Mid-pipes w/ cats (CA)

F

flipnsac

Member
Nov 10, 2003
159
0
16
Northern CA
#1
I need your help and opinions guys. My dilemma is I had to go with JBA shortys 'cuz California SMOG laws makes me. I also have Magnapack catback. I want some after market mid-pipes but they have to have cats. I hear x-pipes don't sound good with Magnapacks but I will consider them based on what you guys say. I've narrowed it down to these four. Which of these do you guys recommend? Or can you offer another alternative?:

MRT catted H http://mustangracing.mrt-direct.com/hpipe.php

MAC catted H http://proficientperformance.com/Me...tegory_Code=mac_cat_pipes_96-02&Store_Code=PP

Bassani catted X http://proficientperformance.com/Me...=bas_pipes_w-cats_ford_must_4-6&Store_Code=PP

Magnaflow Tru-X http://proficientperformance.com/Me...=mf_tru-x_mid_pipe_ford_mustang&Store_Code=PP
 
#2
I had the MRT SS catted H with 2 chamber flows on the stock manifolds 6 months ago. Sounded good, nice and deep. I'd assume the magnapacks would be louder than the flows. Either way I'm sure the MRT or MAC will sound sweet with your configuration.

I can say that I was impressed with the low end gains from the MRT catted pipe. Not like a supercharger or anything, but as far as a pipe with cat's, I can say that it exceeded my expectations.
 
#4
The ONLY legal mid pipe in CA is the factory H pipe. If you want more details, look up some threads here under the username bdcardinal (he works for the State as a smog referree). Sorry to rain on your parade. If you do go with the aftermarket midpipe make sure to keep the factory one for when you need to pass emissions.
 
#5
since you have to put the factory h back on to smog the car, you might as well put a no-cat x or h on the car. it's cheaper and you'll get a little more power. those ca smog laws are actually kinda counter-productive, aren't they? :)
 
#6
only legal midpipe is the stock one. if you get pulled over, you wil get a citation for it, if the cop notices, the cats are in "plain view" with a mirror so a warrent isnt required to look for them. if you are unfortunate enough to be caught in a roadside smog test, and they catch you without the 4 stock cats, the fine is $2500 for evey missing cat, you cant fight it becaue the BAR itself issues the fine, and there are referees and BAR officials who impose it. btw im not a referee, i work for a referee as a lane tech.
 
#9
bdcardinal said:
only legal midpipe is the stock one. if you get pulled over, you wil get a citation for it, if the cop notices, the cats are in "plain view" with a mirror so a warrent isnt required to look for them. if you are unfortunate enough to be caught in a roadside smog test, and they catch you without the 4 stock cats, the fine is $2500 for evey missing cat, you cant fight it becaue the BAR itself issues the fine, and there are referees and BAR officials who impose it. btw im not a referee, i work for a referee as a lane tech.
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone for your input.

The Magnaflow Tru-X and Bassani ads both say "50-state legal". How can they say that if the only legal mid-pipe is the stock H? I'm confused.

I guess I have to seriously consider moving to Nevada.......
 
#10
Yeah nevada sounds like a good idea, I was gonna move to pacific beach, but being the true car lover I am it seems like CA is the worst possible state for me, im also thinking of moving to nevada, atleast prostitution is legal there :D .
 
#11
they are only legal for use in CA if you can prove that your stock h pipe was damaged beyond repair. that being said, you cant just go and bash in your stock h pipe and call it a day. you must be out of the required 8 year 80,000 mile emissions warrenty. if you are in that range, you get another stock h pipe for free.
 
#12
bdcardinal:

The Magnaflow Tru-X ad says they weld in behind the stock cats. Does that make it legal? The only thing gone is the stock H-pipe configuration but the stock cats are in place.

On second thought, doesn't that kinda defeat the purpose of getting an after market X-pipe? You still have a flow restriction at the cats in the exhaust system.
 
#15
flipnsac said:
Thanks everyone for your input.

The Magnaflow Tru-X and Bassani ads both say "50-state legal". How can they say that if the only legal mid-pipe is the stock H? I'm confused.

I guess I have to seriously consider moving to Nevada.......
Click to expand...

I think Bassani is only talking about their catback when they say that. Their x-pipe does not have a CARB number.
 
#18
The Magnaflow tru-x is 50 state legal since it is welded in place of the h-pipe connector AFTER the catalytic converters. It is considered a cat-back modification that does not interfer with emissions...

Norm

p.s.
Yes, California does suck on numerous fronts. Hopefully Arny will terminate those smog nazis!
 
#19
omg what a bunch of pansy's... i live in california and daily drive my no catted car to and from work every single day. I been pulled over numerous times and not once has anyone ever questioned my exhaust in all my years of living and driving in this tree hugging state. Bolt on your factory pipe for tests and store it the rest of the time. Its a one man 90 min max job, all you need is a jack, wrench, and brain. Grow a pair and live on the wild side there daredevil
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

SCalla1384
Bypass Valve on FMIC...need help
Replies
1
Views
1K
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
SaleenGT2001
SaleenGT2001
R
Thinking about a Cobra intake
Replies
7
Views
603
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
inphiniti
I
Suspect
valve covers/spacer
Replies
4
Views
617
1994 - 1995 Specific Tech
trav_19
trav_19
F
What do you guys think of this?
Replies
16
Views
662
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
fox1x
F
0
Next Mod? MAC Non-prochamber sound clips
Replies
3
Views
731
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Built98GT
Built98GT
Top Bottom
Back
Forums
Menu