Hey Guys. I am moving my wrx from mass. to california. The DMV has told me I need to get it smogged before I can get it registared. Does anyone know if I will pass smog with a catless uppipe, catless downpipe and a Sti cat-back on my otherwise stock 2002 wrx. If not, is there any "special" places I can go to. or am I better off putting the stock dp back on. thanks
-Dan

 

put back on the stock up and downpipe. sorry. you're not going to pass w/o the cats in place.

 

Would I pass with the stock downpipe but a catless uppipe? 2 cats should be enough right...
thanks

 

It seems to be fairly established that you will pass the sniffer test without the uppipe cat. Or are you referring to the visual inspection? If he has a (rather stock-looking) STi UP, he shouldn't have any problems...

- Fromage

 

The stock catted uppipe is only there for cold starts, so if you don't get checked on a cold start, you'll be just fine with the stock downpipe. Actually, you could probably pass smog even on a cold start without the stock uppy.

And even on the visual, you should pass with an aftermarket uppipe...most shops can't even see it.

 

OK thanks guys. I'm not fimilar with the inspection/smog process so I don't know if its a sniffer test or visual. But I assume smog is a sniffer test. Guess I'll be putting the stock DP back and bringing my catless one with me. there's no other options right...
-Dan

 

If you were in so cal a couple of my friends could point you to a few shops that will guarantee that your car will pass(quality service comes with a price)...but I don't know any in nor cal...

 

It is visiual and sniffer both. Any parts before the final cat, effecting emissions must have a CARB E.O. number or they are illegal regardless of whether or not they pass the sniffer test. However, if you get your car warm enough before the test you could probably get away with the uppipe in place.

 

speaking from experience.

moved here from MI and have a 2002 wrx.

passed w/ catless UP, but stock everything else.

be sure to clear codes at least a week prior to test.

There is a visual, so make sure everything looks stock.

Be sure to drive around a bit to heat everything up. Although that activates the cats, the heat also discourages techs from being too nosey under the hood.

 

lol...good point...

 

What about non-stock suspension? thats fine right?

 

Yeah I believe modded suspension is no big deal.

 

Put on the stock downpipe. You will pass with the uppipe in there as most techs dont know what an upippe is or won't take the time to look there because of the engine heat. Make sure you have the stock exhaust manifold and downpipe though and all other intake parts. When I went to the state ref the guy mentioned he failed a wrx the day before for having an aftermarket header.

-Dan

 

Do you guys think I will have any problems with my lights? thanks again

 

this is a smog test... all they are checking for is your emissions equipment. they don't care about suspension or exterior styling.....