Emissions Recall
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 68
From: Woodland Hills California
Emissions Recall
I just got a notice that my car is being recalled for possible emissions issues. GM says they will reprogram the engine control module and replace the catalytic converters. I have no problem with this in general. However, shortly after I bought the car new, I replaced the exhaust system (manifold to mufflers) with a Z06 exhaust system. That means if I take the car in for the recall, they will not not do the recall work. I would have to replace the entire exhaust system, take it in, get the work done, then replace with the Z06 system. A real PITA. At least I did not get a custom tune.
Perfect scenario would be if I could take the car in with the stock cats, have the computer reprogrammed, just swap the cats for new ones. However, I do not think I could find a dealer that would do this. The other issue is whether the Z06 cats will still work well enough with the reprogramming to avoid a CEL. I have had the car through smog test once without a problem and they used the sniffer. Now they just check OBD2 without sniffer or dyno.
I am likely going to sell the car within a year. I am concerned that this issue might be important for a new owner.
Suggestions/opinions?
Perfect scenario would be if I could take the car in with the stock cats, have the computer reprogrammed, just swap the cats for new ones. However, I do not think I could find a dealer that would do this. The other issue is whether the Z06 cats will still work well enough with the reprogramming to avoid a CEL. I have had the car through smog test once without a problem and they used the sniffer. Now they just check OBD2 without sniffer or dyno.
I am likely going to sell the car within a year. I am concerned that this issue might be important for a new owner.
Suggestions/opinions?
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 10,909
Likes: 2,701
From: Phila Suburbs 2023 C8 & 2013 650ix
I am concerned that this issue might be important for a new owner.
And that's the issue that all those that say they are not going to do the recall have to expect. As soon as a potential buyer looks at a Carfax report, it's going to say they have not done the recall. That most likely would kill a sale.
When I was selling my 2009 C6 about two months ago, I had not even heard of the recall because the letters were just going out. The buyer did the Carfax report and told me about the recall. Mine was one of the first to get it done and buyer was very happy to have new cats on a 6 year old car. It made the car even more desirable.
And that's the issue that all those that say they are not going to do the recall have to expect. As soon as a potential buyer looks at a Carfax report, it's going to say they have not done the recall. That most likely would kill a sale.
When I was selling my 2009 C6 about two months ago, I had not even heard of the recall because the letters were just going out. The buyer did the Carfax report and told me about the recall. Mine was one of the first to get it done and buyer was very happy to have new cats on a 6 year old car. It made the car even more desirable.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 12,504
Likes: 3,631
The recall is going to add a second set of cats to the exhaust system to make it CA complement for the smog test (will have 4 cats now).
So get the OEM exhaust system back on the car, let GM do there thing so the car is compliant and can pass a smog test and shows the recall completed, then you can swap the Z06 system back on the car.
When you go to sell the car, then you can include the OEM system now with 4 cats to the new buyer if the are in state and need to smog the car as well.
As stated, any buyer is going to check for recalls on the car to begin with, and not having the emissions recall completed will send up a lot of red flags.
So get the OEM exhaust system back on the car, let GM do there thing so the car is compliant and can pass a smog test and shows the recall completed, then you can swap the Z06 system back on the car.
When you go to sell the car, then you can include the OEM system now with 4 cats to the new buyer if the are in state and need to smog the car as well.
As stated, any buyer is going to check for recalls on the car to begin with, and not having the emissions recall completed will send up a lot of red flags.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 14,999
Likes: 200
From: Bay Area Ca.
The recall is going to add a second set of cats to the exhaust system to make it CA complement for the smog test (will have 4 cats now).
So get the OEM exhaust system back on the car, let GM do there thing so the car is compliant and can pass a smog test and shows the recall completed, then you can swap the Z06 system back on the car.
When you go to sell the car, then you can include the OEM system now with 4 cats to the new buyer if the are in state and need to smog the car as well.
As stated, any buyer is going to check for recalls on the car to begin with, and not having the emissions recall completed will send up a lot of red flags.
So get the OEM exhaust system back on the car, let GM do there thing so the car is compliant and can pass a smog test and shows the recall completed, then you can swap the Z06 system back on the car.
When you go to sell the car, then you can include the OEM system now with 4 cats to the new buyer if the are in state and need to smog the car as well.
As stated, any buyer is going to check for recalls on the car to begin with, and not having the emissions recall completed will send up a lot of red flags.
I am done, the car is going back to stock with the recall work. It will be a pain to to have to pay for the manifold installation as well as working out the problem of the reducer being welded to the axle over pipe, which is Corsa set up. Nothing but problems, so I am biting the bullet again and it will be my last time throwing $$$ into cars.
Nearing 68 yrs old I am content in this decision, just a bit frustrated that after going to the Z06 set up from the previously installed headers and and passing emission testing I have to make another change. No ones fault but my own, which has been echoed throughout the house lately.
That's hot rodding.
