Cat question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Shelton WA
Cat question
do you need to have a catalytic converter on a car that is exempt for emmisions testing as long as it is under the sound limit which idk what it is in washington state
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
Catalytic converters are suppose to be installed on all cars that came from the factory with them- sisnce 1975. Many have removed the cat on cars that are exempt from testing. Check with your state's DMV for the rules that apply to your car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I believe that it is federal law that requires that any car that came from the factory with a Cat converter retain one on the car.
Having stated that, many states do not require emissions testings once a car reaches a certain age (varies by state so check your own states DMV) and many people who do not have to worry about passing emissions testing do remove the cat for better performance although strictly speaking they shouldn't based on the federal law but if the car doesn't have to go thru emissions testing who would know......
On the other hand, if you are concerned about staying inside the law you can upgrade the VERY restrictive factory cat for a more modern, aftermarket high-flow cat. These are much less restrictive so you should realize an increase in power and performance on your car plus stay within the law.
Having stated that, many states do not require emissions testings once a car reaches a certain age (varies by state so check your own states DMV) and many people who do not have to worry about passing emissions testing do remove the cat for better performance although strictly speaking they shouldn't based on the federal law but if the car doesn't have to go thru emissions testing who would know......
On the other hand, if you are concerned about staying inside the law you can upgrade the VERY restrictive factory cat for a more modern, aftermarket high-flow cat. These are much less restrictive so you should realize an increase in power and performance on your car plus stay within the law.
