2 stupid newb. questions, but no answers found .....
 

Sorry to be a turbo dumb-azz, but I have been an all motor guy until last year when I bought my '02.

1) It had a basic BOV and a 3" custom cat. back already on it when I got it. The problem is, the BOV "whistles." It is annoying as hell, anything of 2,500 rpms and it is singing. I tightened the adjustment nut all the way up, and it didn't help much. Could it be that it needs washers insisde to make the spring tighter/stronger???

2) For upgrades, is it just me, or if one was to do the up-pipe and down-pipe, that would totally eliminate the catalyst systems completely, right? What do people do about the ECM and exhaust codes?? Does anyone have problems with emissions inspections? The way Maryland does it now for newer cars is to just run a computer hook-up and see if you have any codes, but they also do a visual under the car quickly to make sure you have a cat.

Any help would be appreciated ........ <zips up flame suit> ........ flame away.

lol don't worry about being flamed.....ok first off....

The bov: You might want to take it apart and clean it and lube it up again.....bov's sometimes need to be cleaned once in a while. That might solve your problem...or just make sure it's installed properly.

No cats: Ok the up pipe is basically meant just for cold start up......you have the car warmed up and you will still pass inspection if you still have your other cats. You can use a resistor to make sure you don't throw any codes with the catless up pipe. When you go to inspection what I will do is I will install my stock downpipe back in, it's not that much work really. If you have any more questions....just post away!

Switch the BOV back to stock, you can probably find a used on here for cheap or on NASIOC. You can always switch your exhaust back to stock for emissions testing if your worried about cats. I have the Pony Express MIL Eliminator and have never had a CEL.

I also suggest changing the BOV back to stock. The most power you can hope to make from an aftermarket BOV is zero. On a car running less than 20 or so psi of boost, it's only benefit is aural bling.

For those new to the WRX, these FAQs are good reading:

[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=445812[/url]

[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=443943[/url]

Certainly wouldn't get/keep the BOV for power reasons ...........

I bought the stock one from a guy on EBay who has yet to send it to me ....... and he was a highly rated member, so not sure why (other than the fact it took me a little bit too long to get him the payment, and he may be getting back to me on that aspect).

I'm going to pull it apart, lube it up, and add a washer I think, hopefully that will do the trick. And if it doesn't, I'll have to wait to get the stock one (since the car didn't come with one when I bought the car used).