California Mandated Emissions Recall nightmare
#1
California Mandated Emissions Recall nightmare
I just had My mandated 08 C6 Emissions recall done. Now while in Drive at a stop light, the steering wheel vibrates, along with parts of the drivers door and the center console. It is the new resonance from the mid cats and rpm idle change. plus I drove it 60 miles, then took temp readings with a laser temp gun...My right pant leg was at 95 degrees, and the seat belt plastic attachment was at 115 degrees. I then measured the temp inside the center console...140 degrees. Also on average, the engine is running 10 to 15 degrees hotter(Due to more back pressure and the leaning of the air fuel mixture) When I parked it in the garage and got out...you could feel a strong wave of heat coming from under the car. A State (California) that mandates a corporation to retrofit an exhaust system that wasn't originally designed for the car causing the car to have all these issues...not cool. I spoke with GM Corporate, and the Cust service rep was rude and basically told me to pound sand. I have asked to speak with her supervisor. She said that this is now the new acceptable way the car is now. Seriously!?! Burning my leg at 140 degrees! I am now trying to locate An automotive recall Attorney...
#3
Safety Car
I just had My mandated 08 C6 Emissions recall done. Now while in Drive at a stop light, the steering wheel vibrates, along with parts of the drivers door and the center console. It is the new resonance from the mid cats and rpm idle change. plus I drove it 60 miles, then took temp readings with a laser temp gun...My right pant leg was at 95 degrees, and the seat belt plastic attachment was at 115 degrees. I then measured the temp inside the center console...140 degrees. Also on average, the engine is running 10 to 15 degrees hotter(Due to more back pressure and the leaning of the air fuel mixture) When I parked it in the garage and got out...you could feel a strong wave of heat coming from under the car. A State (California) that mandates a corporation to retrofit an exhaust system that wasn't originally designed for the car causing the car to have all these issues...not cool. I spoke with GM Corporate, and the Cust service rep was rude and basically told me to pound sand. I have asked to speak with her supervisor. She said that this is now the new acceptable way the car is now. Seriously!?! Burning my leg at 140 degrees! I am now trying to locate An automotive recall Attorney...
I had the recall done and did not experience any vibration issues. However, the 4 cat system was not ideal for my supercharger which created more restriction and exhaust temp heat.
You have three options:
1. Check your exhaust for clearance issues. If you find one take a picture and show your service tech. That should take of the vibration issue and some heat. Remember, you need clearance as the engine torques.
2. Swap the mid pipe for one without cats. I do not know if the original (which GM took) will fit. Maybe someone will chime in. I do know the mid pipe cats are not monitored (no 02 sensor) so the ECM does not even know they exist.
BTW: The reprograming did not change spark or power enrichment tables in the tune.
3. Swap entire exhaust with 3" Z06 exhaust. A manual is a complete bolt on, the auto some bending of piping is needed around the trans. Also, tune to follow.
You can also keep your axle back/mufflers by having the muffler shop weld 2 1/2" reducers. I preferred a clean swap with no welds, easier for future work and retain oem look.
After the emissions recall was completed, I went with the full Z06 exhaust (2 cats) and tune. I had no issues passing CA smog. BTW my A&A S/C is CA carb certified.
Last edited by Mike's LS3; 07-24-2017 at 11:33 PM.
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#5
Le Mans Master
Sounds like a great state to own a high performance car... .. Here in WV as long as you have brakes and lights your good to go , we have no emissions tests at all....WW
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Last edited by WW7; 07-25-2017 at 05:25 AM.
#6
Team Owner
You should move. That's not the only thing wrong with California.
#7
Le Mans Master
I doubt a properly installed recall would act this way. I've been here for a bit now and this is the first CA recall post having these extreme issues.
My experiences with GM CS mirrors the OP's, but there are other ways to see if the install was done correctly with all the needed clearances.
My experiences with GM CS mirrors the OP's, but there are other ways to see if the install was done correctly with all the needed clearances.
#10
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2005
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#17
Something is not right. I recently swapped in my C6 a full 2012 z06 exhaust which had the 4 cats. My car is supercharged and I don't get much more heat then I did before. The second cats are more like resonators the front set pulls most of the heat.
chances are it's touching the undercarriage and transferring more heat.
chances are it's touching the undercarriage and transferring more heat.
#18
Racer
What years does this affect? I have an 06 with only 2 cats and a recently (march) passed emissions test. Is it strictly a visual check?
#19
Melting Slicks
I had my '09 modified to the extra California cats by the agency where I bought the car, and had none of the problems you describe. The car still performs exactly the way it did prior to the smog recall. Find another Chevy dealer who can do the job correctly. You don't indicate where you live in CA, but I can vouch for Folsom Chevrolet near Sacramento and I know that you can get first class Corvette service at Abel Chevrolet in Rio Vista.
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c5arlen (07-27-2017)