lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

I know there are probably quite a few people out there who have a gutted cat like I do...This can get pretty annoying when the time comes to have your inspection renewed...Thankfully, there is a very simple way around it, and should allow your inspeciton to pass.

Steps:

1.) Disconnect your negative battery terminal for a few minutes.


2.) When you reconnect it, start your car, make sure your CEL is gone, and drive around for 15-20 miles (may take longer, but don't drive long enough for the CEL to come back on)...Make sure by the time you reach your 20th mile, you are pulling into an inspection shop.


3.) Drive to your preferred inspection shop, and ask them to run the inspection under "training mode."

**If you actually know the people at the shop (maybe not well, but enough for them to recognize you), then the process will be much easier...Simply explain the situation to them, most of the time they'll understand...If they aren't willing to run the training mode for free, or do it at all, go to another place.


4.) If the training mode passes, have them run the real test asap!




This worked perfectly for me...Hopefully it does for some of you too.


UPDATE: 01-17-13

The software from the previous location I used was updated, and will only allow a car to pass if it has no more than 1 "not ready" code (the last time I passed inspection, I had 2) for any car that is 2001 and newer...Yesterday I drove for 25 miles after clearing my CEL, and was unable to pass the training...However, at 95.7 miles, I still had no CEL, and decided to try it again...BOOM!...Pass...I was able to get down to 1 "not ready" code...If you run into this issue, just drive until your systems are ready (but obviously not long enough for your CEL to come on).

Novoken

iTrader: (7)

Ill have to try it.

whats a training mode? Will they know what this is?

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

The training mode is what they teach their employees on when they're practicing...I had mine done at valvoline...you should try them if you have one close to you.

FLYN8

How is that you can justify talking about this subject as if it isn't illegal? Are you suggesting that we all just say the Hell with state and federal regulations? Personally, I'd like to know if you educated yourself on what a catalytic converter does before you took it out. Did you?

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

I'm fully aware of what a catalytic converter does...But, seeing as my first engine blew because of my cat, to me, it isn't worth the risk of having one...I'm sure many here feel the same...Plus, in some states, inspection isn't even required...If you dislike this thread, ignore it.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

On another note, please don't tell me you're an environmentalist driving an rx8...That would be hilarious.

paimon.soror

iTrader: (15)

^ lol

FastFreddy61

^lol x 2

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Something to consider

A Catalytic converter is made up of platinum a precious metal. Typically mined deep underground. In 2006 the two largest producers of Platinum where South Africa and Russia (both of which I'm sure are known for their Environmental policies).
http://www.metalseconomics.com/pdf/S...inumSupply.pdf

Note: Palladium and rhodium are also used but I don't have time right now to investigate those guys.

This all takes a tremendous amount of energy just to mine. The power is likely generated by coal or diesel (onsite gen-set).

Remember the location we are mining this stuff. Next is the processing of the raw ore which requires massive crushers consuming massive power to reduce the ore to a size where the precious metal can be extracted, often by the use of nasty chemicals.

Then we transport the raw material to the mill. The mill turns it in to something useful for company looking for that precious metal, in the case of platinum I'm guessing some sort of billet.

Then its transported again to make the manufacture of the catalytic convertor which is then transported to the car manufacture which then transports the car to your dealer.

I couldn't find a suitable web page showing the Global producers of Catalytic converters. (I bet its not North America)

Then we have to recycle these things. I don't know how that is done.

To bring this back to my point, it seems to me like we have made a device that helps our "air" at the expense of many environmental impacts of other peoples.
(Not in my backyard sort of thing)

You might say that if you had the option NOT to buy a catalytic convertor when you purchased your vehicle that you are causing air pollution ... but you are saving a planet. <scratch head ponder> mmmMmmmm Oo


I find this stuff fascinating to consider and that's just what I'm doing.
So all you tree huggers out there don't get your panties in knot.

Quoted from the book of knowledge -> wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter
/quote
Environmental impact
Catalytic converters have proven to be reliable and effective in reducing noxious tailpipe emissions. However, they may have some adverse environmental impacts in use:
The requirement for an internal combustion engine equipped with a three-way catalyst to run at the stoichiometric point means it is less efficient than if it were operated lean. Thus, there is an increases the amount of fossil fuel consumed and the carbon-dioxide emissions from the vehicle. However, NOx control on lean-burn engines is problematic and requires special lean NOx catalysts to meet U.S. emissions regulations.[citation needed]
Although catalytic converters are effective at removing hydrocarbons and other harmful emissions, they do not solve the fundamental problem created by burning a fossil fuel. In addition to water, the main combustion product in exhaust gas leaving the engine — through a catalytic converter or not — is carbon dioxide (CO2).[16] Carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuels is one of the greenhouse gases indicated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be a "most likely" cause of global warming.[17] Additionally, the U.S. EPA has stated catalytic converters are a significant and growing cause of global warming, because of their release of nitrous oxide (N2O), a greenhouse gas over three hundred times more potent than carbon dioxide.[18]
Catalytic converter production requires palladium or platinum; part of the world supply of these precious metals is produced near Norilsk, Russia, where the industry (among others) has caused Norilsk to be added to Time magazine's list of most-polluted places.
/end quote


