APR and emissions

[noob5]

Hi guys,

My B8.5 allroad is currently tuned with APR stage 1, and am about to go stage 2.
I know it is a bit of a process to pass emissions with stg 2, so I'm considering getting my emissions testing done early (while i'm still stg1) to get a full two years before i have to get tested again.
I've been searching, but most everything seems related to stg 2.
Do you know if our cars can pass emissions with a stg 1 tune in CT (OBD)?
Or do I need to flash back to stock?


UPDATE:
1) Went and got APR Stage 2 without program switching.
2) Tried to pass Connecticut emissions, but failed O2 sensor readiness (because APR tunes this out with stage 2 file).
3) Installed spacer and got multi-program switching.
4) Drove around in stock mode for around 40 miles of varying conditions (local / highway / coasting / light, medium, heavy load / etc).
5) Checked readiness with VCDS and passed.
6) Passed inspection.
7)

Lesson learned: Get the program switching right off the bat if you plan on Stage 2.

[A4x]

I believe if you get program switching, then you can simply switch to the stock mode. This will enable the 2nd O2 sensor post-cat. Youd have to drive like 50 miles to get a ready reading (can be checked with VCDS or others).

You would most likely need a spacer on the 02 sensor in order to not immediately get a CEL. As long as you can go a few hundred miles without a CEL using a spacer, you should be good to pass emissions, then switch back to stage 2 and have some fun.

At least this is my plan when I need to get tested end of next year. Somebody please chime in!

Before going stage 2, with my 034 HFC + roceuro spacer, I could go like 1000 miles between CELs.

[noob5]

Yeah, I plan on getting the program switching as well as O2 spacer, once i go stg2.
Also, I'd be able to force readiness via VCDS, right?

[pierreb]

You obtain readiness by driving a bit. I recommend a highway exit or two to have sustained speed above 50mph for long enough. You can verify you achieved readiness via vcds in the obd2 section.

[pierreb]

In any case none of this matters for stage 1 as your emissions system hasn't changed at all and all your o2 sensors are still on.

[noob5]

In any case none of this matters for stage 1 as your emissions system hasn't changed at all and all your o2 sensors are still on.

This is what I wanted to hear!
Thanks!!!

[elscotto80]

I'm in the same boat here in MD with stage II. My plan is to run it as is to the emissions station and see if it passes. I spoke with the shop that did the flash and they said you can try and if it doesn't work, come up and they can either flash back to stock or add the stock program (and of course pay for another program...). I am a little hopeful that it might work as is because my old MK4 Jetta with APR stage II passed twice without issue. We'll see.

[mr_milo]

Wouldn't worry about Stg 1. On my old B5 the Stg 1 APR tune actually improved my emissions results.

[BrewDude]

Yeah, I plan on getting the program switching as well as O2 spacer, once i go stg2.
Also, I'd be able to force readiness via VCDS, right?

You cannot force readiness on the B8.5 via VCDS.

Whenever you get flashed, you will need to switch to the "stock" programming to enable the secondary O2 sensors and drive around a bit to set readiness (made it easy for me since my drive to work is 60 miles round trip). You can check to see if readiness is set via VCDS but DO NOT scan for codes and clear any you may have, as this will reset the readiness and you have to drive around again.

Before I was flashed I ran OEM stock software on a HFC with O2 spacer with no issues. Once I flashed to APR and got the 4 programming options I just left the O2 spacer in the cat for smog purposes. Doesn't hurt to keep it in there anyway since stage 2 codes it out.

[noob5]

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies.
I went to get inspected today, and the emissions guy was all set to give me an early inspection, but he came back when he realized that the car was less than 4 years old.
He said that they "only do it by VIN until the car is 4 years old," and if i wanted an early inspection, the earliest he could do it was in Jan.
At this point, I'm just going to go ahead with stg2 and deal with emissions when it comes up.
Again, thanks for the input.

[noob5]

Bringing this back from the dead.
I went for Connecticut emissions inpsection with APR stage 2 this morning and failed readiness.

