[wesmeister]

Just curious what others are doing when it comes to running a downpipe.

I am looking to install a BM3 tune very soon, and while the stock stage 1 maps give a good bang for the buck, after a lot of reading it seems like replacing the DP and going straight to stage 2 maps really unleashes the stock turbo and the exhaust.

I have the N20 motor, so I accept it will never be a complete beast, but still seems like a good investment. I have about 3 years until dmv makes me smog test.

What are people doing? Running catless and replacing to stock before testing? Is there any catted pipes out there that are CARB approved?

[Gen13 F36]

I heard if you got your car new then its 8yrs till smog check... your good till 2024...

Most of us here in California do is just reinstall the stock cat every 2 yrs or pay someone..

[yoon_209]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

I heard if you got your car new then its 8yrs till smog check... your good till 2024...

Most of us here in California do is just reinstall the stock cat every 2 yrs or pay someone..

anybody know someone in OC that can 'pass' me?

[jh_f30]

I think I'm due for a smog this year, I'll let you know in a few months.

[Blocke]

I’m in the same boat. I have accepted that I’ll just have to swap cats every 2 years. For me the bother is the CEL. Waiting to see if the vrsf catted pipe actually doesn’t trigger one. Otherwise I’ll pony up and go AA or Fabspeed.

[Jeef]

can n55 guys use the cat sim?

[TinkyWinks]

Just curious on folks experiences. Considering where the cat is (at least on the n55), do the smog folks even lift the car and perform a visual? It'll be very difficult to see the cat through the engine bay and if you have a dp that doesn't trigger a CEL like fabspeed then in theory you wouldn't need to swap it out?

[eluded]

Yes, all smog guys do a visual underneath the car

[wesmeister]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

I heard if you got your car new then its 8yrs till smog check... your good till 2024...

Most of us here in California do is just reinstall the stock cat every 2 yrs or pay someone..

I'm the second owner. Bought it as a lease return, but I just looked it up and it doesn't matter because it's just the model year +8 regardless of purchase date and owner. So I have another 4 years! nice.

I guess I'll just plan on doing the DP swap and detune when the time comes. I haven't found any catted DPs that are CARB approved for the N20/26.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by wesmeister

I'm the second owner. Bought it as a lease return, but I just looked it up and it doesn't matter because it's just the model year +8 regardless of purchase date and owner. So I have another 4 years! nice.

I guess I'll just plan on doing the DP swap and detune when the time comes. I haven't found any catted DPs that are CARB approved for the N20/26.

This new smog law is sweet... but have you look at your registration lately. California added a fee in there for the environment . Its kinda smog but you don't have to go and get your car tested. One way California is screwing with us and lot more for the smog check test center

[jh_f30]

Originally Posted by eluded

Yes, all smog guys do a visual underneath the car

In California, it's just an OBD scan. No sniffer test. Can anyone verify there's no visual inspection?

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

In California, it's just an OBD scan. No sniffer test. Can anyone verify there's no visual inspection?

Some do visual check and some don't... it's all about the guy is lazy or a dedicated tree hugger. I'm not kidding. My parent car a Mitsubishi lancer that I went to smog a few times already. First guy did the inspection, 2nd time around... no inspection(different smog place), third time another inspection( same place as the second smog)

Seriously the same person too... he said he's the owner of the place.

[eluded]

Originally Posted by jh_f30

In California, it's just an OBD scan. No sniffer test. Can anyone verify there's no visual inspection?

They are supposed to visually inspect the catalytic converter. If an inspector brought their car in and they did not do it they would lose their license.

[Bmw doubles]

My guy just checks OBD codes and readiness. Though you should swap back to stock. He doesn't perform a Nazi check. He will nail you in easy shit like open air filter not smog legal.

[Lui428i]

You can code the car while you're getting a tune to not show the check engine light for the deleted cats/emissions. Not sure if that will show when they put the OBD scanner or not. I had a lazy guy do my registration (glade about it too). Literally walked around the car and told me to pop the hood. I have the injen intake system on my n26 with the cover so it kinda looks stock. He told me to turn it on. In which he then poked his head under the hood and started moving things around. Gave me the papers and took it to get the emission test. Had to pay a couple hundred because the guy's doing the test are "car guys". Guy was nice enough to help me put a bung on my 02 sensor to trick the system so I can get the all clear from the computer. San Diego is strict about all that. Just save the money and pay someone to pass you. Save yourself the headache. Unless you're tight on money, then do what you gotta do... but, I bet since you have these questions, you're already thinking of forking a few hundred to put into your car....so you already know what you're getting yourself into. Price to pay for fun brotha.