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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
Converter relocation
Recently, I posted about alterations to my exhaust system. I ended up with the impression that I would be O.K. replacing the precat/maincat combo in my '89 with maincats only (and duals).
Now, I'm reading a reprint of a 1994 Corvette Fever article (Side Effects promo article) where it states "It's a federal offense to remove, relocate or tamper with the catalytic or any other pollution control device in your Corvette."
Is this an accurate statement? Specifically, I'm referring to the relocation issue! Or is this a way to convince someone they NEED Side Effects -- if they want side exhaust.
here is the problem... if your state does not have inspection or smog testing, it's impossible to catch. Essentially, it's a unfunded mandate without much teeth.
Now... most states are still only doing sniff tests... so if the cats are reasonable and get hot, you will pass.
Don't fret it. Even if a state rolls in visual, some are not backdating it due to age and long term lack of enforcement.
Only problem in So. Cal. is now a police officer has the authority to check you car for emission controls (cats/emission controls) and can impound the car/jail you if they feel the need to. Try and keep it legal in your area just for peace of mind if anything.
The emission parts can be changed under law if ,their are no replacement parts available.
replaced, sure... but not relocated. That's the issue here.
And cuisinart is right... the cops can stop if the emissions smell too strong. It kinda sucks, but the air quality issues in the LA Basin are so unique that it's required... too many cars, a constant ocean breaze that holds the smog against the mountains. It's a very complex dynamic... and if 15 million folks wanna live here, that's what it takes.
Thats' why I moves from Orange County Ca ,to Hawaii.
Also if you are not the first owner of your car and the after market cats are changed,you can't be respondensable,for that offense.