I'm planning to do "the program switching / using stock tune / O2 spacer / driving around to set readiness" method to see if I can pass in this state.

Will keep you updated.

[elscotto80]

Bringing this back from the dead.
I went for Connecticut emissions inpsection with APR stage 2 this morning and failed readiness.

I'm planning to do "the program switching / using stock tune / O2 spacer / driving around to set readiness" method to see if I can pass in this state.

Will keep you updated.

This worked for me in MD. There is no visual inspection. They only plug in to check readiness here.

Good luck, it should work for you.

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[hyperunion]

Bringing this back from the dead.
I went for Connecticut emissions inpsection with APR stage 2 this morning and failed readiness.

I'm planning to do "the program switching / using stock tune / O2 spacer / driving around to set readiness" method to see if I can pass in this state.

Will keep you updated.

I just did this last Friday , with my apr stg2 tune and version 2 apr hfc... But without the need of any spacers!!. My tuning shop switched to stock tune, then ran readiness and passed!.. it helps to have the tuning shop be able to do service and inspections...

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[Lazze]

I have a stg2 tune from another vendor with disabled secondary O2 sensor and there is no problem with readiness!? Why? How do they manage it?

[hyperunion]

I have a stg2 tune from another vendor with disabled secondary O2 sensor and there is no problem with readiness!? Why? How do they manage it?

That still will not pass states that check for o2 sensor readiness

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[Lazze]

That still will not pass states that check for o2 sensor readiness

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

Well, It says passed and ready on O2 sensor. What else are they looking for?

[noob5]

So just to follow up with this thread:

1) I got the APR program switching and spacer.
2) Switched to stock file
3) Drove around for just shy of 40 miles
4) Checked readiness codes and passed
5) Went for CT emissions inspections
6) PASSED
7) Enjoying Stage 2 again!!!

[AUDacIouS4]

I've talked to both APR and GIAC so this is straight from the horses mouth:

APR TRICKS the rear 02 sensor to see the voltages it wants to, it doesn't fully disable it. A spacer does nothing in that situation that the ECU isn't already told to do. GIAC on the other hand leaves it enabled (because the secondary 02 sensor is responsible for long term fuel trims) and spacers sometimes fool the ECU. There is ton of info on this here, at the end of the day spacers don't work.

[pierreb]

So just to follow up with this thread:

1) I got the APR program switching and spacer.
2) Switched to stock file
3) Drove around for just shy of 40 miles
4) Checked readiness codes and passed
5) Went for CT emissions inspections
6) PASSED
7) Enjoying Stage 2 again!!!

Same process for me in NH the last 3+ years. No issues.

[noob5]

I've talked to both APR and GIAC so this is straight from the horses mouth:

APR TRICKS the rear 02 sensor to see the voltages it wants to, it doesn't fully disable it. A spacer does nothing in that situation that the ECU isn't already told to do. GIAC on the other hand leaves it enabled (because the secondary 02 sensor is responsible for long term fuel trims) and spacers sometimes fool the ECU. There is ton of info on this here, at the end of the day spacers don't work.

Wait, I'm confused.
So you're saying the APR stock file with HFC doesn't require a spacer to pass OBD emissions testing?
Or are you stating that the spacer is a moot point with the Stage2 file?

[A4x]

I've talked to both APR and GIAC so this is straight from the horses mouth:

APR TRICKS the rear 02 sensor to see the voltages it wants to, it doesn't fully disable it. A spacer does nothing in that situation that the ECU isn't already told to do. GIAC on the other hand leaves it enabled (because the secondary 02 sensor is responsible for long term fuel trims) and spacers sometimes fool the ECU. There is ton of info on this here, at the end of the day spacers don't work.

Pretty sure it is the 1st O2 sensor that is used in fuel trims, and the 2nd is only used to measure cat efficiency.

Spacers do keep a CEL away for some period of time (can be a few hundred miles in my experience) while running a high flow cat. This is enough time to pass emissions.

[pierreb]

You need a spacer to pass obd2 based emissions. You can only pass emissions with readiness if you flip the apr program to stock.

