Can I pass the CA pipe test without CAT

Assuming I can convince em the pipe is the cat or something(it kinda looks like a cat, the one I got from perf prod), will it fail the emissions test itself?
I don't want to bother if it's unlikely it'll even pass the pipe test...(figured I'll put the old one on before I go down then)

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Kurt B
1984 911 Carrera Cabriolet

Kurt I dont think they would be able to recognize the difference as far as the visual goes unless they own a Porsche since our cars are so different from what they are used to seeing..just my opinion though.

Kurt-

It is very unlikely you'd be able to pass smog with the cat removed. I believe you'd have very high NOx. And yes, it is likely most smog guys would see it as missing. Sorry,

Chuck K

[This message has been edited by ckrause (edited 03-11-2001).]

Thx...I'll save myself 40 bucks and put the cat on before I head down.


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Kurt B
1984 911 Carrera Cabriolet

I have an 83SC, I have a cat by-pass.My mechanic assures me that my car would pass a calif. smog test w/o cat.He uses a exaust gas analizer to adjust my car.He can control the settings,like, if you did have high NOx.
he could lower it just for the test,then raise it back to what your engine likes after the test.That would be alot easier than swapping out the by-pass just for the test.You can get the numbers needed to pass,
have your car checked by your mechanic and see ahead of time to make sure.

Just curious...What actually happens when you replace the cat with an empty exhaust pipe? Doesn't the ecu and sensors go nuts???

My 78SC passed with the by-pass pipe. No one looked under the car.

Originally posted by Mikkel:
Just curious...What actually happens when you replace the cat with an empty exhaust pipe? Doesn't the ecu and sensors go nuts???

nope, the car runs fine. as long as you don't remove the o2 sensor, the computer doesn't know there's a difference.

obin

Where I get my smog test here in Santa Cruz, they only charge you the full amount if you pass. If you fail, it's $10 or so. It may be the same everywhere. Call around. I'd just go see what happens and please let us know if you pass!

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Zach
77 911S 3.2

Just "going and see if you will pass" on a smog-modified car is NOT a good idea in California.
If you fail and get labelled a "gross-polluter" you will thereafter enjoy the privilege of having to get your car smogged every year, instead of every 2 years.

Plus, if your car is labeled as a gross-polluter the State will require you to have the car inspected by a gold shield certified station. You can't just go to any inspection station. Moreover, unless the gold shiel inspection station makes the repairs, you will not be able to qualify for any deferment in smog compliance in the event it takes more than the designated amount to bring your car up to complaince. THe total cost does not include the replacement of missing smog compliance parts, however.

[This message has been edited by pbs911 (edited 03-12-2001).]

FWIW, with no pump or CAT, my 79 SC passed the Washington State test by a WIDE margin in all catagories .

Make sure the engine is HOT. The CAT does much of it's work on a cold engine.

-Jamie

try this thing. I never use it. Thinking of getting it
http://www.ecotekplc.com/reviews.htm

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1984 911 Cabriolet

My '88 passed in Arizona without the cat. The visual guy slid the mirror UNDER THE CAR DIRECTLY BELOW THE DRIVERS SEAT and gave me a nod. Guess he liked what he saw under there. (nice clean pan).
I have been told, and have seen many times, that the only thing to worry about in a properly tuned 911 is the visual.
Tom

When I did my engine last year, the cat was a total loss, it came apart internally. Removed the contents and reinstalled the shell. The car passed inspection.

This past inspection, my air pump failed, and had the car inspected anyway. It failed. Disassembled the pump, replaced the bearings and reinstalled it. Although it was working, it was not working as it should. Anyway, the car passed - just barely.

The first inspection, the co and co2 were just about at 0% when the pump was working and the cat removed.

The second go around with the pump acting up, the co and co2 were just below the 3% mark which is what the mfg requires to pass.

It appears that the air pump does make a difference in pass/fail inspections.

Steve

Chances are the guy doing the inspection has see very few 911's in his life. If he fails you on the visual, tell him the cat is integrated into the muffler. Explain to him that porsche does this to keep the heat away from the valvetrain. Chances are he'll buy it if you pass the technical evaluation.

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Dante Oliverio
86 Turbo-Look Cab

Hey I am in SoCal too and I am thinking abotu putting on -74 heat exchangers...and I have been worried about the same thing.

My friednd who has a pair said that his car would put out black smoke...and that worries me, do anyone have experience with this?

MJ