Failed CA Smog - Catalytic Converted "Modified" (1 Viewer)

[eddybaboy]

1991

Shoulda had the previous owner smog test before buying, but I took the chance and here I am. Apparently the Cat was welded on both sides. Emissions passes well below average. I don't know what to do short of finding/buying a different one, CA compliant.

Anyone have experience with this? Is there an aftermarket cat I can use in CA?

 

[paulzak]

Yes, go to the CA Air Resources Board website. It's not that complicated.

Aftermarket Catalytic Converters | California Air Resources Board

Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California's anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. If an aftermarket catalytic converter is shown to be durable and meets vehicle emission control requirements, it is granted an exemption Executive Order...

ww2.arb.ca.gov

 

[Berzerker76]

CA is going crazy with smog inspection fail criteria. Last time I got my 350Z smogged, the guy said he should technically fail me due to having an aftermarket cold-air intake, which I explained has a CARB executive order sticker stating 50 state legality. He said it doesn't matter. ANY aftermarket device installed to the vehicle's induction system would fall under "tampering". Time for me to move out of state I think.

 

[Qball]

CA is going crazy with smog inspection fail criteria. Last time I got my 350Z smogged, the guy said he should technically fail me due to having an aftermarket cold-air intake, which I explained has a CARB executive order sticker stating 50 state legality. He said it doesn't matter. ANY aftermarket device installed to the vehicle's induction system would fall under "tampering". Time for me to move out of state I think.

Every shop has different interpretation of the law. My old smog shop checked timing but the new smog shop guy said because I have ODB2 version he doesn’t need to check timing. Not all smog guys are equal.

 

[fz1boxer]

Berzerker76 got it right time to move,here in the metro atlanta area some emissions counties are talking about doing away with testing.i live 1 mile from a county that does not have smog testing....................i realize that nobody walks in LA

 

[jonheld]

You can purchase 50 state legal replacement downpipes and cats from discountconverter.com.

 

[PDoyle]

Or just order one from a parts store and have it installed. Don't forget to get the form that comes with the new converter signed from the installer.

 

[jonheld]

Or just order one from a parts store and have it installed. Don't forget to get the form that comes with the new converter signed from the installer.

3FE cats are part of the downpipes. If he cuts and welds, he'll be in the same position.
6 Cylinder 1991 TOYOTA Catalytic Converters

 

[surfpig]

CA is going crazy with smog inspection fail criteria. Last time I got my 350Z smogged, the guy said he should technically fail me due to having an aftermarket cold-air intake, which I explained has a CARB executive order sticker stating 50 state legality. He said it doesn't matter. ANY aftermarket device installed to the vehicle's induction system would fall under "tampering". Time for me to move out of state I think.

That's bullshit. If it has the CARB sticker then it's compliant. Find another shop.

For the PO, if the cat(s) doesn't have that sticker, you're sort of screwed. You can possibly get another shop to OK it though, if they're "not that observant" ...

 

[george_tlc]

"not that observant".... AND, helps to mention you can pay with cash and can't break a $50 or $100.... Known to work depending on the accounting practices at the smog shop

cheers,
george.

 

[thebfg]

My '97 got failed last month. Guy told me the cats were bad and there were 4 of them and they were expensive! Hmm... And the charcoal canister tubes were cracked and one of the PCV hoses was bad. As I was walking to the ATM to get cash for a $250 "pass" I thought better of it, turned around and asked him to fail me (I wanted to see the actual emissions numbers). I think he had taken one look at the age of the vehicle and mileage and pre-decided to fail me on the visual as the actual testing was totally fine. $30 in hoses and I went back for the free re-check and all was fine. So yea, there are unscrupulous shops out there if the need arises.

 

[93yotasr5]

1991

Shoulda had the previous owner smog test before buying, but I took the chance and here I am. Apparently the Cat was welded on both sides. Emissions passes well below average. I don't know what to do short of finding/buying a different one, CA compliant.

Anyone have experience with this? Is there an aftermarket cat I can use in CA?

In ca the seller is required by law to smog the vehicle prior to selling it. You can still get the seller to smog it. Selling the vehicle “as is” does not release the liability of the seller on sniffing the car unless it was sold as a parts only car.

I’d call the seller it’s still their responsibility

 

[GSTMike]

Ah the joys us Cali folks endure for that little bit of sunshine and crappy over populated roads!