hot smog place.

I don't have any codes. Whether that's due to the tune or if my cat is still maintaining efficiency I am not sure.

[infinkc]

I don't have any codes. Whether that's due to the tune or if my cat is still maintaining efficiency I am not sure.

Well if you have to smog the car, do it now. If not I’d wait till it throws a code to do anything, it may never.

[onlyaudis]

"In Cali , you're allowed to have up to 2 readiness alerts fail and still pass" --- this is not true anymore. they changed that a couple of years ago, and all have to pass all readiness. CARB caught on to performance software that wrote out errors by making a not ready appear.
gutting the cats with spoofers, and placing custom "cat resonators" down stream may not be that bad of an option for people who are running higher boost pulley set ups. Walker makes some really good universal ones called "Ultras" that i have used. I'd have probably done that 5 years ago, as my tolerance for dealing with smog issues was higher back then. Now i will stay with stage one and hope my cats hold up for a long time.

need to have them ship it to a non CA address.

something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Walker-93232-Universal-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B008QEXEZK/ref=sr_1_4?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1527111986&sr=1-4&keywords=walker+ultra+catalytic+converter+universa l

[Jv218]

Has anyone here installed the new jhm catted x pipe?


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[jwye120]

That's the cost of doing business.... You want to mod, be prepared to pay for it.

Or do more research. There’s a sucker born every minute though. I guess accepting the most expensive option being a “cost of business” eases the blow of getting ripped off if you have more money than brains.


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[hilmar2k]

Or do more research. There’s a sucker born every minute though. I guess accepting the most expensive option being a “cost of business” eases the blow of getting ripped off if you have more money than brains.


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I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't care what option you go with, or how much it costs, but I am not okay with people going catless. If the only option is the one posted (not by me) for $4000, then that is what it is. If there is a cheaper option, then by all means, go for it. But gutting your cat because you want to mod and are too cheap to fix the melted cat is unacceptable. But again, I don't expect much support on that in this forum.

[Morritse]

I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't care what option you go with, or how much it costs, but I am not okay with people going catless. If the only option is the one posted (not by me) for $4000, then that is what it is. If there is a cheaper option, then by all means, go for it. But gutting your cat because you want to mod and are too cheap to fix the melted cat is unacceptable. But again, I don't expect much support on that in this forum.

I'd bet that our cars would run relatively clean even with the pre cats removed, remember, there are still 2 cats further down the exhaust system. Either way, given the choice, of course I don't want to go catless. But there's no way in hell I'm going to shell out an extra 3 grand to cooperate with CA's arbitrary, useless rules about not being able to modify stock cats AT ALL. If you care about CA laws this much, you can paypal me $3k, and I'll put in stock cats.

[GandalfTheIbis]

I'd bet that our cars would run relatively clean even with the pre cats removed, remember, there are still 2 cats further down the exhaust system. Either way, given the choice, of course I don't want to go catless. But there's no way in hell I'm going to shell out an extra 3 grand to cooperate with CA's arbitrary, useless rules about not being able to modify stock cats AT ALL. If you care about CA laws this much, you can paypal me $3k, and I'll put in stock cats.

Not that I have a horse in this race, but are you talking about a modified system with cats later in the exhaust? Because on the stock setup we only have one pair.


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[Morritse]

Not that I have a horse in this race, but are you talking about a modified system with cats later in the exhaust? Because on the stock setup we only have one pair.


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yea! my plan is to gut my stock cats and place some aftermarket cats in the midpipe.

[GandalfTheIbis]

yea! my plan is to gut my stock cats and place some aftermarket cats in the midpipe.

Then you’re not even the type that ol’ hilmar2k is going after here. No care.


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[Morritse]

Then you’re not even the type that ol’ hilmar2k is going after here. No care.


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If he seriously thinks spending $3,000 for the emissions benefit alone is worth it, he should plant $100 worth of trees, that would more than offset going catless XD

[hilmar2k]

Then you’re not even the type that ol’ hilmar2k is going after here. No care.


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Correct. My issue is catless.

