We have a very basic OBD only emissions test here, and I'd like to pass it soon. I'm faced with either tuning out the code or getting a cheap Ebay catted midpipe to throw on there just to pass the test. Has anyone done this and been successful? And yes, I did Google this beforehand.

 

Save your money and get a tune.
You could try the anti-fouler trick but it might not work.

 

hang on, I see from your other thread, that you have code p2096. That's system too lean check the 3 ssv solenoids, intake leaks or the 02 sensors

 

It's the defouler causing the rear O2 sensor to read lean. I adjusted it a couple times and it doesn't help. I'd love to get it tuned, but finding a Tactrix connector is impossible right now, and I'd need one to use Mazdaedit (which is also the only editor that will allow me to pass emissions).

 

Your defouler should be on the rear O2 only, not the front O2 sensor. If you are throwing that code, you have an actual problem with the engine you need to resolve.

 

there like $15-30 on amazon

 

I've heard those are sketchy lol. Like they can brick your PCM.

 

Yup--I know that. It's only on the post-O2.

 

I live in the same area as you, and I can assure you there are multiple pieces of software that you can pass emissions with while "tuned". It isn't something the maker of the software is going to talk about, since it can be used in an illegal way.
Just about any obdii connector is fine. I prefer the cabled ones, such as the Vgate vLinker.

 

Just to close out this thread, I did abandon the eBay cat idea. I found out I can get collector’s insurance and bypass emissions that way. I did also get Versatuner to turn off the CEL. Haven’t tried scanning for codes yet to see if they still show up or not.

 

What spec of cat do people run in any case ? As I prefer to have one to avoid the stink when stationary
, here in the UK I can get a Euro 4 or Euro 6 part but would like to hear reccommendations

 

200-300 CELL cats seem to be the norm as they offer a good balance of high flow and smell. In terms of finding one that can handle the heat from the rotary - that's another question. BHR has a good rep for their cats holding up to the heat.

 

I've heard that if you have stricter testing like they do in CO, CA, and NY, you need a better cat that will drop the NO2 emissions substantially. The cheap ones on ebay won't do that. I'm pretty sure Euro 5+ and CA/CO/NY are pretty similar.