[Tusktopia]

Hi guys,

My B8.5 allroad is currently tuned with APR stage 1, and am about to go stage 2.
I know it is a bit of a process to pass emissions with stg 2, so I'm considering getting my emissions testing done early (while i'm still stg1) to get a full two years before i have to get tested again.
I've been searching, but most everything seems related to stg 2.
Do you know if our cars can pass emissions with a stg 1 tune in CT (OBD)?
Or do I need to flash back to stock?


UPDATE:
1) Went and got APR Stage 2 without program switching.
2) Tried to pass Connecticut emissions, but failed O2 sensor readiness (because APR tunes this out with stage 2 file).
3) Installed spacer and got multi-program switching.
4) Drove around in stock mode for around 40 miles of varying conditions (local / highway / coasting / light, medium, heavy load / etc).
5) Checked readiness with VCDS and passed.
6) Passed inspection.
7)

Lesson learned: Get the program switching right off the bat if you plan on Stage 2.

Hey new member here, excellent post! I have a few thing I'd like to clarify as of today...

I just reinstalled my ECU after mailing it out to ECS Tuning for APR Stage 2.

I purchased the single program option for $539.00 (10%sale)

I live in New York state and we have OBD2 emissions testing, so after reading through this thread I began having buyers remorse! I needed to be able to pass inspection so I contacted ECS tuning fully expecting to have to purchase the more expensive $900 "fully loaded"option. luckily I got into contact with a knowledgeable customer service rep Erin. She was able confirm that the single program option DOES include a single additional program as long as you specify that on their APR tuning ECU request form. Erin emailed me a second form and was able expedite it to the tuner immediately (luckily before they'd done the tune). So my ECU, although without all the fancy additional program goodies does indeed have the ability to switch back and forth from 93 octane stage 2 and stock.

I'm sorry if you had to pay for the same tune twice. Hope this helps someone like me.

[freshwun]

Hi guys,

My B8.5 allroad is currently tuned with APR stage 1, and am about to go stage 2.
I know it is a bit of a process to pass emissions with stg 2, so I'm considering getting my emissions testing done early (while i'm still stg1) to get a full two years before i have to get tested again.
I've been searching, but most everything seems related to stg 2.
Do you know if our cars can pass emissions with a stg 1 tune in CT (OBD)?
Or do I need to flash back to stock?


UPDATE:
1) Went and got APR Stage 2 without program switching.
2) Tried to pass Connecticut emissions, but failed O2 sensor readiness (because APR tunes this out with stage 2 file).
3) Installed spacer and got multi-program switching.
4) Drove around in stock mode for around 40 miles of varying conditions (local / highway / coasting / light, medium, heavy load / etc).
5) Checked readiness with VCDS and passed.
6) Passed inspection.
7)

Lesson learned: Get the program switching right off the bat if you plan on Stage 2.

What spacer did you use? I also have a B8.5 APR Stage2 w/ HFC and need to pass inspections.

[Mr_Skull]

What spacer did you use? I also have a B8.5 APR Stage2 w/ HFC and need to pass inspections.

I used one of the cheap straight units from Amazon and got it to work after some issues... I got the IE downpipe installed and an accompanying APR stage 2 tune done at the same time. Drove it around with no CEL for a while, failed emissions, and then discovered this thread and a few others stating the B8.5 APR stage 2 acts different than the previous APR stage 2 tunes.
I purchased and installed the spacer and had the shop flash the stock tune and stage 2 tune with program switching. I drove the car around for about 2 days 50 or so miles and threw a CEL before I could get it tested for emission or verify readiness with VAGCOM. VCDS said it was a cat efficiency code. I then purchased the curved Vibrant O2 spacer with the snap ring and 3 different sized “inserts” and was unable to use it as it hit’s the firewall when attempting to screw the unit into the downpipe post high flow cat. I then started reading and discovered a lot of people having problems with all sorts of spacers. So I put the original spacer back in, hooked up my laptop and then fired up VCDS on the readiness screen after clearing all the codes. Within 10 miles of light throttled driving 7 of the 8 readiness had changed to the green “passed” with only the remaking Cataclytic Converter(s) still showing “Failed or Incomplete.” I drove around another 20 miles or so on the instersate with no change. I then took the exit for the emissions testing location. Stopped in a parking lot. Did an ignition cycle by turning car off, waiting for about 5 minutes, and turning car back on, and then headed back towards the interstate with VCDS running. I noticed right before I got to the interstate the final / 8th cat converter readiness changed to green. I immediately turned around, went to the emissions testing center, and a they scanned the car without turning it off and gave me a pass. After I left the testing center I switched back to my stage 2 tune. So apparently there may be a small window of opportunity which can be found if you can monitor readiness with VAGCOM or an OBD2 adapter and app.

