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| Resurrecting '88 Formula and need to pass CA emissions/smog check (Page 3/4) |
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IMSA GT
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DEC 17, 05:34 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
Just for a cat? That seems like robbery to me. |
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Welcome to California rules. It has to be a CARB approved cat which costs more money but does the same job as a $70 cat.
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OldGuyinaGT
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DEC 17, 06:33 PM
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I have an 88 GT that took a lot of work to get running right and passing the I/M 240 emissions program here in CO. I had to replace the physically destroyed cat that was on the car when I bought it. I installed a Walker 15026 cat (twice, actually, since I destroyed one getting the mixture to be right). Runs great now, and I pass ("fast pass") with ease.
None of that helps you, except that I'm sure my exhaust gas numbers would pass in CA. But is it allowed for you to replace the cat yourself? Aftermarket cats with CARB numbers are available - a lot more expensive, but available. For example the Walker 80905 is listed as being CARB-compliant and has 2" inlet/outlet to fit the Fiero pipes.
https://www.amazon.com/Walk...id=1608247086&sr=8-7
Unless CA requires replacement to be done by someone with some kind of certification or license (and makes you prove it) could you not buy/install one of these and be good?
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Patrick
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DEC 17, 09:24 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by OldGuyinaGT:
Aftermarket cats with CARB numbers are available - a lot more expensive, but available. For example the Walker 80905 is listed as being CARB-compliant and has 2" inlet/outlet to fit the Fiero pipes.
Walker 80905 CalCat Pre-OBDII Universal Catalytic Converter
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Wow... $246 just for the cat alone, no labor! 
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skywurz
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DEC 17, 09:54 PM
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Oh it gets better. The geniuses at the smog stations are trained to look for shinny things. If they see that shinny new cat they are going to have to find the CARB stamp. If they for some reason (lazy) cant read the number or miss read it you fail and they take your $80 [This message has been edited by skywurz (edited 12-17-2020).]
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Patrick
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DEC 17, 11:07 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by skywurz:
The geniuses at the smog stations are trained to look for shinny things. If they see that shinny new cat they are going to have to find the CARB stamp...
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Might be worthwhile to chemically oxidize the outside of a new cat before installation. 
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Joseph Upson
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DEC 18, 10:55 AM
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I thought running a little mix of ethanol in the fuel to up the alcohol content for a short period would help in a situation like this since it burns cleaner. Is that not correct?
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statue4
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DEC 18, 04:14 PM
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It is finally done. I got a new cat put in there and passed just fine. It was $450 and I gave him a little extra for being quick. Honestly much cheaper than I expectd. (YES WE ALL KNOW IT WOULD COST WAY LESS OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA). She has a fresh 2021 sticker on the plate now.
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Patrick
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DEC 18, 04:42 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by statue4:
YES WE ALL KNOW IT WOULD COST WAY LESS OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA
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Well, the weather is probably a lot nicer there than it is here currently.
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eelecurb
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DEC 20, 10:30 PM
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| quote | | I called a local shop that said they'd do a new cat for 450, parts and labor |
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If you haven't replaced the catalytic converter yet check this out.... I also have an 88 Formula V6. Cat was plugged - full of honeycomb but all broke into pieces. Purchased and installed myself (simple ) the direct replacement V6 cat from www.rodneydickman.com for $149.95 and turned around and sold the old one to Www.rrcats.com for $145. They even paid for shipping to send it to them. Net cost $4.95. Win/win.
P.S. while the new cat came with clamps I had to pay a local shop $30 to weld it because I couldn't get the clamps tight enough to eliminate an exhaust leak.
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IMSA GT
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DEC 20, 11:51 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by statue4:
It is finally done. I got a new cat put in there and passed just fine. It was $450 and I gave him a little extra for being quick. Honestly much cheaper than I expectd. (YES WE ALL KNOW IT WOULD COST WAY LESS OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA). She has a fresh 2021 sticker on the plate now. |
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Glad I could steer you in that direction. You'll really have to keep an eye on that CAT as the laws get tougher and they start squeezing those numbers tighter. You might be replacing it every few years just to pass.
| quote | Originally posted by eelecurb:
If you haven't replaced the catalytic converter yet check this out.... I also have an 88 Formula V6. Cat was plugged - full of honeycomb but all broke into pieces. Purchased and installed myself (simple ) the direct replacement V6 cat from www.rodneydickman.com for $149.95 and turned around and sold the old one to Www.rrcats.com for $145. They even paid for shipping to send it to them. Net cost $4.95. Win/win.
P.S. while the new cat came with clamps I had to pay a local shop $30 to weld it because I couldn't get the clamps tight enough to eliminate an exhaust leak. |
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Remember, this is California.
From that same webpage on Rodney's site:
 [This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 12-20-2020).]
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