California Smog! Small catalytic converter option -93
06-05-13, 11:06 PM
#1
California Smog! Small catalytic converter option -93
This is the first time I have had to "comply" with California smog laws since recent changes were made.
You *must* use the official California Catalytic converter. The 3rd cat downstream (that many LS400 owners don't have in other states) is Magnaflow part # 38105.
This is a 2.25" in/out straight catalytic. I begged and pleaded with my smog guy to allow something with a larger diameter but no dice.
It arrives tomorrow, I'll put up some pictures. Im thinking of having it modified to 2.5 in and out". The thought of a 1UZ breathing through a single 2.25" pipe just seems crazy. The body of the catalytic is usually very large. It's just the end pipes that are small.
Another crazy possibility would be to run 2 of them. 2.25" per side would be nice but expensive.
Last edited by RA40; 06-11-13 at 01:33 PM. Reason: title addition
06-06-13, 12:57 AM
#3
Mine comes up as a Cali car 
Also have to go to a STAR smog station, the new rules starting in Jan 1 2013
The guys at the smog shop are even my friends and they dont want to budge an inch on the laws.
They are very concerned with the "code" stamped on the bottom. So I'm going to bring them the cat tomorrow and ask if I can modify the ends. Hopefully it won't be a problem.
I was trying to get them to let me use the GS430 catalytic which is 2.5" in and out.
Also have to go to a STAR smog station, the new rules starting in Jan 1 2013
The guys at the smog shop are even my friends and they dont want to budge an inch on the laws.
They are very concerned with the "code" stamped on the bottom. So I'm going to bring them the cat tomorrow and ask if I can modify the ends. Hopefully it won't be a problem.
I was trying to get them to let me use the GS430 catalytic which is 2.5" in and out.
Last edited by CIGLexus; 06-06-13 at 01:03 AM.
06-06-13, 01:58 AM
#4
Lexus Champion
not understanding this thread, I suppose it is because I am not living in Cali, but if your car is stock, as it was originally sold, and operating correctly, why wouldn't it pass?
06-06-13, 12:30 PM
#5
The Star stations are closely monitored by BAR. So yeah, they don't want their license yanked and fines imposed.
Doesn't makes sense about AB 2289 on the LS400's:
I had the test done last year so as far as I was aware, the cars had to comply with the stricter tail pipe restrictions. A properly running LS400, 95+ will pass the test easily. Of course there has been the law about modified emissions systems so modding the exhaust cat's forward is going to be a problem not only visually but the tail pipe because it fails visual.
The other is just plain sampling of older cars. If the exhaust is stock, I'm not understanding why this additional cat is required?
Doesn't makes sense about AB 2289 on the LS400's:
AB 2289
Set to begin January 01, 2013; Model year 2000 and newer vehicles will no longer require the tailpipe emissions test portion of the smog check process. AB 2289 will require late model vehicles be administered the smog check's visual and functional tests only.
The implementation of AB 2289 is expected to reduce the time and cost of the smog check. The program will now take better advantage of a vehicle's OBD II technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the vehicle's own OBD II emissions monitoring system.
This new smog test system is already in place in 22 other states. "This new and improved program will have the same result as taking 800,000 old cars off the road, also resulting in a more cost effective program for California motorists." said ARB Chairman, Mary D. Nichols.
Currently California's smog check procedure requires all vehicles undergo a tailpipe emissions inspection to measure harmful pollutant output from the tailpipe, a visual inspection for present and properly installed emissions components, a functional test to insure the proper operation of various emission components; and as part of the functional test, an OBD II computer diagnostic check.
Under AB 2289, the tailpipe emissions portion of the smog inspection will be eliminated for 2000 model and newer cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Background on the OBD II system - All vehicles imported into the United States as of 1996 have had to be equipped with an On Board Diagnostics system referred to as OBD II. The OBD II diagnostic system is designed to monitor all aspects of your engine's emission conditions and report this information to a central database within it's computer. This information is processed and checked against the computers pre-determined values for various input levels and performance patterns.
If any problems are found, the computer will determine whether to alert the driver or not. If a decision has been made to alert the driver of an emissions problem, the "Check Engine" or "Engine Malfunction" light will illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard. In more serious emission conditions the computer may even begin to rapidly flash the "Check Engine/Malfunction" light indicating to the driver, that the vehicle needs immediate diagnosis/repair attention.
AB 2289 now requires the smog test inspection to rely on data from a vehicle's own on board emissions computer to determine the vehicle's harmful emissions production as opposed to using a smog machine to sample the vehicle's emissions output from the tailpipe. This design is expected to reduce the cost of equipment at the smog station, reduce the amount of time it takes to smog check a vehicle, and reduce the cost of the smog inspection to the consumer.
