I just PASSED smog on my FIRST attempt!

[Emission]

After my nightmare two years ago when I failed three times...

I FAILED the TEST ONLY smog check!

I passed on the FIRST ATTEMPT today!

Of course, this was with a brand-new catalytic converter to the tune of $468.26 (parts only, I installed it myself). The original had really given up after 137,383 miles.

So, tonight it is off with the CAT, back on the with Fabspeed, and enjoy the car for another two years (track-only, of course).

I can't believe how stressed I was about this smog test!

Here are the old and new numbers in case you are interested.

*** BAD CAT ***

15 MPH - 1959 RPM

CO2 - 13.88
O2 - .46
HC - 47
CO - .82
NO - 292

25 MPH - 1939 RPM

CO2 - 13.90
O2 - .41
HC - 36
CO - .81
NO - 259

*** BRAND-NEW CAT ***

15 MPH - 2080 RPM

CO2 - 14.90
O2 - .17
HC - 11
CO - .09
NO - 2

25 MPH - 1983 RPM

CO2 - 14.82
O2 - .15
HC - 11
CO - .13
NO - 3

[Jim Richards]

With your user ID, it would have been ironic if you had failed. Congrats!

[DG624]

Emission, there are other ways to reduce emissions...I have heard that synthethic oil (real synthethic) will significantly reduce all of the emisions...less burning of oil less friction. Also was your CAT blocking your exhaust due to failing screens that were blocked? I have heard this claim that the restriction hurts power and emissions.

[Emission]

I am using synthetic oil. My old cat was clogged and melted. With the new CAT, it ran much better.

A CAT will slow the spooling of the turbo as the exhaust can't exit as quickly (plus the stock exhaust makes a U-turn under the bumper and exits out the other side of the car).

I also notice it runs warmer. The oil temps went up about 15 degrees when compared to running with no CAT (Fabspeed). Driving around town in cool temps, my oil is usually about 170 F. Today, on the way to the smog test with a CAT, I couldn't get them below about 185 F. (they wouldn't drop below the white line). It breathes much better without the CAT.

[DG624]

Have you thought of a more free flowing type CAT? I think GHL makes several, lighter and smaller. I have about 145 miles and have original parts. I was wondering how you determined when the CAT failed, did you have to inspect it? I am about to try some perfromance modifications and exhaust would one of the first. It seems that the early CATs were poorly incorporated into the engine so that they heat up the cylinder head on the left.

[Emission]

I don't know WHEN it failed, just that it DID fail. Here is a picture of the honeycomb inside (melted):

[goat]

I remember your write up a few years ago when you failed 3xs. Congrats on passing the first time.
I totally agree with you on the temps with and without the CAT.
I noticed the same drop with the fabspeed.

Originally posted by Emission

I also notice it runs warmer. The oil temps went up about 15 degrees when compared to running with no CAT (Fabspeed). Driving around town in cool temps, my oil is usually about 170 F. Today, on the way to the smog test with a CAT, I couldn't get them below about 185 F. (they wouldn't drop below the white line). It breathes much better without the CAT.