Legal Smog????

[oldace84]

So what is the legal smog laws to install a new cat. converter....
I know in CA......what is the law?????????????
Help Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks
tony
Like milage....etc..............

 

[TomOB]

I think its 50,000 miles to replace with anything but oem, but im just going from one of the autozone/napa/pep boys websites little notes.

 

[Ken]

EPA GUIDELINES ON INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR AFTERMARKET CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

EFFECTIVE BY FEDERAL POLICY
AUGUST 5, 1986

The following is the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board:

1. (CARB) regulations* for the proper installation of replacement catalytic converters:
   
2. Replacement catalytic converters may be installed only in situations as defined in the CONDITIONS FOR REPLACEMENT.
   
3. Replacement catalytic converters must be installed in the same location as the original converter.
   
4. Replacement catalytic converters must be the same type of converter as the original converter (i.e., oxidation, three-way, or three-way-plus oxidation).
   
5. Replacement catalytic converters must be the proper converter for the vehicle application as determined and specified by the manufacturer.
   
6. Replacement catalytic converters must be connected properly to any existing air injection or temperature or oxygen sensing components on the vehicle.
   
7. Replacement catalytic converters must be installed with all the other required converters for the particular application if more than one converter was installed originally by the vehicle manufacturer; or in the case of new aftermarket converters, if more than one converter was specified by the converter manufacturer.
   
8. Installers must complete the INSTALLER’S WARRANTY SHEET, and sign it, as also the vehicle owner.
   
   *VIOLATIONS of one or more of these installation requirements could result in the installer being liable for a penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation, under provisions set forth in the EPA tampering prohibition law specified in Section 203 of the Clean Air Act, 42 US Code, Section 7522, amended in 1990, and under the CARB rules and regulations pertaining to aftermarket catalytic converters.

Generally, there are only 3 situations when you can install an aftermarket converter. They are:

1. if the converter is missing from the vehicle when brought in for exhaust system repair; or
2. if a State or local inspection program has determined the existing converterhas been lead poisoned, damaged, or otherwise needs replacement; or
3. if the vehicle is more than 5 years old or has more than 50,000 miles* (8 years/80,000 miles for 1995 and newer vehicles) and a legitimate need for replacement has been established and appropriately documented (e.g., a plugged converter or unrepairable exhaust leaks).

Any other converter replacement must be with a 'certified' or new original equipment (OE) or equivalent converter. Aftermarket converters subject to the enforcement policy requirements cannot be used for replacement if:

1. the existing converter is present and functioning properly; or
2. the replacement is under recall or warranty; or
3. the vehicle is returning from overseas use.

For more information, straight from the EPA guidelines, see WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT USING, INSTALLING, OR BUYING AFTERMARKET CATALYTIC CONVERTERS

 

[TomOB]

It's kinda funny that i guess that means that if i wanted o make true dual w/ cats, i couldn't without fear of being caught. the dual catalytic converters, with the increased surface area, would reduce emissions further, while dual exhuast would probably raise mileage too.
i understand the logistics of the issue. is it illegal to install a second cat?

 

[Ken]

It is my understanding that you cannot modify the factory set-up, that is, make a dual-exhaust system from one that was originally a single-exhaust type system. I may be wrong.

_ken

 

[oldace84]

Ken,
Thanks for all that great info.....
Made a hard copy to show the muffler shop.....
Again many thanks
tony