So mark me down as- if it passes a dynamic test protocol, it should be allowed no matter what it has installed.
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Years ago, we were welding in these cheap, universal fit catalytic converters. If it fits, it fits, right?
These obviously donāt have the same content or efficiency as the original equipment converters. California does not allow this, all replacement catalytic converters must meet Federal test specifications just as the OEM converters do.
How does the aftermarket suppliers prove their converter meet Federal test specs? They must pass the test procedure, then the part can be manufactured and sold as a certified converter.
That is nothing like the Federal test procedure, state tests allow for many times the pollution compared to manufacture testing.
The air is cleaner because of the improvement in motor vehicle emissions, as the need for these clean air programs disappears, some Governor is going to take credit for the accomplishment.
I am not going to even claim to understand your states laws but it looks like they could down grade it or recert it to a LEV1 or even just a plain LEV instead of a ULEV, if they even sold those in Cali, that way it would still have to meet certain fed regulations but not be classified as the lowest emissions vehicle and just a regular low emissions vehicleā¦ Donāt know if that makes any since or not but thatās all I gotā¦ lolā¦ other than $$$$ā¦
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Not to change the subject but we are talking california. Just saw a tweet about a naked woman shooting at cars by the bay bridge. Didnāt look like she was a very good shot anyway. Might have been upset at the carb board or just the heat, or people using their air conditioning.
Here in Arizona, it would be perfectly fine to install any catalytic converter which reduces emissions levels below the federal standards. And of course, on a 1996 or newer vehicle, the check engine light must be off.
While I would not trust a $100 cat on anything more valuable than a beater with over 300,000 miles, the fact remains that there is a percentage of the population that cannot afford a better fix. Either they must do something to get their car through emissions legally, or they must drive illegally with expired plates, or they must give up their car, and perhaps also their job and home.
The number of people who would be willing and able to spend $3k for an OEM replacement cat when a $300 aftermarket version will do the same thingāother than not having some magic āauthorization numberā engraved on itāis exceedingly small.
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What do they do with AWD vehicles, which canāt be put on a treadmill?
Good question. My OBD I Calif emissions testing experience is w/my front wheel drive Corolla, so donāt know how they deal with OBD I AWD vehicles. My guess, they make sure everything emissions related that is supposed to be installed actually is, verify the evap system isnāt leaking, & that the check engine light is behaving. They may check the tailpipe emissions w/car parked at idle and a couple of other rpms as well. I think the reason they even bother with treadmill testing is b/c the test results can be gamed by tweaking the engine settings just for the test, as long as thereās no load on the engine.
Iāve watched the treadmill test, and I think my poor Corolla gets mistreated when it is driven on the treadmill rollers. From my vantage point anyway, it appears to severely stress the CV axles, transmission, steering, & suspension components.
2-speed idle
This is also done with duallies other vehicles too heavy to go on the dyno . . . and also with vehicles where the traction- or stability control can NOT be disabled