Ref's:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalytic_converter
http://www.wealthdaily.com/articles/...companies/2495
http://www.metalseconomics.com/pdf/S...inumSupply.pdf
http://www.gold-eagle.com/analysis/platinum.html

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

^^Good job...Thank you.

xexok

You say drive 20 miles and do not go over that, but there is no set amount of miles to drive. When my car cycles its CEL's off on its own it can take a day to a week for my cel to come back on for my midpipe. I drive every day so its not a lack of miles thing.

I am probably just going to go buy a cheap obd2 scanner at harbor freight and that way I will know when the emissions test will be good. I do not know any emissions people out here, I just cant see them actually running the test on training just to help a random person out.


MazdaManiac posted once that he was able to pass the sniffer test with flying colors with no cat(not using AP to delete the code, this is a sniffer test). So it is possible to have your emissions under control and have a midpipe.

TeamRX8

iTrader: (25)

You can do the same thing yourself with an OBD CAN scanner

and most places aren't going to let you take up their time for free when they don't charge you for returning if you don't pass

xexok

Oh I figured they charged you every time? Never actually not passed an emissions test.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

Let me clarify that in Dallas, they don't do the sniffer test...Just a code check, fuel cap pressure, etc...So this may not work for you anyway if you need the sniffer test...Sorry man :/

New Yorker

I agree. And the "argument" suggesting that catalytic converters are somehow worse for the environment than not having them is laughable. Too bad you can't go back to LA in the '60s and see (or should I say "not see") for yourself. Look, if you want to man up and say you're breaking the law and you don't give a damn about air and other people, fine. We can respect that. But please, don't insult us by delegitimizing science in favor of your radical ideology.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

Obviously, not everybody is going to agree with going catless.

This thread is for those who have their own reason for going catless, but still face the whole inspection issue.

I'm sure there are more important things to focus on than getting upset at this thread.

New Yorker

^ Fair enough.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

I just read your edited post...I have no issue with admitting this is illegal...Like I said...we all have our reasons for either going catless or keeping a cat on...So I'm just helping the other criminals out

I also have no shame in admitting I now smell like a lawn mower...lol

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

^^but to add on...I can shoot flames...So it's a trade for the smell.

New Yorker

lol

AJRx892

iTrader: (2)

yes!!!!! +10000000

xexok

As far as I know they do not do sniffer tests to cars with obd2. I was just adding onto the argument about going catless and if it is bad or not. Pretty sure mazdamaniac just asked them to do the sniffer test out of curiosity iirc.

I miss living in small town Wisconsin where I didn't have to get emission tests done.

wcs

iTrader: (2)

Just as an FYI .....
They do the sniff test here in Ontario Canada.
They actually put your car on a small dyno and load up the engine while it runs at 2500rpm.

The rules are changing however and the dyno will be obsoleted in 2012 at some point.

FLYN8

I'd love to ignore this issue and I have many times before, but I can't do it in good conscience anymore. Environmental issues aside, this is wrong on a more personal level. First, you gain nothing from gutting the cat, aside from the weight savings, which is negligible. Modern, three way catalytic converters do not restrict air flow or use power in any way. Second, a car with a gutted cat is more dangerous to humans because it produces more CO (carbon monoxide). Reducing CO is one of the cat's main purposes for being on the car. Third, and to the point that I was making, it's Illegal for you to knowingly remove the cat and then sell it to someone else. So what I was doing by raising this issue, was pointing out to those that want to avoid this potentially disastrous mod to their car that what you promote as good, is actually pointless with a major down side.

To your claim that the cat caused a problem for your engine; I would suggest that it is probably the engine causing a problem for the cat. At any rate, what you are doing is treating a symptom and ignoring the cause. I had a bad catalytic converter and it was caused by the bad apex seals in my old engine. The factory replaced both at their expense and the car was 7+ years old.

PS. you got me, I do love trees and clean air!

PSS. for those that think it's okay to claim that they don't care about illegal acts like this, I would suggest taking your profile off line because anyone who buys your car can easily sue you for knowingly selling them a car with no cat.

lta_ds_fs7

iTrader: (2)

1.) Remove the cat and sell it?...I gutted the damn thing and put it back on.

2.) I never promoted it as a good thing.

You should re-read my posts...While you're at it, quote where I mentioned selling a cay, and what gave the impression I promoted gutting a cat as good.