[elscotto80]

I used one of the cheap straight units from Amazon and got it to work after some issues... I got the IE downpipe installed and an accompanying APR stage 2 tune done at the same time. Drove it around with no CEL for a while, failed emissions, and then discovered this thread and a few others stating the B8.5 APR stage 2 acts different than the previous APR stage 2 tunes.
I purchased and installed the spacer and had the shop flash the stock tune and stage 2 tune with program switching. I drove the car around for about 2 days 50 or so miles and threw a CEL before I could get it tested for emission or verify readiness with VAGCOM. VCDS said it was a cat efficiency code. I then purchased the curved Vibrant O2 spacer with the snap ring and 3 different sized “inserts” and was unable to use it as it hit’s the firewall when attempting to screw the unit into the downpipe post high flow cat. I then started reading and discovered a lot of people having problems with all sorts of spacers. So I put the original spacer back in, hooked up my laptop and then fired up VCDS on the readiness screen after clearing all the codes. Within 10 miles of light throttled driving 7 of the 8 readiness had changed to the green “passed” with only the remaking Cataclytic Converter(s) still showing “Failed or Incomplete.” I drove around another 20 miles or so on the instersate with no change. I then took the exit for the emissions testing location. Stopped in a parking lot. Did an ignition cycle by turning car off, waiting for about 5 minutes, and turning car back on, and then headed back towards the interstate with VCDS running. I noticed right before I got to the interstate the final / 8th cat converter readiness changed to green. I immediately turned around, went to the emissions testing center, and a they scanned the car without turning it off and gave me a pass. After I left the testing center I switched back to my stage 2 tune. So apparently there may be a small window of opportunity which can be found if you can monitor readiness with VAGCOM or an OBD2 adapter and app.

Nice work.

[flowhigh]

I used one of the cheap straight units from Amazon and got it to work after some issues... I got the IE downpipe installed and an accompanying APR stage 2 tune done at the same time. Drove it around with no CEL for a while, failed emissions, and then discovered this thread and a few others stating the B8.5 APR stage 2 acts different than the previous APR stage 2 tunes.
I purchased and installed the spacer and had the shop flash the stock tune and stage 2 tune with program switching. I drove the car around for about 2 days 50 or so miles and threw a CEL before I could get it tested for emission or verify readiness with VAGCOM. VCDS said it was a cat efficiency code. I then purchased the curved Vibrant O2 spacer with the snap ring and 3 different sized “inserts” and was unable to use it as it hit’s the firewall when attempting to screw the unit into the downpipe post high flow cat. I then started reading and discovered a lot of people having problems with all sorts of spacers. So I put the original spacer back in, hooked up my laptop and then fired up VCDS on the readiness screen after clearing all the codes. Within 10 miles of light throttled driving 7 of the 8 readiness had changed to the green “passed” with only the remaking Cataclytic Converter(s) still showing “Failed or Incomplete.” I drove around another 20 miles or so on the instersate with no change. I then took the exit for the emissions testing location. Stopped in a parking lot. Did an ignition cycle by turning car off, waiting for about 5 minutes, and turning car back on, and then headed back towards the interstate with VCDS running. I noticed right before I got to the interstate the final / 8th cat converter readiness changed to green. I immediately turned around, went to the emissions testing center, and a they scanned the car without turning it off and gave me a pass. After I left the testing center I switched back to my stage 2 tune. So apparently there may be a small window of opportunity which can be found if you can monitor readiness with VAGCOM or an OBD2 adapter and app.

