cat installation

[mikester]

I just purchased an '80 SC and the PO and I need to get the smog certification (we're in CA). He'd had the CAT removed and bypass installed by Precision Tech (Alex) a little while ago. I obviously need that CAT back on to pass the smog inspection. I have the cat, as well as the original muffler and both look to be in good shape on the exterior. The car has a clean record of passing smog inspections and I'd like to get this done this week.

I've been a garage mechanic for a while but the 911 is new to me and I don't want to screw it up before I get to know it. That being said - is it any more difficult to install the CAT and muffler than simply bolting it up in place of the bypass and aftermarket muffler?

I'm concerned that the FI might require adjustment or that I just don't know what I'm doing in general. This is all at the PO's expense so taking it to Alex is what I wanted to do but I've left him a couple of messages and he hasn't returned my call. The PO and I would like to get it taken care of so we can be honestly complete with the deal.

Thanks for the help,

Mike

[jdowty3]

I just pulled the cat off my SC and installed a test pipe. Other than more get-up-and-go, I haven't notice any drastic change in the way the motor runs. I plan to have mine adjusted to pass the Texas emissions with out the cat before I consider re-installing it just for the test. Will the CA techs check to see if the cat is physically installed or do they just look for the proper gas levels? The Texas techs just seem to do a cursory check of the physical emissions equipment.

[vash]

my friend with an 80 SC, is always boasting about passing cali smog with a gutted out cat. maybe get a dry run?

[mikester]

They do a physical inspection. I spoke to Alex and he said to try bolting it on and if it didn't pass to bring it to him.

That is what I will do.

Thanks guys.

[mikester]

Well, Wish me luck...

=-)

[Doug Zielke]

One point....
If the cat has been removed, there is also a chance the CIS mixture has been adjusted to the rich side. That's bad for the cat and the smog test.
After bolting up the cat and before taking a test, have a shop adjust the mixture to OE spec.

[Thack]

The cat also has an O2 sensor you need to hook back up. Just a reminder.

Mike

[Joe Bob]

Test it first....AFIR 120ppm is what is allowed on HC at idle AND 2500 rpms for the SC......most wrench shops have decent smog analyzers. Adjust as necessary and go to the "dumb and dumber smog shop", the one that does japcrap and american iron....most don't know a Porsche premuffler from a left handed monkey wrench.

Before the 3.6 swap, they always thought my SSIs on the 3.0 were dual cats....

[mikester]

The O2 sensor was installed into the bypass, I reinstalled in the cat as it was supposed to go.

[geof33]

Originally posted by mikez
Before the 3.6 swap, they always thought my SSIs on the 3.0 were dual cats....

I get away with my stock exchangers going as "really cool" dual cats!!! I love Colorado!!

[aigel]

Have the seller pay for the whole nine yards at the porsche specialist. Just tell the P car specialist thaty you want the smog equipment back and the car to pass smog. Officially the seller is responsible to complete smog before sale.

There is not enough added umph from just a bypass pipe to even think about putting it back. You either backdate the entire exhaust and go at it with bigger cams etc., or you just leave it stock...

Good Luck,

George

[mikester]

Yes, he has agreed to pay for it no problem there. I just figured it'd be easy to install the cat and original muffler. It wasn't "easy" as some of those bolts are a bear to get to and loosen when they are in the typical condition exhaust bolts get in. But, I didn't break anything and it went in alright. I still made an appointment with Alex and he's going to make sure everything's cool and pre test it for me - again - at the seller's expense.

Thanks again for the help fellas.