We all know here in the peoples republic of california dual exhaust on cars that didn't come with it is illegal, even if the setup includes cats (because you've altered the emissions equip ie having 2 cats instead of one). CA law also states that it is legal to swap in a different motor so long as it is from the same or later year and all emissions equip is carried over and functional. We all know the dual cat option started in '89, and technically that is a part of the emissions system. Let's just say as far as the smog shop is concerned i have an '89 L98 in my GTA. Do you think that i could get away having a dual cat (aka dual exhaust) system on it and squeeze buy at an e-check?

 

You know that HO 350 kit that Chevrolet makes for Camaros? (BTW I understand it has been discontinued). That kit is smog legal in all states, including the Peoples Republic of California (although Chevrolet goes out of their way to note that it has to be installed exactly as directed). If memory serves me, that kit includes dual cats. Now if that kit is legal with dual cats, why aren't dual cats legal? Maybe there are a few other parts that you have to add to make it smog legal?

Sorry I didn't answer your question. I'm going to do a little more checking. If I turn up something I'll get back to you.

 

I dont know,
But if you find out tell me. :lala:

 

To make that H.O. 350 kit smog legal in California GM had to have a C.A.R.B (California Air Resource Board) approved certificate for it to be used in California.

 

I checked California's Bureau of Automotive Repair, Dept. of Consumer Affairs and Air Resources Board web sites, and I'll be darned if I can find anything specific. Actually the problem is that there is so much information that trying to figure out if old info is still good, or if it has been superseded seems to be difficult, if not impossible.

Did you have a particular brand of dual cats in mind? As noted in the prior post, as long as a part has an exemption (an E.O. or executive order) it is smog legal in California.

I guess I would start first by finding a manufacturer that carries the part that you want (for your year and model) and then determine if there is an E.O. If there is an E.O., you are good to go.

BTW, as far as I can tell, the GM dual cat system (for the HO 350 Camaro kit) does require specific exhaust manifolds. You may want to check out the GM Performance Parts Online Catalog.

 

My dad swapped to the dual cat setup when he switched his 92 RS to TPI. The smog tech didnt have any problems with it. Technically, dual exhaust with dual cats is legal too, because the smog only refers to everything from the cats forward. They dont care what i-pipe(s) or muffler(s) you have on there, as long as its not too loud.

 

I've heard that but i've also heard that its illegal on cars that originally had 1 cat systems (like my car) because you've technically "altered" the emissions system, eventhough its probably for the better. Don't ask me why. What i'm saying is if i told the smog tech that i had an l98 from an '89 (dual cats were part of those emissions systems) would i be able to get away with a dual cat setup under the premise that i was carrying over the emissions equipment for the newer motor, pursuant to california law? I know if they approve having the 2 cats, having the true duals will be fine.

 

Just do like my neighbor and go smog your car with the stock set-up,next day go to your muffler shop and switch it to the way you want,put your stock set-up away until you have to smog it in 2 years.G0d knows what the smog ****'s will do if they find a "illegal modification".

 

The smog tech will have no idea that the car did not come with the dual Cat (N10). Just do not tell them. The dual cat is expensive, at the dealer it is $1183.00, on the internet I have seen then for as cheap as $825.00, At your local parts store you can order it for as little as $725.00 (that is what I was quoted at carquest). If that exhaust system came on anything else in the line in 1989 (GTA) it is legal. The exhaust is expensive because it comes with everything from the exhaust manifold to the intermediate pipe. If you have ever looked at one of these it is a big piece.

 

If you put in the complete L98 with dual cats and all emission equipment in place, you are legal. However, some smog techs will still fail it because they don't know the rules. These same guys will fail you if you don't have stock exhaust manifolds, regardless of how many carb eo certs you show them. The best thing to do when confronted by one of these "know nothings" is to take it elsewhere for smog.