C6 Long tube header legality
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
C6 Long tube header legality
I have been told by some, that catalyst relocation was necessary in order to have long tube headers added to my C6, which I understand, as I can see right where they are. But others have also told me that cat relocation, and switching to a high flow cat was illegal? What is all the legal schmegal to all of this? I see guys doing it all the time on their C5s, and lots of guys suggesting this on their C6s, but is it legal? I thought messing with a new cat and changing the configuration was a no no? Someone please explain how you can get around this how and when?????
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,762
Likes: 2
From: Murphy TX
It is a federal law that you cannot change catalytic converters on a car less than some years and some mileage (I believe 4 years - cannot remember the mileage) and then only if the equipment is malfunctioning.
So, removing your cats in favor of high flows is against federal law.
Some links -
http://autos.yahoo.com/owning/mainta...iss%01qamuffle
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/tech/1...Guidelines.htm
Now, chances of being caught are slim...I mean who's going to look under your car, find non OEM cats and call the feds? But it's still against the law.
Found the details
So, removing your cats in favor of high flows is against federal law.
Some links -
http://autos.yahoo.com/owning/mainta...iss%01qamuffle
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/tech/1...Guidelines.htm
Now, chances of being caught are slim...I mean who's going to look under your car, find non OEM cats and call the feds? But it's still against the law.
Found the details
NOTE: Under Federal EPA regulation, replacement of original catalytic converters is allowed only if the original converter(s) is missing, or the vehicle has more than 50,000 miles or is at least five years old and the need for a replacement has been established and documented, or a local inspection program has determined the existing converter is in need of replacement. Please note that no aftermarket catalytic converters are legal for installation in California on OBD II vehicles (some 1994 & 1995, and all 1996 and later vehicles).
Last edited by yellow01; Feb 5, 2005 at 06:31 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,076
Likes: 26
From: Nevada and Florida
Modification of the OEM exhaust system (Cats) is a violation of federal law and many state laws. Only stock cats in stock locations are legal. Some day the aftermarket will be forced to stop the sale of illegal exhaust parts. Their disclaimer now is simply "off road use only." With everyone modding, I guess we are all criminals. 
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by yellow01
It is a federal law that you cannot change catalytic converters on a car less than some years and some mileage (I believe 4 years - cannot remember the mileage) and then only if the equipment is malfunctioning.
So, removing your cats in favor of high flows is against federal law.
Some links -
http://autos.yahoo.com/owning/mainta...iss%01qamuffle
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/tech/1...Guidelines.htm
Now, chances of being caught are slim...I mean who's going to look under your car, find non OEM cats and call the feds? But it's still against the law.
So, removing your cats in favor of high flows is against federal law.
Some links -
http://autos.yahoo.com/owning/mainta...iss%01qamuffle
http://www.off-road.com/dodge/tech/1...Guidelines.htm
Now, chances of being caught are slim...I mean who's going to look under your car, find non OEM cats and call the feds? But it's still against the law.
Last edited by bluebullet; Feb 5, 2005 at 06:36 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Originally Posted by bluebullet
I should have had this in my post above, but how do some of these tuners get away with it with the large production of late model cars they build?, I mean, its not secret, their in magazines, and all over the net, its not like their trying to hide anything. I would think the government would have their hand in this as well?........
