2018 S3 DP and NYS Readiness

[AudiGeo]

Hi fellas and fellettes -

I'm currently running EQT Stage 1 E85 OTS tune and DSG tune. I've been contemplating going to Stage 2 with a high-flow CAT but swapping every year to pass inspections gives me nightmares. I've been doing it for years now with my 335i and want to avoid it if at all possible. I have done tons of research. I know about all the DP options, Vibrant J spacer, etc. I haven't seen anything recent on this topic and was wondering if anyone has come up with a solution that actually works (specific DP, spacer combination, etc.). If you have come up with anything that might be beneficial to us in NYS that want to run an aftermarket CAT and be able to pass inspections, please let me know! I appreciate it.

[MikTip]

The problem is the S3 is a ULEV. Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. It actually has 2 converters on the down pipe. The ECU is set very high for emissions.



To date no one makes a catted down pipe that will pass the cars own settings.

I'm suprised no tuners make a catted down pipe...AWE once did...

The other problem is the EPA has been cracking down on tuners...ask APR.

[AudiGeo]

The problem is the S3 is a ULEV. Ultra Low Emission Vehicle. It actually has 2 converters on the down pipe. The ECU is set very high for emissions.



To date no one makes a catted down pipe that will pass the cars own settings.

I'm suprised no tuners make a catted down pipe...AWE once did...

The other problem is the EPA has been cracking down on tuners...ask APR.

This is exactly why I’m just sticking to Stage 1 for now. Totally sucks because I hear great things about EQT Stage 2, but I really don’t want to deal with swapping the CAT every year. The 335 was easy enough. This one is a bear. I hear people having some luck with the Vibrant J spacer, but you can’t even find that anymore.


2018 Audi S3 8V - EQT Stage 1 E85 OTS - EQT DSG Tune - MBRP Catback Exhaust - APR CAI - ECS Intake Hose - Leyo TIP - EQT HPFP

[bakedziti]

You mention you know about the spacer routes, so why not find one that works without disabling the downstream O2s while running a HFC? As long as you hit readiness you should pass without swapping hardware, I’ve never had a shop fail me for visual emissions and I’m in NY.

With that said, I do understand some inspection manipulation being that I swap my front windows to pass our BS tint laws in NY.

EDIT: I recall I made the below post a few weeks ago while asking about a device that programmatically tells the O2 sensors that they’re within spec after seeing someone post a pair in the C6 or C7 section a couple of days before. I didn’t get any response in the thread I posted in, EPL’s thread because they don’t disable downstream 02s, but maybe you can get some traction with this device here.

Does anyone have any experience with an O2 simulator device similar to the one that can be found at the link below?

http://www.area74.ca/product/io2-uni...sor-simulator/

I saw someone on audizine post a pair for sale and have been curious if anyone has tried this as a solution to our catless MIL issues?

[StinkyA6]

Is all of New York State emissions regulated? Here in Wisconsin u can change your “vehicle kept in” county and only the 3 or 4 main counties have emissions… that being said I don’t know about the bmw but on my S3 it’s like maybe an hour or 2 job to swap down pipes. 300$ locally to do that for me


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[MikTip]

The Audi S3 is a ULEV. Has 2 converters on the down pipe. The emissions numbers set inside the ECU cannot be defeated with a J pipe. Certain tuners know how to fix this...however the EPA is cracking down on tuners who do...so they don't advertise this feature....

Many states and counties dont have emissions testing.

Those that do its basically a revenue generator for the state.

Federal law states emissions on cars has to be maintained by the manufacturer for 10 years.

So why is the state inspecting them every year? $$$$$

[TurboTimmy]

The Audi S3 is a ULEV. Has 2 converters on the down pipe. The emissions numbers set inside the ECU cannot be defeated with a J pipe. Certain tuners know how to fix this...however the EPA is cracking down on tuners who do...so they don't advertise this feature....

Many states and counties dont have emissions testing.

There is no sensor after the 2nd cat so that doesn't really matter. There is an O2 sensor before and right after the 1st cat, that's it. If you have a decent enough aftermarket catted downpipe you can absolutely get it to not throw a CEL using a spacer and get readiness monitors to set or at least enough to pass emmissions ( usually allowed 1monitor to not set). That being said chances are you might need to flash back to stock and go through some drive cycles and flash back after the inspection. Seems like some states that just do the OBD check are supposed to check for OE cats. You may find the person doing the inspection won't even bother looking, so it's a toss up. Question is does someone still want to go through all that and risk it.

[MikTip]

There is no sensor after the 2nd cat so that doesn't really matter. There is an O2 sensor before and right after the 1st cat, that's it. If you have a decent enough aftermarket catted downpipe you can absolutely get it to not throw a CEL using a spacer and get readiness monitors to set or at least enough to pass emmissions ( usually allowed 1monitor to not set). That being said chances are you might need to flash back to stock and go through some drive cycles and flash back after the inspection. Seems like some states that just do the OBD check are supposed to check for OE cats. You may find the person doing the inspection won't even bother looking, so it's a toss up. Question is does someone still want to go through all that and risk it.

BTDT! My 2015 S3 will not pass with a spacer and I have a HPA down pipe and 300cell cat. A "decent after market catted down pipe" are no longer being made! AWE use to make them Cobb...but it appears no longer... All of this has tons of variations and opinions cause of the various down pipes...catted 200 cell...300cell...no cat. The state inspections vary from state to state...so What works in NY wont work in CA...

