SMOG.. . DeAtH! - Page 2

James Scott · #16 06-28-2009, 08:26 PM

Troy: IC!

Lee: "Good" idea, but don't know anyone here with an SVX.. . PLUS, I have an aftermarket welded Magnaflow (Motorsport) system. I guess it would be very difficult.. .

Tom: I'm not an idiot!

Senile!

. . . but not totally gone! I've been to three muffler shops that verified I need to use a "certified" CA-numbered CAT (or they won't weld it!) or smog check would not be validated. [True, the smog station might not check the CAT CA-number, but if I complained that I just put a CAT on and it still didn't pass.. . they would definitely check that number, come down on me.. . and DOWN ON THE MUFFLER GUY!] That's why they don't wanna do it.. . and WON'T!

One reason I may sound a little whiney.. . and why you accused me of not wanting to fix it .. IS.. that in CA, if you spend $450 at a certified CA smog station and still don't pass.. . you can almost surely get the smog referree to give you a 2-year smog waiver, meaning my SVX could have a much slower and more peaceful death.. . over a 2-year period! Where I'm standing right now, that sounds "very good"! BUT.. . I can't get the smog guy(s) to refer me to the muffler shop (to have a cat or cats put on)! I told you the last genius said I must take the NGK plat's out .. and put in regular Champions to see what it does, first! Now, I have a place to get a CA-certified Magnaflow CAT, but if I proceed without the referral, the expense will not count at all! Hmmmmm?

Thanks guys.. . Jim

P.S. Tom..Google "Subaru SVX catalytic converter".. . You'll see no CA CATS and several 49 state legal CATS! DO IT!

James Scott · #17 06-28-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alltrac

Jim

(1)What exactly was done to the car between the two tests? Two new O2 sensors installed and Ecutune Stage 1 v4 regular gas wire switched off plus premium used instead of regular.

(2)The installer of the cat is the one with the liability as they have to remove the old cat and replace it with an approved cat. ExAcTlY!

(3)I would personally stick with the OEM rear cat provided you can still bolt it on. I cancelled my online Titus OEM CAT (I hope..left message Fri night) Bcuz I found Magnaflow in town that supposedly is legal.. I have no bolts (for years)

(4)I would ditch the K&N filter and clean the MAF sensor with CRC MAF cleaner. Why ditch it? Leave the box empty for the test..or put stock filter in? What is CRC?

(5)No muffler shop in California will install/weld on a universal cat unless it is approved for California. ExAcTlY!

OK....What about the Champion spark plugs like the smog tech recommended? That's crazy .. right?

I definitely wanna steam clean my engine (for oil leak VC driver-side) to see about oily coil and fouled plugs comment.

Keep it comin' .. . I feel a possibility of life here! I feel like I'm in an emergency room with many doctors.. . working on my BaBy!

Thanks, Jim

alltrac · #18 06-28-2009, 10:06 PM

I would use a stock paper filter K&N flows more junk into your engine and the oil can mess with the MAF.

CRC MAF cleaner is a safe aerosol cleaner just follow the directions. I would suspect after the K&N it could use a cleaning. Wally world and Kragen sell it $5-6

Stock plugs are fine. I don't remember but do they come pre-gapped?

redlightningsvx · #19 06-29-2009, 02:54 PM

Stock pulgs are pre-gapped.

TomsSVX · #20 07-01-2009, 08:28 PM

What I am trying to say is that the Magnaflow cats are 50 state legal. just bring them the paperwork that says so

Tom

James Scott · #21 07-02-2009, 03:56 PM

http://www.car-stuff.com/carparts/su...m66940071.html
49.

K_Dub · #22 07-02-2009, 04:35 PM

I'm watching this with interest. My cats are rattling, and I'd like to do a full exhaust setup, but that may prove difficult in the land of the heavy hand. I do know of a few places that will pass any car for $100 cash, but I'd like to be legit if possible.

On the bright side, my buddy's '84 Brat just passed CA emissions with flying colors.

Just ran it on the freeway for an hour before going in for his appointment, no CEL, no problems.

James Scott · #23 07-02-2009, 04:41 PM

Heh! . . . I just found MY CA legal CAT [Magnaflow # 38037] online:
http://www.simpleautosports.com/inde...sort=4a&page=9
I had it installed Monday through a local warehouse purchase.. . Next >>> My third smog test.. ???

James Scott · #24 07-02-2009, 07:20 PM

I hav a GuArAnTeEd PaSs lead also.. . but I hav a mandatory TEST ONLY this time...and they can't touch (repair) your car..or even suggest repairs! SO doubtful thatl work 4me. Waiting.. maybe tomorrow July 4th..I can smog!? Cross your fingers.. AND pray! Ha!

SoCal LS-L · #25 07-03-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K_Dub

On the bright side, my buddy's '84 Brat just passed CA emissions with flying colors.

Just ran it on the freeway for an hour before going in for his appointment, no CEL, no problems.

This is exactly what I was thinking..... get the cats HOT before you go...... even if they are new, they cant usually overcome a combustion problem if you have one..... but getting your engine fully hot can only help.

James Scott · #26 07-06-2009, 05:43 PM

Appreciating all your help

and comments.. . thot I shud let U NO.. .
I made the following alterations between the 2nd and 3rd SMOG TESTS:
1) Replaced 4 of 6 plugs (old plugs looked "good", brown/tan) with stock NGK.
2) Removed K&N air filter, replaced with stock paper air filter.
3) Sprayed (saw that it cleaned residue!) MAF sensor with CRC MAF spray.
4) Replaced rear cat with CA legal/numbered Magnaflow unit (see pics)

The SMOG TEST (3rd) was an "easy" pass! BUT, since I did 4 things "at once" .. I don't know exactly what "did it"

.. . But, happy to pass!

Thanks for all your comments and help! Jim

P.S. For you {CA Drivers} .. and Tom (Ha!) .. . Notice the laser-etched number (on the cat) .. on the box end .. #38037. This is the only CA legal Magnaflow cat for the SVX rear CAT replacement. [SEE PICS]. They have a front CAT too, but don't know how much since I didn't have to install (I almost did!). The rear was about $130 for the part. The muffler man got $100, since he did it after hours.. . He wanted $85, but stayed over just for me!

TomsSVX · #27 07-06-2009, 05:49 PM

Maganflow advertises that their cats are 50 state legal. I was trying to tell you that.

Tom

alltrac · #28 07-07-2009, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James Scott

The SMOG TEST (3rd) was an "easy" pass! BUT, since I did 4 things "at once" .. I don't know exactly what "did it"

Post the new passing numbers.

James Scott · #29 07-11-2009, 03:08 AM

PLEASE SEE SMOG RESULTS OF THIRD SMOG TEST EDITED INTO PREVIOUS SMOG DATA "TABLE" IN FIRST ENTRY IN THIS THREAD.. . IN BLUE

WHy can't I get a table [I spent quite alotta time making a table...that didn't show!] when I copy it into Subaru-SVX.net.. ??? YIKES!

Thanks again, Jim

WestCoastSVX · #30 07-13-2009, 09:23 AM

Glad to hear it all worked out Jim!

So you are now full Magnaflow from the 2nd cat all the way back if I'm understanding right?

I'm so glad this one didn't go the route of either be crushed or sent out of state.

I'm taking notes as I will be moving to CA in the future due to priorities (even greater ones than the SVX

) and would really like my car to be able to live with me there too.

I also assume as a last resort there is also some kind of registration for "classics" or "collector vehicle" that would take away any emissions requirements, provided one doesn't need to drive the car many miles per year and can afford another daily driver, etc. At least based on some of the cars I see driving around down there.