Shops installing/tuning for headers issues…
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 109
Likes: 8
Shops installing/tuning for headers issues…
Hello,
I spoke with a shop yesterday about installing and tuning my catless headers while doing a bunch of other stuff. I was told due to epa regulations, they weren’t able to Indra them, and if they were already installed, they could tune the car, but would not tune out the rear o2 sensors so I would have a check engine light. Is anyone else running into these issues?
I spoke with a shop yesterday about installing and tuning my catless headers while doing a bunch of other stuff. I was told due to epa regulations, they weren’t able to Indra them, and if they were already installed, they could tune the car, but would not tune out the rear o2 sensors so I would have a check engine light. Is anyone else running into these issues?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 109
Likes: 8
they were good with me supplying the parts. Just the catless headers was the issue. Said it was due to EPA fining shops for turning off rear o2 sensors.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
It's always been illegal to remove (a) catalytic converter(s) and/or disable mandated emissions equipment (downstream O2 sensors). The fines run about $10K per instance (per cat removed and per O2 sensor disabled). IIRC, there's even possible jail time for those "offenses" against federal emissions laws and regulations.
And, not wanting to sound political, but some times (like from 2017 to the end of 2020), the EPA had other priorities and didn't actively try to enforce and/or entrap shops into breaking those laws, so some shops might've taken a chance. Other times, like now, or from 2009 through the end of 2016, shops don't want to get entrapped into breaking those laws and fined by more zealous enforcement efforts.
If you want me to remove catalytic converters and/or "tune out" O2 sensors, the car has to come to me on a trailer with no tag, and if I check the VIN, it better not have a current registration and license tag. If it's strictly an "off road use only" car (tracks, rally car, autocross trailer queen or whatever), I'll consider it, especially if you're a known customer with an established history with me. Some guy off the street drives up and wants me to install catless headers or a "track tune" on his street car, fahgeddaboudit!
And, not wanting to sound political, but some times (like from 2017 to the end of 2020), the EPA had other priorities and didn't actively try to enforce and/or entrap shops into breaking those laws, so some shops might've taken a chance. Other times, like now, or from 2009 through the end of 2016, shops don't want to get entrapped into breaking those laws and fined by more zealous enforcement efforts.
If you want me to remove catalytic converters and/or "tune out" O2 sensors, the car has to come to me on a trailer with no tag, and if I check the VIN, it better not have a current registration and license tag. If it's strictly an "off road use only" car (tracks, rally car, autocross trailer queen or whatever), I'll consider it, especially if you're a known customer with an established history with me. Some guy off the street drives up and wants me to install catless headers or a "track tune" on his street car, fahgeddaboudit!