Indentations and tabs please, but nice, you beat the system.

[vincent_nguyen2]

I had the same downpipes + emissions issue as all of you guys and I researched that the IE and 034 downpipes have a 200 cell catalyst while APR's is 300. Basically, the less the cell count , the more free flowing the downpipe is. What you have to check is if you get a P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) or P013e/P013f (Oxygen Sensor Delayed Response) which is basically the opposite code. For my APR downpipe, I tried the bigdaddiesgarage minicat and 42dd 90* angled spacer to no success, but found that the sweet spot for me was just the 1mm washer that was included with the bdg spacer.

TL;DR: Check the cell count of the downpipe and check the actual code thrown if you don't want to just keep testing your luck

[duttyone6]

Hey new member here, excellent post! I have a few thing I'd like to clarify as of today...

I just reinstalled my ECU after mailing it out to ECS Tuning for APR Stage 2.

I purchased the single program option for $539.00 (10%sale)

I live in New York state and we have OBD2 emissions testing, so after reading through this thread I began having buyers remorse! I needed to be able to pass inspection so I contacted ECS tuning fully expecting to have to purchase the more expensive $900 "fully loaded"option. luckily I got into contact with a knowledgeable customer service rep Erin. She was able confirm that the single program option DOES include a single additional program as long as you specify that on their APR tuning ECU request form. Erin emailed me a second form and was able expedite it to the tuner immediately (luckily before they'd done the tune). So my ECU, although without all the fancy additional program goodies does indeed have the ability to switch back and forth from 93 octane stage 2 and stock.

I'm sorry if you had to pay for the same tune twice. Hope this helps someone like me.

NY resident sitting on all the parts to make it happen, just inspected the car so it's time. You may have saved me, thank you

I had the same downpipes + emissions issue as all of you guys and I researched that the IE and 034 downpipes have a 200 cell catalyst while APR's is 300. Basically, the less the cell count , the more free flowing the downpipe is. What you have to check is if you get a P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) or P013e/P013f (Oxygen Sensor Delayed Response) which is basically the opposite code. For my APR downpipe, I tried the bigdaddiesgarage minicat and 42dd 90* angled spacer to no success, but found that the sweet spot for me was just the 1mm washer that was included with the bdg spacer.

TL;DR: Check the cell count of the downpipe and check the actual code thrown if you don't want to just keep testing your luck

Sent from my SM-G950U using Audizine mobile app

[Johnny23]

I had the same downpipes + emissions issue as all of you guys and I researched that the IE and 034 downpipes have a 200 cell catalyst while APR's is 300. Basically, the less the cell count , the more free flowing the downpipe is. What you have to check is if you get a P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold) or P013e/P013f (Oxygen Sensor Delayed Response) which is basically the opposite code. For my APR downpipe, I tried the bigdaddiesgarage minicat and 42dd 90* angled spacer to no success, but found that the sweet spot for me was just the 1mm washer that was included with the bdg spacer.

TL;DR: Check the cell count of the downpipe and check the actual code thrown if you don't want to just keep testing your luck

Bringing this thread back to life as I’m now looking into finding a fix of going back to stock on my b8.5 A4 for emissions as I’m due in a year but I rather figure out the fix ahead of time. When I switch to stock it throws the P0420 and putting a spacer throws P013f. Do I need to adjust the spacer (screw it in all they way/unscrew and have it face a certain way? Or use a different style as I’m using a urotuning one and could try the vibrant?)

[vincent_nguyen2]

Bringing this thread back to life as I’m now looking into finding a fix of going back to stock on my b8.5 A4 for emissions as I’m due in a year but I rather figure out the fix ahead of time. When I switch to stock it throws the P0420 and putting a spacer throws P013f. Do I need to adjust the spacer (screw it in all they way/unscrew and have it face a certain way? Or use a different style as I’m using a urotuning one and could try the vibrant?)

