• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

HELP

  • Thread starter Thread starter khaotic89GT
  • Start date Start date Apr 1, 2004
K

khaotic89GT

New Member
Jun 4, 2003
84
0
0
Sunny California
Apr 1, 2004
#1
  • Apr 1, 2004
  • #1
I need help guys (and girls). I have to get my car to pass smog. Has anyone passed smog with 2 cats reather then the 4? I currently have none but will add 2 catco cats if it will get me to pass. What else can I do I've herd of people setting the timing really low (like 1 or 2) and being able to pass. Has anyone done or tryed this? I really dont want to trash my car becuase it wont pass the cali smog laws that are to high. Please help me out with any ideas thanks.
 

65ShelbyClone

Founding Member
Sep 9, 2000
4,675
38
119
Antelope Valley, SoCal
Apr 2, 2004
#2
  • Apr 2, 2004
  • #2
I see you're in Kalifornia.

You have to have catalytic converters to pass, period. Even if by some miraculous chance you passed the sniffer, you would fail the visual. Yes, they look under your car to see that you have them. Whats worse is they can still fail you for having only two cats since your car came with 4. Ideally you have the stock H-pipe to install just for testing. If not, get your Catcos and have some heat shields welded on the h-pipe in front of them(to look like cats). The crossover in the h-pipe has to be behind the cats, BTW.

Do not set the timing low or anything like that. The smog tech will whip out a timing light to make sure your timing is at the stock 10* or very close.

EDIT: I just looked at your sig. All those part visible and likely to be noticed by the smog tech better have a C.A.R.B. Exemption Order number cast, welded, or engraved on them. Your intake will make the tech suspicious and the headers flat out wont pass the visual since they have no EO #. Same for that cold air intake.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Fox BBK X-pipe replacement Cat?
  • TIGGER
  • Aug 26, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
263
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Aug 26, 2025
AeroCoupe
Engine 1990 LX 5.0L EFI Mustang Fuel Management Problems - HELP!
  • 5.0LXStanger
  • May 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
45
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Jul 11, 2025
5.0LXStanger
Resolved Three way cat converters..?
  • PonyGTrider
  • Nov 2, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
241
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Nov 2, 2025
PonyGTrider
What should I do
  • PvolkStang
  • May 21, 2025
  • 1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
Replies
7
Views
246
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech May 22, 2025
WhiteCobra95
T
Looking for some help with 2006
  • thedudeillest
  • Mar 16, 2026
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
14
Views
392
2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk- Mar 20, 2026
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?