Is It Possible to Pass Smog w/a Bad Cat Converter?

[BeLzEbUb58]

I have a 1988 325iS with 250k miles I purchased from a form member who stated that the vehicle failed smog possibly due to bad cats. Is it possible to still pass without replacing the cat converter? If not, I've seen cheap generic cats that a muffler shop could weld. What are the options?

[freeride53]

a million fufillion mufflers

[Dj Buttchug]

if you have a weak cat it is possible to pass smog if you can heat the cat up before you test.

Sometimes you can convince your tech to "speed violate" the car while on the dyne.

Basically they just do some pulls with your car to heat the cat up which makes them work better. Then they run the test.

If your cat is no longer functioning at all then you may have to find a used oem cat or something even tho junkyards are not allowed to sell them legally in california.

[BeLzEbUb58]

if you have a weak cat it is possible to pass smog if you can heat the cat up before you test.

Sometimes you can convince your tech to "speed violate" the car while on the dyne.

Basically they just do some pulls with your car to heat the cat up which makes them work better. Then they run the test.

If your cat is no longer functioning at all then you may have to find a used oem cat or something even tho junkyards are not allowed to sell them legally in california.

When you say speed violate the car, wouldn't the result be the same as if I drove it an extended amount of time on the freeway then brought it in for smog?

I've seen cheap aftermarket cat converters. Will they work?

Shop has a used OEM one they said they'd sell for $100. Is that a fair price?

[homegrone30]

It would probably cost that for a universal cat and the welding needed. If the used one dosnt look bad I'd say go for it.

[Jean]

Is it possible to drive 50 in 35 not get a ticket?
Is it possible to go a day w/o sleep?

Take your car to a test station...why guess as you'll still have to take the car in?

[BeLzEbUb58]

Is it possible to drive 50 in 35 not get a ticket?
Is it possible to go a day w/o sleep?

Take your car to a test station...why guess as you'll still have to take the car in?

Jean,

Problem is that if it fails I'd still have to pay. I need to find a smog shop that says, Don't Pass Don't Pay!

[unrlmth]

Most shops will let you retest for free or 15 bucks if you don't pass the first time.

[Bimmerista]

I need to find a smog shop that says, Don't Pass Don't Pay!

Yeah...good luck with that.

[SUICIDE109]

What is this Cat converter you speak of? I have never heard of such a thing. There is a like tube box thing b4 the muffler but I always tear em out.

[franco90]

Jean,

Problem is that if it fails I'd still have to pay. I need to find a smog shop that says, Don't Pass Don't Pay!

[TomSuddard]

I've heard something about running alcohol in the fuel to pass smog, but I don't know any details. Google it?

I appreciate Florida's lack of any inspections more and more every day.

[e34john]

Go to the shop, let him know you need a test and see how long the wait is. Drive around the block in 2nd-3rd gear until its your turn and make sure it goes into the bay right away. Thats what I had to do with my 525i.

[noid]

Yeah...good luck with that.

Here in Ontario they give you 10 days to retest as many times as you want from inital test for the same cost.

[naplesE30]

Until you hit the drive shaft of an beat to shit uninsured illegal dump truck driver doing 85mph on hghwy 75 in your new 350z. Yeah no saftey inspections are awesome, brakes, tie rods, shocks, lights, proper tire tread depth, etc are so overated. End my rant and experience.

I appreciate Florida's lack of any inspections more and more every day.