I keep my OE down pipe and swap it back in place when needed. For me this is the best solution currently. Until someone builds and after market down pipe that will pass emissions. Or tweeks the tune on the ECU to pass with specific down pipes.

Everyone forgot the VW diesel scandal...and more states are looking for tuned ECU's at OBD inspection checks....

[Why-man5]

Racingline make a catted DP for our cars that they guarantee won’t throw a CEL…apparently GESI and HJS cats don’t throw a CEL.

[MikTip]

Racingline make a catted DP for our cars that they guarantee won’t throw a CEL…apparently GESI and HJS cats don’t throw a CEL.

Its their stage 2 software that masks the rear 02 sensor so it doesnt show a cel. Still wont set readiness for tht 02 and pass state emissions....try it in California...watch what happens.

[Why-man5]

Its their stage 2 software that masks the rear 02 sensor so it doesnt show a cel. Still wont set readiness for tht 02 and pass state emissions....try it in California...watch what happens.

Their wording is as follows: “Our European-made high flow catalyst will not trigger ‘Check Engine’ light.” Doesn’t sound like they’re masking CEL

[MikTip]

Their wording is as follows: “Our European-made high flow catalyst will not trigger ‘Check Engine’ light.” Doesn’t sound like they’re masking CEL

Wonderful! You buy one...install it...let us here know how it turns out!

[AudiGeo]

Wonderful! You buy one...install it...let us here know how it turns out!

Start a GoFundMe and I'll take on the task

[MikTip]

Here's what I know about HJS converters...

On my 2004 B6 Audi A4 with 1.8t...



I bought and installed the Milltek high flo converter for it..



$1200!

It worked as advertised...but only lasted 2 years before it tripped the CEL.

So when the place selling them had a sale I bought another for $1000.

It too lasted only 2 years on my B6 A4.

You want to spend $1200 to have it only last 2 years?

PS. The Racingline downpipe uses the same HJS as the Milltek.

[AudiGeo]

Here's what I know about HJS converters...

On my 2004 B6 Audi A4 with 1.8t...



I bought and installed the Milltek high flo converter for it..



$1200!

It worked as advertised...but only lasted 2 years before it tripped the CEL.

So when the place selling them had a sale I bought another for $1000.

It too lasted only 2 years on my B6 A4.

You want to spend $1200 to have it only last 2 years?

PS. The Racingline downpipe uses the same HJS as the Milltek.

That’s a real bummer considering how much money was spent. I’m just going to leave the OEM CAT in for now and if I’m feeling spicy I’ll throw a catless DP in and swap out every year. UGH, I hate NY sometimes.


2018 Audi S3 8V - EQT Stage 1 E85 OTS - EQT DSG Tune - MBRP Catback Exhaust - APR CAI - ECS Intake Hose - Leyo TIP - EQT HPFP

[Spinnetti]

The APR catted dp works with a spacer, but still have to flash back to stock every year for emissions. That alone is a hassle, but works at least, and I still have a cat.

[MikTip]

APR makes a bolt on turbo that uses the stock downpipe and passes emissions with more power.

[letterj]

Can confirm the AWE DP doesn't throw a CEL and passes readiness. I've passed atleast 2 NYS inspections with it on and I'm pretty sure I forgot to flash it back down to stock last time but I don't believe EQT suppresses readiness. Good luck finding one nowadays though; that's going to be the tough part.

[Why-man5]

Can confirm the AWE DP doesn't throw a CEL and passes readiness. I've passed atleast 2 NYS inspections with it on and I'm pretty sure I forgot to flash it back down to stock last time but I don't believe EQT suppresses readiness. Good luck finding one nowadays though; that's going to be the tough part.

AWE also had a guarantee that their DP would not throw a CEL.. too bad they no longer sell them… did they use a GESI cat?

[Serzyfritz]

With EQT they can custom tune for you and retain the factory downpipe, they also support turning using the factory downpipe along with a Vortex / XL turbo. Obviously, you will get slightly lower numbers, but it is possible.

[AudiGeo]

With EQT they can custom tune for you and retain the factory downpipe, they also support turning using the factory downpipe along with a Vortex / XL turbo. Obviously, you will get slightly lower numbers, but it is possible.

Interesting. I wonder what power numbers a Vortex XL on OEM DP will produce. I'll shoot them an email.

[normcaldwell]

Can confirm the AWE DP doesn't throw a CEL and passes readiness. I've passed at least 2 NYS inspections with it on and I'm pretty sure I forgot to flash it back down to stock last time but I don't believe EQT suppresses readiness. Good luck finding one nowadays though; that's going to be the tough part.

Good to know, thank you! I have the AWE DP with cat and resonator.
My UM tune also does not suppress readiness; so I should be good to go when the time comes for the emissions inspection.

AWE also had a guarantee that their DP would not throw a CEL.. too bad they no longer sell them… did they use a GESI cat?

I'm pretty sure the 200 cpsi cat in the AWE downpipe is HJS.

[MikTip]

AWE also had a guarantee that their DP would not throw a CEL.. too bad they no longer sell them… did they use a GESI cat?

AWE used HJS cats...

[MikTip]

https://www.fabspeed.com/additional-...tic-converters

[s3driver]

I am running a bullx downpipe, hybrid turbo and MPI with a custom Eurodyne tune here in Central NY. I enabled all the required readiness checks and pass inspection pretty easily. If I leave all the readiness checks enabled it will throw a CEL every 1-2k miles.

Works for me.