[Chuckster]

Cats cannot be replaced unless they are defective. Seems like your scenario applies here. Technically, if an illegal tune caused it, the tune would need to go away and you’d have replace the defective cats with new oem units. $$$

Let’s say they failed from uncontrollable circumstances, both the number of cats and the location(s) cannot be changed. So gutting the stock ones and adding ones further downstream is not legal. You can probably get away with the visual though since gutted cats look oem as long as the tune keeps the sensors working. The test is just a plug in as mentioned earlier, and your cold start and 15mph emissions would increase moving cats further from the engine, but the normal visual & plug in smog check wouldn’t pick this up.

[RWD2quattro]

^^Lol, careful internet police.. I guess I'm all fckd up for running catless [rolleyes]
To each's own.

[Corradobrit]

I'd bet that our cars would run relatively clean even with the pre cats removed, remember, there are still 2 cats further down the exhaust system. Either way, given the choice, of course I don't want to go catless. But there's no way in hell I'm going to shell out an extra 3 grand to cooperate with CA's arbitrary, useless rules about not being able to modify stock cats AT ALL. If you care about CA laws this much, you can paypal me $3k, and I'll put in stock cats.

There are no precats. Just the pair that come off the exhaust manifolds, one for each bank.

[Senseless]

CA has no sniffer test? That's weird for a state that labels nearly everything as a carcinogen.

[onlyaudis]

CA has no sniffer test? That's weird for a state that labels nearly everything as a carcinogen.

they sniff cars that are from 1976 to I think 1999. anything newer, they rely on the ecu rediness tests and visual inspection.

[ModItNow]

Has anyone here installed the new jhm catted x pipe?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkI'm really curious about them too, I might give them a call to get some details. Wondering if you can pass readiness

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[Morritse]

I'm really curious about them too, I might give them a call to get some details. Wondering if you can pass readiness

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I doubt it. There's no bung for oxygen sensors, so I don't quite understand the point of having cats at all.

[ModItNow]

I doubt it. There's no bung for oxygen sensors, so I don't quite understand the point of having cats at all.That's too bad. I guess I was thinking you could move the sensors but I guess I'm dreaming lol

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[GandalfTheIbis]

You could move the O2 sensors, but extending the wires that much would require a mathematician and some trial and error.


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[RWD2quattro]

That's too bad. I guess I was thinking you could move the sensors but I guess I'm dreaming lol

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Fellas, that's an easy fix to weld O2 bungs behind cats, any muffler shop can do that. Maybe jhm can build/sell an extended harness, my headers came with them and the shop welded O2 bungs behind AWE resonators and Walla.
Use the search button for jones2012 or Richie for pictures.

[infinkc]

Problem will then be, there are no aftermarket cats that you can find that will be CA compliant if you put them downstream for the s4. So you still will fail visual if they see them.

[AUDacIouS4]

OP: if your main concern is passing visual, then just hit up a smog express station during a super busy time. I just smogged mine and I have exhaust and wheels etc, definitely not stock. The tech did not even bother looking anywhere, just popped the hood, hooked up the cable and 10 minutes later I was outta there. I brought my Cayman in the next day and same thing. I think it can be hit or miss with some smog stations. A friend of mine brought his B6 A4 in a few weeks ago to some place and the guy wouldn't pass visual because he had removed the engine cover?? Obviously that doesn't fail anyone but the guy was really anal and stupid.

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[Morritse]

I think it can be hit or miss with some smog stations.

Yea, not willing to take chances.

[RWD2quattro]

The main issue is that even if you buy a CARB certified universal cat you will fail, now they have direct fit with EO#. Other than that good luck passing, it’s all about the CARB $$. What I find funny is that the direct fit uses same CARB EO approved universal cats but now it’s vehc specific [down]. I’m tired of this state, 3 more years...
http://http://www.hottexhaust.com/california-direct-fit-catalytic-converter/?sort=featured&page=2 (http://www.hottexhaust.com/california-direct-fit-catalytic-converter/?sort=featured&page=2)

[Chuckster]

^^Lol, careful internet police.. I guess I'm all fckd up for running catless [rolleyes]
To each's own.

You respond to the right post? I just commented on what the smog shops are supposed to look for. Cool story though.