Yeah if you’re getting the P013 then you need something less restrictive or doesn’t space it out as much. Try to continuously stack washers until it gives you a big enough window to get inspected. I personally only have a single washer and have passed every year since

[Grouch]

Yeah if you’re getting the P013 then you need something less restrictive or doesn’t space it out as much. Try to continuously stack washers until it gives you a big enough window to get inspected. I personally only have a single washer and have passed every year since

I'm curious if you had better success since you're running the APR downpipe. I remember you saying that because you had 300cell, it was easier to trick. Was very tempted to buy the APR setup before they disappeared to test that theory. Kind of wish I did because 300 cell cats are impossible to find.

If I can't figure out a way to trick mine, I'm gonna eventually swap my Eurocode 200cell for 034Motorsports 250cell and see if I have any luck.

[B8A4Kevin14]

I'm curious if you had better success since you're running the APR downpipe. I remember you saying that because you had 300cell, it was easier to trick. Was very tempted to buy the APR setup before they disappeared to test that theory. Kind of wish I did because 300 cell cats are impossible to find.

If I can't figure out a way to trick mine, I'm gonna eventually swap my Eurocode 200cell for 034Motorsports 250cell and see if I have any luck.

Here’s my write up on passing emission. Lmk if you have questions.

I passed NYS emissions today with a j-spacer on a stock file. 2014 B8.5 A4. I’m running APR stage 2 with program switching, APR HFC, afe filter, and straight pipes to S4 mufflers. Checking emissions via Carista.

After several tries to get the spacer to work, I finally hit the sweet spot and had readiness set for everything to pass.

First, I tired using the smallest adapter piece the spacer screwed all the way in at every angle which always resulted in a CEL P0420. I kept resetting the codes and changing the angle with no success.

Next I tried the spacer only screwed in enough to just hold it in which seemed like it was going to work but catalyst did not set until 90 miles throwing a CEL P013F. Frustrated I switched back to stage 2 and drove another 90 miles with the CEL.

Lastly, I screwed in the spacer three times around from the last position and angled the spacer towards the firewall. Using program switching I went back to stock and then cleared the CEL. I drove for about 16 miles, checked emissions and everything was ready. Realizing it was too late to get an inspection. I went home parking the car for the night. In the morning everything was still set to ready. I drove about 4 miles to a inspection station and passed.

Hopefully this helps if you’re deciding to go stage 2 apr in a state that has OBD2 emissions or if you’re having trouble getting the spacer to work. Good luck because it felt like it was never going to work and I got just magically hit the sweet spot.


Sent from my

[vincent_nguyen2]

I'm curious if you had better success since you're running the APR downpipe. I remember you saying that because you had 300cell, it was easier to trick. Was very tempted to buy the APR setup before they disappeared to test that theory. Kind of wish I did because 300 cell cats are impossible to find.

If I can't figure out a way to trick mine, I'm gonna eventually swap my Eurocode 200cell for 034Motorsports 250cell and see if I have any luck.

Yes I’ve passed inspection every year since I’ve had mine installed which is I think 3 inspections now. I’m sure this issue has a mathematical solution to it but performing tests may be too time consuming. I believe if you have a 200 cell and still get a P0420 instead of P013, then you might need to space out a little bit more

[vincent_nguyen2]

Here’s my write up on passing emission. Lmk if you have questions.

I passed NYS emissions today with a j-spacer on a stock file. 2014 B8.5 A4. I’m running APR stage 2 with program switching, APR HFC, afe filter, and straight pipes to S4 mufflers. Checking emissions via Carista.

After several tries to get the spacer to work, I finally hit the sweet spot and had readiness set for everything to pass.

First, I tired using the smallest adapter piece the spacer screwed all the way in at every angle which always resulted in a CEL P0420. I kept resetting the codes and changing the angle with no success.

Next I tried the spacer only screwed in enough to just hold it in which seemed like it was going to work but catalyst did not set until 90 miles throwing a CEL P013F. Frustrated I switched back to stage 2 and drove another 90 miles with the CEL.

