What H-Pipe will pass California Smog???

caretta · Jun 13, 2005

I would like some real info from people that live in California who have passed smog tests with modified exhaust systems. I live in Florida right now and Florida doesn't have smog tests or yearly inspections. I will be moving back to California soon with my 2001 GT that has stock manifolds, MAC Pro-Chamber (non-catted), and Flowmaster cat back. I know I will need to cat the exhaust with some kind of catted H-pipe. The choices appear to be stock Ford 4 cat, MRT or MAC catted H-Pipe. MRT and Mac both say thier pipes do not carry a C.A.R.B. # and are not approved but they have heard from customers that have passed smog in California. Anybody out there that has really passed smog with thier pipes?? Anybody passed a "smog test station only" yearly test?? Any info from California GT owners would be appreciated.
Jim

squares98 · Jun 13, 2005

No aftermarket pipe is legal in cali. .

caretta · Jun 13, 2005

I know that no modified pipe is legal, what I asked is Has anyone passed smog with an illegal pipe
Jim

DoHcHoLlIdAy01 · Jun 13, 2005

You have to have at least 2 cats in order to pass smog at all (in CA). No cats = No pass. I passed a few years ago on my 95 GTS. I had the Mac H-pipe with cats. Now the catch is, if they look at the H-pipe (while smogging) and realize its not stock, they are going to ask you for the CARB # or certificate for the H-pipe. The only problem is that none of the aftermarket pipes carry a CARB Exemption (so you will fail visual, regardless if the car actually passes). So you are taking a chance by installing an aftermarket pipe. This is the only reason I am reluctant to get one for my Cobra. Also if you are pulled over in CA and you do not have Cats on the car (assuming the cop checks), I think there is something like a $1500 fine or something of that nature. For the 10 or 15 extra HP I'm not sure it is worth it, at least in Cali.

Ghostface · Jun 13, 2005

sucks major a$$

CaliLifeStyle · Jun 13, 2005

People have passed with a catted X pipe. Someone posted on here not to long ago about passing with the Bassani Catted X. I think he was from Oakland. You will fail visual if the tester sees the X or Prochamber. You might get away easier with a catted H but its still risky. My advice is buy a mid pipe but keep the stock pipe. Put the stock pipe back on for the test. Make sure to have the stock pipe on for at least a week to have the computer reset and to blow out any crap that might have built up while in storage. And keep you Mustang under 2000 rpms while cops are around.

caretta · Jun 13, 2005

Thanks for the replies. I lived in California most my life so I know about the smog laws and stuff. When I bought the 2001 GT here in Florida it was from a Buick dealer (used) and they forgot to check for smog compliance.When I bought it had the Pro-Chamber on it. I have been talking to the Buick dealer and they are very receptive to buying me whatever it takes to make it complient because they issued the form that said it was complient. Well I guess there is a very big fine for selling a used car by a car dealership that is not complient. I kinda like the sound of the Mustang with the Pro-Chamber so I think I'll get them to buy me a stock Ford pipe and just change it when I have to get the car smogged in California. Thanks again!!
Jim

CaliLifeStyle · Jun 13, 2005

clancrash said:
Not trying to steal the thread, but do you guys think with a catted Mac h pipe, magnaflows and some shorties that the car would be too loud for the streets (read: cops). I dont have any problem swapping the factory midpipe back in for inspection, but i dont want to be freakin out when i see cops in the area out here in SoCal.

Like I said, keep it under 2000 RPM's around the cops and you'll be fine.

Blown00GTAuto · Jun 13, 2005

squares98 said:
No aftermarket pipe is legal in cali. .

bdcardinal · Jun 13, 2005

its true no aftermarket pipe is legal in CA. only an unmodified OEM pipe. you can turn the H into an X only if you do not modify the location of hte cats or O2 sensors. just to let you guys know, im 2 tests away from getting my smog license.

CaliLifeStyle · Jun 13, 2005

bdcardinal said:
its true no aftermarket pipe is legal in CA. only an unmodified OEM pipe. you can turn the H into an X only if you do not modify the location of hte cats or O2 sensors. just to let you guys know, im 2 tests away from getting my smog license.

Good luck on those next two tests.

I got a question for you. If the 2000 Cobra R uses a Bassani X pipe stock, then why is it not legal on other Mustangs? Is it just for that model?

bdcardinal · Jun 13, 2005

CaliLifeStyle said:
Good luck on those next two tests.

I got a question for you. If the 2000 Cobra R uses a Bassani X pipe stock, then why is it not legal on other Mustangs? Is it just for that model?

just for that model.

What H-Pipe will pass California Smog???

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