ok i have no catalytic converter on my car and i know its required for emissions, but since my car is over 25 yrs old it doesnt need to pass emissions. but i've been told i cant pass an inspection without it even tho its over 25 yrs old. so does anyone know if its illegal to not have a cat converter even with the car being this old?? thanks in advance

 

If your car came from the factory with a Cat, needs to have one to pass. That's how it is in San Antonio, I believe this is a Statewide rule though. I've passed before without cats, this time they told me that and I had to get cats put on. I guess its how strict the inspection station is

 

dang ok, thanks man

 

They do not check emissions though, so your cat could be empty. Cut 3" holes at each end and slip a 3" pipe through it and weld it back on each end.

 

There is a visual inspection and an emissions test. At 25 years, you don't have to do the emissions test anymore. But the visual inspection still stands. Having a catalytic converter is part of the visual test.

 

That's the way it is here in Austin too, may be different on other parts of the of the state, but they do a visual inspection of the emission system. If they see anything obvious missing, they won't pass you. Here they even give you grief if you have a cone air filter instead of the stock breather!

 

It depends on the county. Only a few of the larger metro counties do actual emissions on all vehicles except antique. Most just do a visual like stated above. If you don't mind the smell you should just gut the converter.

 

You might be able to bypass this by getting antique plates. Altough I think there is certain criteria you have to meet for those as well.

Or you can just ask around about an inspection station thats cool, you'll pay a little more but you'll get your tag...

 

I just got my 1988 Formula inspected here in Austin this Friday. No emissions test because it's over 24 years old, they did looked under the hood a little bit, all stock in there. But they seemed to spend a lot of time looking at the exhaust, especially around the cat. Don't know why, the exhaust system is pretty new and bone stock. Anyway, it passed it's first inspection since I bought it so I'm happy.