Option Codes & Catalytic Converters

Firestarter_944 · 10-08-2001, 10:31 AM

Friends,

Still learning about my recently acquired "euro". I am preparing for my state required emissions check. Expecting an argument about the lack of cat, I started doing my homework. I checked my option codes in the back hatch and compared them to the list found here (the garage):

http://porsche-944-garage.tripod.com/shop-manual/body-01.htm

According to the option code list, C02 designates the car to have been built with a cat. My car does not have option C02. Does this in fact mean that the car came from the factory without a converter? If so, do all of your cars have the C02 designation?

THX,

Firestarter

Britwrench · 10-08-2001, 10:40 AM

Are you sure it's a Euro car? Only the very late 944S2 and Turbos had them, and then only as an option. (I think mostly German-spec cars actually had them installed)
What year/model is yours?

Firestarter_944 · 10-08-2001, 10:46 AM

According to the VIN it is a euro car. 4th-6th digits are ZZZ. All warning lights are in german. Speedometer has been changed, but is not the US spec speedo (no kilometers). Also has the euro body treatments, fascias & marker lights, etc.

So your thoughts are that most cars received cats on their way into the US?

THX,

Firestarter

Britwrench · 10-08-2001, 12:04 PM

Euro cars do not have side marker lights.
It's probably been "federalised" somewhere.
Have you got it registered yet? The lack of a cat could cause problems for licensing.

Firestarter_944 · 10-08-2001, 12:18 PM

That is exactly what I am working on. Technically it is registered, but only temporarily. We need sniff test first before we can change title and registration. In order to get the sniff test, they need to have specs for the car based on the VIN in the computer. Tomorrow should be an interesting day.

Interesting note about the side markers, perhaps my terminology is not correct. I have seen these lights only in pictures on the web of european 944's. I have never seen another 944 in person with the side markers though. Also as I said, the VIN indicates it is not a US car. I purchased the car from Grassroots Motorsports magazine. If you want to see some pictures of the car head to http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com/proj944.html

The top picture clearly shows the small, round amber light I am referring to (just fore of the doors and above where body side moldings would appear).

Thanks,

Firestarter

Britwrench · 10-08-2001, 12:26 PM

I see... those lights are repeater lights for the turn signals. It has a front spoiler for a USA car and Euro front bumper.
Can't see the back. You need to be careful if the registration is even slightly suspect. Call an expert before going to the DMV.

javier · 10-08-2001, 12:34 PM

did you buy the project car or are you refering to the projct car photo because of the side marker lights?

mlue · 10-08-2001, 07:39 PM

No CAT, Hmmm! I always wondered how they posted such good performance numbers.

To bring the car to North America and get it licensed the car must have gone through some form of emmissions upgrade to legalize it. You may have to install a CAT but you could get it sleeved so you could remove it after the sniff test and reinstall it when it comes time again. This car has an upgraded chip that you may have to replace with the original to pass sniff test.

I replaced my burnt out CAT with a CATCO one sized for a V8, it wasn't very expensive. You can get high flow CATS but they would be more $$$. I have had NO performance problems and the car passed the sniff test with flying colors.

Mark
'86 944NA

[This message has been edited by mlue (edited 10-08-2001).]

Firestarter_944 · 10-09-2001, 06:13 AM

britwrench,

Call an expert before going to the DMV? Fill me in. Are you such an expert? I need to get the thing licensed before next Friday 10/19.

javier,

I bought the GRM car.

mlue,

The car is no longer chipped. They found that their performance increased after they took it back out. The final article on the car should be appearing in GRM soon. I think that they will explain their final configuration there.

THX All,

Firestarter

Britwrench · 10-09-2001, 06:54 AM

Sorry, no expert on DMV matters. I would suggest you contact someone with experience in registering euro cars in your state.

mlue · 10-09-2001, 03:34 PM

DMV wonn't have data on a Euro spec 944 but they will on what ever year your car is. They will be looking for two things clean emmissions and a CAT. If you only have until Oct 19th I say, why complicate matters, install a CAT (removable or otherwise) and if your O2 sensor is good you will probably pass.

Just my 2 cents,

Mark
'86 944NA