OBD 2 vs OBD 1 for better tuning and annual smog tests.

[surebimmer]

So here is the background I have had my S52 OBD 1 swap for well over 6 years now. My swap is California BAR certified. I got new magaflow cats two years ago and then this last week i had to do the same thing to pass smog. $400 bucks for cats every two years is getting old.

I'm thinking of converting to OBD 2 for better tuning and drivability. OBD 2 has two O2 sensors on each banks manifold, vs OBD 1 that only has 1 02 sensor after the two banks meet. Does anyone in California have a OBD 2 BAR legal swap? Do you have any smog printouts? OBD 2 also offers better diagnosis of any problems with the car.

Thoughts on OBD 2 vs OBD 1?

Ballpark cost to convert from OBD 1 to OBD 2? I'm thinking ball park OBD 2 engine wire harness $100-150, OBD 2 DME $60-100, OBD 2 tune $350, 2 post 02 sensors $200 bucks.

[DesertBMW]

$400 bucks for cats every two years is getting old.

Why not, build them as bolt ons and make test pipes, so you go pass emissions, then unbolt them and put the test pipes on, then after 2 years you don't have to waste another $400? You got to be smart if you want to save money.

or:

Run MS41.2 system, use stock S52/M52 metallic converters, run the secondary air pump and you never have to worry about converters going bad.

[Aviator]

^Exactly.

[e30austin]

Or just run stock OBD1/2 cats on your current setup......

I am hugely in favor of OBD1, it is a simple system that works well. OBD2 just over complicates a car that doesn't need to be. IMHO, at least.