I have a pair of Invidia HFC's and I was just wondering if they will get through a normal smog check. I mean they are still catalytic converters, but more high flow.

Has anyone ever experienced a problem with smog due to high flow cats?

Thanks!

edit* HFC's in the title!

 

My guess is that you'll pass a normal smog check. In my area, they don't even test for smog anymore. If your car doesn't have the "check engine" light illuminated, they assume that the emissions system is working correctly, so that's all they check. As for the legality of HFC, well that depends where you are located. Here's a cut and paste on California's law:

Can I replace the OEM catalytic converter on my car with a "high flow" catalytic converter?

Update: 1/1/09 - New catalytic converters sold or installed in CA must be designed to meet the following requirements:
1. Must be an OE replacement only - no "high flow" or performance cats
2. Must be granted an ARB exemption
3. No used or rebuilt used cats can be installed

Briefly, this means that you are now required to obtain a new ARB-exempt catalytic converter for your specific vehicle if you require a replacement. The street use of aftermarket performance "high flow" units and aftermarket mid-pipes with non-exempt cats is not legal in CA. For more information on this legislation, visit: Aftermarket Catalytic Converters

The catalytic converter plays a major role in the emissions reduction of a motor vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer has matched a specific catalytic converter to the vehicle to minimize emissions output. Both CARB and the EPA do not allow the replacement of a catalytic converter with non-exempt "high flow" performance replacement unit. In fact, it is technically not legal to even replace a converter unless it has been proven by technician to have failed, and then it can only be replaced with an exempt OEM equivalent unit. (However, enforcement of this requirement is difficult and is the primary loop-hole that allows the usage of so-called "high flow" catalytic converters. Many of these units are sold with the disclaimer as being a "race" component and are not intended for street use.) Due to the hundreds of vehicle models produced over the years, it is virtually impossible to determine by glancing under a car whether the converter is the original unit, a legal OEM replacement, or a non-legal aftermarket "high flow" performance unit. However, changing regulations require imprinting the exemption number, manufacturer code, and manufacture date, making it easier for technicians to determine the origin of the product and the intended application.

Source: https://www.racingbeat.com/emissions.htm

 

Do you still live in CA?

 

oh man. yeah well i live in california. lets see how it goes. i think i'll be able to pass. i do not want to route of illegal smogging :X

 

No, I never lived in CA. I just posted the CA reference because they have the most strict emissions laws and also because there seems to be a lot of guys from CA on the forum.

I'm a New Yorker

 

New York still has emmisions laws don't they? I think FL is pretty leinient with emmisions. Has anyone tried slogging yet in CA and past? I realize smog for most of our cars isn't due for another few years, but maybe someone with a G35 or Z has done it.

 

Oh, I got you. The CA in your name threw me for a loop.

 

I wonder if your right about the larger contingency from CA on the forum. Maybe we're just the most vocal??

 

Yes, NY still has emissions laws, but the inspection doesn't included a tailpipe "smog" test like it used to years ago. They basically plug into the car's OBDII port and check for emissions-related codes. If none are found, the car passes the emissions portion of the inspection.

BTW, I'm a licensed inspector in NY. I haven't done an inspection other than my own vehicles in years now, but I keep my license current anyway...

 

^... If I still lived in Queens you'd be hooking me up... hahaha

 

bump, do they still do this in NY? I'm looking to replace my cats soon...

 

As of four (?) years ago, it became illegal for shops to install any catalytic converters that don't qualify as OEM replacements.

However, NY only does a visual inspection of your exhaust. So if you go into an inspection and already have aftermarket cats installed, they should (!) just point at them and say, "Thar be cats here." Your best move would be to get an inspection at a speed shop, and not the dealership.

Test pipes are right out. Although I wouldn't be surprised if a shop looked at a pair of *resonated* testpipes and easily mistook the resonators for cats.

NY doesn't sniff. I'm not sure if any state does that anymore.