BMONEY04

iTrader: (2)

Hey guys, I'm looking to get a down pipe since I'm getting an AP soon and was curious to know if an aftermarket catted dp will smog? I heard mixed reviews that some do, some dont... anybody have experience with smogging there WRX here in CA (strict *** smog laws)? Catless DP's are much cheaper, but I know those wont smog whatsoever.... any feedback is appreciated, oh and if you have a catted DP for sale, holla at your boy!

Brfatal

Well, they aren't legal in Cali, but I don't know if the will pass your actual testing. Catted downpipes don't always pass emissions inspections in other states.

JVerma19990

iTrader: (1)

I have a catless downpipe on mine and injust swap for the stock downpipe every 2 years when I have to smog, high flow catted downpipes restrict some of the flow and most of
The time they won't pass emissions unless you drive it super hard before you
Get the te smog shop and get right on the test, and even then you will fail visual

flat489

iTrader: (7)

bottom line is both are illegal to have and both will fail some part of the smog test.

Catted dp-fails visual portion, but most of the time will pass sniffer test
Catless -fails both

now people with the catted dp have gotten around the visual portion by going to a smog station that is more lenient and will overlook it. Now i would just go with a catted dp just because driving around on the street its very easy for say a police officer to tell if you are catless by driving behind you compared to catted. That peace of mind is worth the extra cost of the catted. My advice just swap to stock anytime you have to smog and you will be fine.

04caliwrx

iTrader: (6)

sniffer yes! visual no... swap out the down pipe its very easy

1FSTREX

iTrader: (15)

Everyone has already stated the obvious so i will give you my experience with a COBB catted downpipe.

I have always passed the sniffer test.
I have passed and failed the visual.

Some shops dont care if its an aftermarket cat, as long as you have the correct number of cats they will let you pass. Others wont because technically its supposed to have a CARB number. Its a crap shoot.

As others have said, your best bet is to keep your stock DP and swap it every two years. Its worth the investment and lack of a headache and waste of money getting failed.

Will

BMONEY04

iTrader: (2)

Thanks guys, guess im keeping the stock and switching it out for smog time...would I have to re-program my cobb ap every time too? JW since I'm due for smog soon, but I wanna keep on moddin away!

norcal9two

iTrader: (1)

It all depends on the "technician". I've only passed with my catted dp, never failed, but like many have said, it's a crap shoot.

ddavis

iTrader: (4)

I failed with my catted downpipe on my 05 legacy years back. It was close on the numbers but still failed smog. Swapped the stocker back on and passed with flying colors. Some of those high flow cats dont really do much it seems. Its worth taking the hour and just putting your stocker back on. Plus you wont have to worry about visual.