Lastly, I screwed in the spacer three times around from the last position and angled the spacer towards the firewall. Using program switching I went back to stock and then cleared the CEL. I drove for about 16 miles, checked emissions and everything was ready. Realizing it was too late to get an inspection. I went home parking the car for the night. In the morning everything was still set to ready. I drove about 4 miles to a inspection station and passed.

Hopefully this helps if you’re deciding to go stage 2 apr in a state that has OBD2 emissions or if you’re having trouble getting the spacer to work. Good luck because it felt like it was never going to work and I got just magically hit the sweet spot.


Sent from my

Yeah so the spacer completely on is not enough spacing, but all the way out is too much space. Congrats on finding your balance!

[Grouch]

Here’s my write up on passing emission. Lmk if you have questions.

I passed NYS emissions today with a j-spacer on a stock file. 2014 B8.5 A4. I’m running APR stage 2 with program switching, APR HFC, afe filter, and straight pipes to S4 mufflers. Checking emissions via Carista.

After several tries to get the spacer to work, I finally hit the sweet spot and had readiness set for everything to pass.

First, I tired using the smallest adapter piece the spacer screwed all the way in at every angle which always resulted in a CEL P0420. I kept resetting the codes and changing the angle with no success.

Next I tried the spacer only screwed in enough to just hold it in which seemed like it was going to work but catalyst did not set until 90 miles throwing a CEL P013F. Frustrated I switched back to stage 2 and drove another 90 miles with the CEL.

Lastly, I screwed in the spacer three times around from the last position and angled the spacer towards the firewall. Using program switching I went back to stock and then cleared the CEL. I drove for about 16 miles, checked emissions and everything was ready. Realizing it was too late to get an inspection. I went home parking the car for the night. In the morning everything was still set to ready. I drove about 4 miles to a inspection station and passed.

Hopefully this helps if you’re deciding to go stage 2 apr in a state that has OBD2 emissions or if you’re having trouble getting the spacer to work. Good luck because it felt like it was never going to work and I got just magically hit the sweet spot.


Sent from my

Sweet, I'll look into those when it's time to smog. I think I still have a year so not worried about it too much right now. But as I previously mentioned, I'm curious the reason why you two are having better success than others is because you're running higher cell count. There is a member on here (can't remember his name), that said he's tried every single possible thing he can think of, but nothing has worked for him.

[SNice]

To add to this...
I just installed a CTS K04 along with a JHM HFC. I chose the JHM because it has a 300 cell count. I also have a vibrant j spacer. I Installed it without any of the restricter inserts. I’m getting a P013f. I keep resetting it and the interval keeps getting longer. First it was 5 miles, then 15, now I’m up to about 75 with highway driving. Thinking I may need something shorter. Possibly the straight vibrant Or even just a washer. Just trying to find that sweet spot. I also have a P3 vent gauge which makes reading and clearing the code very simple.


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[A4fuzz]

I tried everything. I installed every sort of spacer in every direction with no luck. I also tried running E85 with no change in how soon the engine light came on (between 20-40 miles). I ended up installing the factory cat for emissions last time. I will need to do that again soon as I'm due in March. I reinstalled the factory cat and left the difficult nut off to pass emissions then put the APR stuff back on after I passed. I bought all new stainless steel hardware and clamps to make disassembly easier this time. Good luck!

[alnoor15]

So just to clarify - a space is needed to pass emissions? Im in NYC and my inspection is overdue by a couple months, I have APR stage 2 with apr's cast downpipe. All I plan on doing is to switch to stock and drive around for 30-40 miles, however I do not have any spacer. It seems from everyones experience there are a few people who passed without a spacer?

[vincent_nguyen2]

So just to clarify - a space is needed to pass emissions? Im in NYC and my inspection is overdue by a couple months, I have APR stage 2 with apr's cast downpipe. All I plan on doing is to switch to stock and drive around for 30-40 miles, however I do not have any spacer. It seems from everyones experience there are a few people who passed without a spacer?

Well more than likely you’ll trigger a CEL. Some of us don’t need an actual advertised spacer, but we all have to space out our O2 sensor in some way