Installing catalytic converter
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Karup J
Installing catalytic converter
Unfortunately I did not do the research well enough before buying my 1976 Corvette. I was so happy that the previous owner had installed a completely new exhaust system, that I did not even notice, that the exhaust system was a dual exhaust without the catalytic converter. I am not concerned about originality, but I will move to a country with very strict emission standards, so I am concerned they will require the catalytic converter. So my question is: Can I install an aftermarket/third party catalytic converter to the exhaust system, or do I have to buy a completely new original Y-pipe system? I am grateful for any advice.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Karup J
Thanks for the reply Bashcraft. It made me realize that I need to be more specific. The question does not go towards legal issues. What I mean is: Is it at all technical possible to retrofit a dual exhaust system with a catalytic converter? If so do I just take out the appropriate piece of the current pipes and replace them with a converter? Do anybody know of third party converters for this purpose?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Yes, you can buy high flow converters in many different configurations, but they may have a law that says you must use the OEM configuration, which is one converter only, not one on each side.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 34
Likes: 1
From: Karup J
Thanks again. I don't think OEM is a requirement, as it will be registered as vintage. So I will take my chances with the third party. Is there any particular that you would recommend?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Thanks for the reply Bashcraft. It made me realize that I need to be more specific. The question does not go towards legal issues. What I mean is: Is it at all technical possible to retrofit a dual exhaust system with a catalytic converter? If so do I just take out the appropriate piece of the current pipes and replace them with a converter? Do anybody know of third party converters for this purpose?
Racer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: York Pa.
I looked in the pa emissions book..here as long as there is a cat present hollow or not it passes..we are completely visual in most of the state..nothing in there about it having to be completely stock..so I would go into an emissions test shop and ask for a copy of the inspection procedure..it will have word for word of what they are supposed to be checking..also cars here before 1976 are not tested in any way for emissions ..so be calm about it and do whatever you can to make it appear to be legal..lol..just kidding..if there is an exhaust shop around you that does the emissions test have them install the cats and plop a sticker on it also..then you are off the hook..
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
I looked in the pa emissions book..here as long as there is a cat present hollow or not it passes..we are completely visual in most of the state..nothing in there about it having to be completely stock..so I would go into an emissions test shop and ask for a copy of the inspection procedure..it will have word for word of what they are supposed to be checking..also cars here before 1976 are not tested in any way for emissions ..so be calm about it and do whatever you can to make it appear to be legal..lol..just kidding..if there is an exhaust shop around you that does the emissions test have them install the cats and plop a sticker on it also..then you are off the hook..
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,717
Likes: 551
From: Seattle Washington
I wouldn't try to guess what the Country is going to want You need to find out. In Washington State any Car over 25 years old dosn't have emissions anymore. ( there is less money to be made on Cars that don't pass, they are time consumeing and they want to run as many Cars as they can at $16 each) In contrast in Japan You can't change anything if the Engine blows up the car is Totaled. I'd put Duel Cats on it , but You need to find out what they want first.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
Jan,
give this thread some time. There are people on the forum here that are from all different countries. Let us know what country you are moving to and someone will chime in with what is required.
Dan
give this thread some time. There are people on the forum here that are from all different countries. Let us know what country you are moving to and someone will chime in with what is required.
Dan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,506
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
