"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
12/08/2014 at 06:06 • Filed to: Tacoma
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"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat)
12/08/2014 at 06:06 • Filed to: Tacoma | 0
| 8 |
Hi Opponauts -
So, that coffee that I had a 5pm had a lag effect and woke me up just now. Perfect time for surfing the net...
Anyway, the last time I had the Taco smogged, the tech told me that I just barely passed on NOX emissions and that most likely, I'll need to have a new cat converter installed in order to pass next time. "Next time" is coming up in April. I've heard that typically, new cat converters cost ~$1000 to install. Looking online, it seems that I can get a Magna Flow unit (Approved by executive order from CARB) for ~$200 or so (obviously, there'd be a cost for installation). This seems shockingly low as I can't imagine it would cost $800 to have a muffler shop install the unit. So:
1) Does anyone have experience with this? I'm imagining this is more or less unbolt/cut out the old unit and bolt/weld the new one in place?
2) Any experience with smog approval with aftermarket cat converters? Do I need to get it blessed by the BAR, or something?
Thanks in advance. Miata for your troubles...
pip bip - choose Corrour
> PyramidHat
12/08/2014 at 06:13 |
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may i suggest you move to a state that requires no testing. ;)
(dons flame suit)
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PyramidHat
> pip bip - choose Corrour
12/08/2014 at 06:22 |
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Fair point, but a lot of those states suck :D
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pip bip - choose Corrour
> PyramidHat
12/08/2014 at 06:23 |
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okay , you got me on that one!
kanadanmajava1
> PyramidHat
12/08/2014 at 06:49 |
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If HC and CO emission were still OK but NOx was the sole problem you could check if the EGR system is working. They have tendency to get blocked by carbon residue in some engines.
Google told me that some Tacomas have been having those problems.
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PyramidHat
> kanadanmajava1
12/08/2014 at 07:02 |
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Better still...thanks!
crowmolly
> PyramidHat
12/08/2014 at 09:43 |
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Does it cost you anything to go for the test?
I know in NJ it's free at a state facility, so if somebody is on the edge here I'll tell them to go out for a long drive before getting tested to make sure everything is nice and hot- and don't shut the car off in line.
I have used the Magnaflow bullet cats before and they worked well. Bolt-in was not allowed, mine had to be welded.
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PyramidHat
> crowmolly
12/08/2014 at 20:59 |
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There's a fee, but not one that's unreasonable. I just have to make sure I go to a "test only" facility (bad things happen if you're taking the "real" test and you fail, I'm told). However, to your point, I have been told that I should drive it for an hour or so before coming in - something I did not do before the last test...
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crowmolly
> PyramidHat
12/08/2014 at 22:15 |
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Well, just remember, cats need to be up to temp to work properly. That's why AIR systems exist, and why it's technically illegal to move cats in your exhaust system. Further down the pipe the colder the cat, and the less efficient it is.