Set to begin January 01, 2013; Model year 2000 and newer vehicles will no longer require the tailpipe emissions test portion of the smog check process. AB 2289 will require late model vehicles be administered the smog check's visual and functional tests only.
The implementation of AB 2289 is expected to reduce the time and cost of the smog check. The program will now take better advantage of a vehicle's OBD II technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the vehicle's own OBD II emissions monitoring system.
This new smog test system is already in place in 22 other states. "This new and improved program will have the same result as taking 800,000 old cars off the road, also resulting in a more cost effective program for California motorists." said ARB Chairman, Mary D. Nichols.
Currently California's smog check procedure requires all vehicles undergo a tailpipe emissions inspection to measure harmful pollutant output from the tailpipe, a visual inspection for present and properly installed emissions components, a functional test to insure the proper operation of various emission components; and as part of the functional test, an OBD II computer diagnostic check.
Under AB 2289, the tailpipe emissions portion of the smog inspection will be eliminated for 2000 model and newer cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Background on the OBD II system - All vehicles imported into the United States as of 1996 have had to be equipped with an On Board Diagnostics system referred to as OBD II. The OBD II diagnostic system is designed to monitor all aspects of your engine's emission conditions and report this information to a central database within it's computer. This information is processed and checked against the computers pre-determined values for various input levels and performance patterns.
If any problems are found, the computer will determine whether to alert the driver or not. If a decision has been made to alert the driver of an emissions problem, the "Check Engine" or "Engine Malfunction" light will illuminate on the vehicle's dashboard. In more serious emission conditions the computer may even begin to rapidly flash the "Check Engine/Malfunction" light indicating to the driver, that the vehicle needs immediate diagnosis/repair attention.
AB 2289 now requires the smog test inspection to rely on data from a vehicle's own on board emissions computer to determine the vehicle's harmful emissions production as opposed to using a smog machine to sample the vehicle's emissions output from the tailpipe. This design is expected to reduce the cost of equipment at the smog station, reduce the amount of time it takes to smog check a vehicle, and reduce the cost of the smog inspection to the consumer.
The other is just plain sampling of older cars. If the exhaust is stock, I'm not understanding why this additional cat is required?
06-06-13, 12:40 PM
#6
Lexus Champion
The implementation of AB 2289 is expected to reduce the time and cost of the smog check. The program will now take better advantage of a vehicle's OBD II technology by eliminating tailpipe testing and instead using the vehicle's own OBD II emissions monitoring system.
06-06-13, 01:04 PM
#7
The Cali smog has been a PITA for performance mods. They already plug the car in AND do tail pipe at the test stations. At least that is what I observed with ours last August. Eliminating the tail pipe will save about 8 minutes per car. The routine in-out was about 20 minutes, most of that was the visual inspection. He'd get down and look under he car, used a mirror then in the engine compartment and gas cap test. Rollers was the final.
So many updates to the Cali smog over the years. This has more impact for those of us driving these aging barges. New cars pass with a blink. The EGR system and any aged car is easily fouled by a O2 sensor going south, poor maintenance of the ignition system combined with lousy gas choices.
So many updates to the Cali smog over the years. This has more impact for those of us driving these aging barges. New cars pass with a blink. The EGR system and any aged car is easily fouled by a O2 sensor going south, poor maintenance of the ignition system combined with lousy gas choices.
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06-06-13, 02:17 PM
#8
The rear cat is suspected to be bad. The original rear cat from this car was switched to another LS400 to help it pass smog, so I have his old one.
I was hoping to change the rear cat and upgrade the exhaust diameter at the same.
The cat came in. It is actually 2.25" ID (NOT OD), so not as bad as I had though. I don't think it will be worth the time to mod it to 2.5".
Will be installed next week, will have pictures of the old cat as well.
I was hoping to change the rear cat and upgrade the exhaust diameter at the same.
The cat came in. It is actually 2.25" ID (NOT OD), so not as bad as I had though. I don't think it will be worth the time to mod it to 2.5".
Will be installed next week, will have pictures of the old cat as well.
Last edited by CIGLexus; 06-06-13 at 02:33 PM.
06-06-13, 07:20 PM
#10
My 99 is a cali stamped car though it never spent any time there. There is no 3rd or 'rear' cat. There are two cats just like the rest of them. After the cats are the resonators. Sounds like your not running cats and are stuck now...
This is why they changed the laws.
This is why they changed the laws.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 06-06-13 at 07:26 PM.
06-06-13, 09:25 PM
#11
Lexus Champion
hey, is that device in your previous pic a trick to beat the smog test?
06-07-13, 05:55 AM
#13
That pic is of an O2 simulator for the 400.
You know it's funny, the last time I did my inspection my wife had the car. Anyway, I just brought the registration with me and for an extra $10.00 I got my certificate. Without the car even there. But I actually run my cats. Too many gross polluters as it is.
Last edited by Lavrishevo; 06-07-13 at 06:14 AM.
