I just moved to the Bay Area from Northern Virginia, and need to get my car registered. I have a HKS Hi-Power (with silencer) and a TurboXS catless uppipe (as well as a UTEC running stage 1, but that shouldn't matter). I'm running both stock downpipe sections. I have the resistor in my uppipe egt sensor, so I'm not throwing any CELs. Hence, I should be able to pass the sniffer without problems.

My question is, will the Catback cause me to fail the visual inspection? I would assume that there is no way the inspector will be able to see the uppipe, so I shouldn't have to worry about that. Does the presence of a catback exhaust cause automatic failure?

 

Do you have a CARB numer for your exhaust. If so I think you should be ok.

 

i dont think HKS makes any CARB leagl systems. i'd say that your safest bet would be to put the stock exhaust on for the test.

BTW: where in the bay area are you located?

 

I live near Mountain View.

I didn't think that catbacks had to be CARB certified. They don't modify or delete any cats. I'm wondering whether anyone has actually failed the visual test solely because of a catback. (Of course it wouldn't take me more than 10 or 15 minutes to swap the stock catback on, but I don't have a good place to work around here).

 

you can try passing with the catback but IMO its just safer to swap the stocker back on. if you caome to the some i-club you can find someone who is will to help you do the swap. sh*t, i'll help you do it. the Big Dogs Grill meet is a good one, its in San Jose on Thursdays and there is always a good turn out. here's the link:
https://www.i-club.com/forums/meetings-events-donuts-91/official-big-dogs-grill-thursdays-thread-26828/

 

Cool. I'll try to make it this Thursday.

 

I don't think smog guys check for visual. They just put the sniffer on...

 

You dont need a CARB number for a cat back exhaust since it is after all of the emissions equipment.

 

No manufacturor makes CARB legal systems since they are after the Catalytic Converter and do not effect emissions.

 

lol, duh. my bad

 

Your cat back will in now way effect the visual. There is nothing illegal about a catback system.

 

the exhaust is quite loud...

 

thank god i already have a hook up when i move out there ...i don't think just the catback is that loud. mine is pretty damn loud being fully catless though. i'll put the silencer in for the daily commute and pray that it's good enough. if all else fails guess i'll get a high flow put in the mid pipe in addition to the silicer, should be ok . i don't have to worry about the smog test though either way