I had to do an emission test the other day on my DD. The conversation with the tech turned to the cats on the 80. I mentioned that the OEM cats were very expensive on the 80 ($1000 or so from memory) whereas the aftermarket ones were much cheaper ($200). I was asking him if he thought I could use aftermarket cats if the OEMs conk out. I also asked if OEM stuff was required for testing or anything that passes the test would do. Didn't get a real answer but he said something to the effect that post OBD2 are much more expensive. Is that true? What's the difference?
Anyway this got me thinking (yea, I know). Since the OEMs are so expensive, do wear out, and may possibly be required for emission testing in Commie states (not sure about the OEM part), would it make sense to take them off, mount suitable aftermarket -if much cheaper and still doing a good job for the environment- and save the OEMs for testing every 2 years?
Yea, I know a bit extreme, but so is spending $2K on OEM cats...
Anyway this got me thinking (yea, I know). Since the OEMs are so expensive, do wear out, and may possibly be required for emission testing in Commie states (not sure about the OEM part), would it make sense to take them off, mount suitable aftermarket -if much cheaper and still doing a good job for the environment- and save the OEMs for testing every 2 years?
Yea, I know a bit extreme, but so is spending $2K on OEM cats...