Noob exhaust question (sorry)

**TverRus69** · 12-22-2008 02:34 AM

Both of my cats (i have a 2.8) are living their last days and i want to take care of that over this winter break. I was originally going to buy the 60 dollar universal cats and have them welded in, but then thought about just getting test pipes instead. What are the advantages (besides the obvious less constriction) and disadvantages. I know the car won't pass smog, but *i know a guy* so thats not a problem. What about the O2 sensors that are in that cat? Won't they impact fuel/air mixture if i take out the cat? Or are they there just to report on the efficiency of the catalytic converter? Again, sorry for the dumbass noob question but i seriously couldn't find a disadvantage to running test pipes besides putting holes in the ozone (overrated IMHO - joke). Will the muffler go faster because of the unburnt fuel accumulating in it?

**speedydragon** · 12-22-2008 02:56 AM

You'll be running with the CEl on all the time, unless you do the diode mod. I don't think a tp would do much for a NA car.

**TverRus69** · 12-22-2008 03:22 AM

its not even a matter of doing much - im not expecting to be schooling S4s once i take the cats out. Just what is the point of spending 60 bucks per cat when i can just get a welder to weld in 2 pipes. Again, not really doing this to increase performance. What are the disadvantages?

**zrowcool** · 12-22-2008 06:04 AM

yeah you'll get a CEL. Need to do the diode mod on the rear 02's. Other than that, the only other disadvantage would be the sound but your car is quiet anyway. If you *know a guy* then i would do it. We already know how long i ran my car without any exhaust at all. LMAO

**Seerlah** · 12-22-2008 11:49 AM

Can't he just place in the anti foulers on the secondary 02 sensor bung? I don't know about the 2.8, but that is what I did to my 1.8 and have no CEL (when I did prior to the mod). And if you are a resident of NY, we don't have smog emisson tests like they conduct over in Cali. It is a simple visual test (first time I got my car registered they did not even do a visual) and OBD II scan. They check for emissions by the OBD II ports, and if you pass all engine readiness then you pass inspection (minus visual things such as headlights, license plate lights, horn, tire life, brakes, etc).

I think the OP would just have a CEL for CAT effeciency below threshold (P0420 I think it is) and he would not pass readiness for the Cat Converter.

**TverRus69** · 12-22-2008 01:16 PM

well they get the emissions reading from your tailpipe and if you dont have a cat, you wont pass - simple as that. Also you won't pass with a CEL. However, thats not a problem for me at all. My biggest question is about the muffler getting clogged/f-ed up due to all the unburnt fuel im dumping into it. If that is the case, i would rather get the cats, if not - f them. Also, Mike, why would it be louder?

**Seerlah** · 12-22-2008 01:48 PM

You are incorrect. Not starting a debate (internet debates suck major butt cheeks) Read the link http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/c-50.htm

There is a visual inspection just to see if you have your Cat Converters (among other visual inspections, as I already mentioned). But emissions is done by the OBD II port. I have a HFC and had the CEL for months before for Cat Effeciency Below Threshold. I placed the spark plug anti-fouler onto the secondary 02 sensor bung, CEL went away, and I passed inspection. There is no tool placed on the exhaust muffler. You can check if you will pass emissions via VAG com under engine readiness. If you pass all 10 via VAG com, then you will pass the NY state machine.

If they tested emissions the way you say it, then I would not pass (reason why so many CA residents have troubles when emissions time comes along). I want to go BAT later on, and it would in no way shape nor form be street legal and pass inspection if NY state did not operate the way it does.

As for your greater concern, I can not really answer that question. But there are many people whom run test pipes on thier cars with no issues. And if you are cautious of the visual part of the cats, then simply gut your current ones. And there is a vendor on this web site whom sells test pipes that look like stock cats.

**TverRus69** · 12-22-2008 03:57 PM

Yea im in NYC - this is from the dmv site seerlah gave. "In the NYMA only. A "High Enhanced" emissions inspection is required for most vehicles registered in this area of the state, unless they are subject to the statewide OBDII test or are exempt from all emissions inspections. This inspection is required for all vehicles less than 26 model years old (until, and including, model year 1995) that weigh 8,500 lbs. or less. In this test, the vehicle's exhaust is directly tested for the amount of hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen, and carbon monoxide pollutants. This inspection also includes a simulated driving condition test on a dynamometer." Thats why you need to *know a guy*. I wonder, can i just go to Westchester to avoid this or do i have to do it within city limits if the car is registered here?

**zrowcool** · 12-22-2008 07:10 PM

cats cause a bit of restriction, or in your case a lot of restriction lol. that helps deaden the sound and since u will take them out it will get louder. not by much but you will notice a difference. They also will get a bit stinky but yours are farther back since its a 2.8 so u shouldnt notice it from inside the car. either way call me up when u get back so we can chill