[Morritse]

You respond to the right post? I just commented on what the smog shops are supposed to look for. Cool story though.

pretty sure he was responding to hilmar

[hgparrish]

What about these cats as an option ? Looks like they are rated up to 2800f



https://youtu.be/56oLVgpwOAs


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[RWD2quattro]

pretty sure he was responding to hilmar

Thank you sir, maybe it wasn’t that obvious...

[Chuckster]

^^ [;)]

Vibrant GESi cats are good alternatives. Make the setup look oem under the hood, run effective aftermarket cats further downstream so no codes are triggered with the stock tune and everything checks out when the test station plugs in, and most can get by.

[hgparrish]

Yeah Im thinking I will drill out original cats and install the GESI cats in a more cost effective maintenance location.


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[theweebabyseamus]

I have no idea what you are talking about. I don't care what option you go with, or how much it costs, but I am not okay with people going catless. If the only option is the one posted (not by me) for $4000, then that is what it is. If there is a cheaper option, then by all means, go for it. But gutting your cat because you want to mod and are too cheap to fix the melted cat is unacceptable. But again, I don't expect much support on that in this forum.

You think our cars would meet the emissions requirements dual pulley or even stage 2 even with the cats?

[hilmar2k]

You think our cars would meet the emissions requirements dual pulley or even stage 2 even with the cats?

If it wouldn't, then you shouldn't do it. I'm all for modding, but I'm also for not polluting any more than we have to.

[Morritse]

If it wouldn't, then you shouldn't do it. I'm all for modding, but I'm also for not polluting any more than we have to.

You should sell you s4 and get a Prius.

[LINDW4LL]

You think our cars would meet the emissions requirements dual pulley or even stage 2 even with the cats?
I don't see why not. There are obviously tons of factory cars with significantly higher output than a dual pulley S4.

[GandalfTheIbis]

You should sell you s4 and get a Prius.

It's the environmentally responsible thing to do.

[Morritse]

It's the environmentally responsible thing to do.

He's established that he wouldn't go stage 2 if it effected emissions negative. So unless the difference in emissions between stock and stage 2 is larger than the difference between a stock s4 and a Prius, then his logic doesn't hold, and he's a hypocrite!

[theweebabyseamus]

I don't see why not. There are obviously tons of factory cars with significantly higher output than a dual pulley S4.

Right, running cats made or sourced appropriately for their car. They’re not running B8 S4 cats.

[hilmar2k]

He's established that he wouldn't go stage 2 if it effected emissions negative. So unless the difference in emissions between stock and stage 2 is larger than the difference between a stock s4 and a Prius, then his logic doesn't hold, and he's a hypocrite!

No, I said I wouldn't go stage 2 if it couldn't pass emissions. Do try to keep up.....

[Morritse]

"but I'm also for not polluting any more than we have to."

Implying you HAVE to drive a car with combustion engine?

[hilmar2k]

"but I'm also for not polluting any more than we have to."

Implying you HAVE to drive a car with combustion engine?

Look, if it helps you feel better to justify running cat-less, then, by all means, keep spinning.

It's incredibly irresponsible to run cat-less. And yes, in a perfect world, I'd drive a non ICE car. But even electric cars are far from clean. Until we get clean electricity, or fuel cell cars, the best we can do is not remove the damn cats from our cars.

[Morritse]

the best we can do is not remove the damn cats from our cars.

LOL.

[theweebabyseamus]

Look, if it helps you feel better to justify running cat-less, then, by all means, keep spinning.

It's incredibly irresponsible to run cat-less. And yes, in a perfect world, I'd drive a non ICE car. But even electric cars are far from clean. Until we get clean electricity, or fuel cell cars, the best we can do is not remove the damn cats from our cars.

I'm all for personal responsibility and I get what you're saying, but I'd be more concerned with all the old cars on the road today that are poorly maintained and generate substantially more emissions than our cars, even with gutted cats.

[KLX]

If it wouldn't, then you shouldn't do it. I'm all for modding, but I'm also for not polluting any more than we have to.Mine did earlier this year. For NC inspection. Stage 2 dual pullies..

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