i need some insite here.
If you do an engine swap, and lsx swap for example, into a 3rd gen, whats the deal with cat placement for inspections? does it still have to be in the 3rd gen factory location? or in the 4th gen factory location?
Anyone here passing visial with an lsx swap with cats not in the 3rd gen stock location?
And after the swap, the cars has to pass the sniffer test for the new engine right? What about the computer and codes?
Looking at a future project and trying to figure out some things.
If you do an engine swap, and lsx swap for example, into a 3rd gen, whats the deal with cat placement for inspections? does it still have to be in the 3rd gen factory location? or in the 4th gen factory location?
Anyone here passing visial with an lsx swap with cats not in the 3rd gen stock location?
And after the swap, the cars has to pass the sniffer test for the new engine right? What about the computer and codes?
Looking at a future project and trying to figure out some things.
Supreme Member
I havent done the swap, or gone for an inspection, however, i am dealing with something similar for my car.
In any case, most laws about the cat say something along the lines of;
1) If a cat was equipped originally on the car, it must remain on the car and function.
2) No attempts to bypass any of the components on the exhaust should be made.
3) SOMETIMES) The exhaust should not be louder than original.
4) If replaced, the exhaust should be equivalent or better in noise and emissions control.
Placement of the cat is determined by temperature. It should get hot enough to work, but not too hot so it wears out quickly, and not too cold so it never works.
In your case, i dont think it should matter, since none of the equipment is originally from the car. Just having one (not bypassed) should be good enough.
We often see that laws dont agree with opinion though, just my 0.02.
In any case, most laws about the cat say something along the lines of;
1) If a cat was equipped originally on the car, it must remain on the car and function.
2) No attempts to bypass any of the components on the exhaust should be made.
3) SOMETIMES) The exhaust should not be louder than original.
4) If replaced, the exhaust should be equivalent or better in noise and emissions control.
Placement of the cat is determined by temperature. It should get hot enough to work, but not too hot so it wears out quickly, and not too cold so it never works.
In your case, i dont think it should matter, since none of the equipment is originally from the car. Just having one (not bypassed) should be good enough.
We often see that laws dont agree with opinion though, just my 0.02.
Supreme Member
There are a group of Federal laws that are almost exactly what are on the books in California now, but the key is that it is up to the State to enforce it. ( I'm talking states in the USA, not Canadian Provinces). Some states don't enforce them at all, there are no inspections of vehicles, and nobody really cares.
Other states, like California, are much more stringent about enforcement. By law, the cat must be as close as feasable to the verified engine package. In other words, if you put in an LS1, you need to run all LS1 fuel injection and smog equipment, including the cat number and location. To be a hot rodder in CA, you just have to know your smog laws. But most importantly, it depends who and where the testing is done. I knew a guy in NJ that took his cats off completely and never had a problem, but that was 8 years ago.
TA
Other states, like California, are much more stringent about enforcement. By law, the cat must be as close as feasable to the verified engine package. In other words, if you put in an LS1, you need to run all LS1 fuel injection and smog equipment, including the cat number and location. To be a hot rodder in CA, you just have to know your smog laws. But most importantly, it depends who and where the testing is done. I knew a guy in NJ that took his cats off completely and never had a problem, but that was 8 years ago.
TA
Supreme Member
i dont want to put too fine a point on it but there is not one california state law that says the cats have to be in the original position they were in when the car was new.
lots of people keep them in the same place because its easier - especially with f-bodies, when they dont want to have the exhaust showing, and they can use the original exhaust route, but its not a law.
the cal vehicle code is here. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm
the code dealing with exhausts is here - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd12c5a2.htm
and the one dealing with aftermarket modifications is here - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd12c5a2.htm
and not one of those codes, which i have been reading and litigating for 35 years says you cant have the pipes where you want them, as long as it does not decrease the function of the cats and does not give you a db over 95.
one problem with relocation is that you should put in heat shields. most shops would rath tell you that its illegal than actually do what you want done.
personally i ran my hooker 2055 in the same track as the original ones but i used a better cat, one that is more expensive but cleaner, but flow through 3 inches at both ends with the air.
as of jan 1, 2009 in california obdI cars will have to use obdII cats, unless there is a change in the applications between now and then.
i dont mind using the obdII cats, they are cleaner and they cost more but they do not effect performance, so im keeping the world cleaner for my grandchildren.
but no law says you have to keep them in the same location.
if you can point it out to me i would appreciate it, but i cant find it. that does not mean it does not exist - so im open to being impressed - show me where it is.
lots of people keep them in the same place because its easier - especially with f-bodies, when they dont want to have the exhaust showing, and they can use the original exhaust route, but its not a law.
the cal vehicle code is here. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vctoc.htm
the code dealing with exhausts is here - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd12c5a2.htm
and the one dealing with aftermarket modifications is here - http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/tocd12c5a2.htm
and not one of those codes, which i have been reading and litigating for 35 years says you cant have the pipes where you want them, as long as it does not decrease the function of the cats and does not give you a db over 95.
one problem with relocation is that you should put in heat shields. most shops would rath tell you that its illegal than actually do what you want done.
personally i ran my hooker 2055 in the same track as the original ones but i used a better cat, one that is more expensive but cleaner, but flow through 3 inches at both ends with the air.
as of jan 1, 2009 in california obdI cars will have to use obdII cats, unless there is a change in the applications between now and then.
i dont mind using the obdII cats, they are cleaner and they cost more but they do not effect performance, so im keeping the world cleaner for my grandchildren.
but no law says you have to keep them in the same location.
if you can point it out to me i would appreciate it, but i cant find it. that does not mean it does not exist - so im open to being impressed - show me where it is.