I really would like to open up the exhaust on my car. I am required to have a catalytic converter (1980). Any ideas on how to create better flow out the back? I have seen a few (1980,81 or 82) models with sidepipes, but have no idea how they are passing inspections.

Thanks.

 

this is the setup on my 78

 

FOCUS!!!!

Nice toes, BTW.

 

Probably a stupid question, but do you just have two catalytic converters to comply with any state emissions laws?

 

I see you're in Rochester, NY, so according to NY state law, you need to have the cat. All '75 and newer cars do. That being said, cars older than 25 years (I'm 90% sure on 25, maybe 30 years) only require a safety inspection of the vehicle and a visual check of the emissions equipment, no smog test. So, you may get away running a dual exhaust if your shop looks the other way if your car only requires the safety inspection. Side pipes maybe a little more risky. If you get a cop that knows his vettes and wants to be a ball buster...

 

it's a california thing. Two pipes equal two cats for smog

 

Technically you cannot have 2 cats if the car origionally had 1. My '83 truck now has 2 cats and no mufflers. I have been told that it is not legal, but most inspectors don't go to the trouble to verify if it had 1 or 2 new. They just look and see that they are there. Cats are about the only thing you cannot move or modify. You can add headers and you can do anything "cat-back" but technically you are supposed to leave the original number of cats in the original location(s).

Now, I would do like the photos with 2 high-flow cats and never look back. Nobody will likely care...unless you live in California.

 

I went with a s/s exhaust from Allen's with high flow cats on my 78. Made a big difference in sound and performance. FYI-Cars under 1996 no longer are being tested for emissions, though you are still supposed to comply with Federal standards for the year the car was built.....read between the lines though.

 

It sounds bad up there emissons snow snow emissons sorry for your luck I moved here 11 years ago no snow or emissions

 

My 2c worth.
Got caught without anything on my 79. Had to put the smog pump back in place for a visual, cut in dual cats with the air taps welded shut and it passed on the emissions. If you are at 2" or better the restriction is not that bad with the duals.

 

As stated above correctly, being from NY state and still with many vette friends still there, 25 years and older, no emissions test in NY. Any state, even those with no emissions testing requirement or inspection, can pinch you for no emissions or illegal emissions. Legally, you cannot modify any emissions equipment from the original cat forward to the engine. Many owners state that they have dual exhaust with 2 cats on cars with 1 cat originally-Federally illegal, regardless of your state's laws. Most New England states will not bother you if the car is over 25 years old (and usually driven very few miles) in my experience in NY, Mass, and RI as long as there is no "state" facility conducting the inspection. If your car is over 25 years old, which it is, and you can get it inspected locally by someone you know, I would just go with true duals without the cats or true duals with dummy cats (just the shells). I am not so sure that I would go through the hassles and expense of duals with 2 cats when an inspection station or local law enforcement could still site you for an illegal exhaust since the 2 cat exhaust is illegal. Some states also have "Antique" plates for cars that are driven under some stricter criteria that requires safety inspection only, as an option. There are so few cars on the road older than 25 years driven with any type of regularity that this whole emissions issue is totally ridiculous! Just my 2 cents.