[Luminous]

So I'm considering upgrading my downpipe and am unsure if I want a sport cat or catless. I'm aware of the CEL issue but if I go catless will most likely upgrade to jb4 anyway. I currently have the Manhart stage 1 which I'm loving, but I plan on eventually going FBO and upgrading the turbo so eventually I will need the jb4 anyway.

My main concerns are 1) increased smell of fumes and 2) passing NY inspection.
How much more do our cars stink with a catless dp and has anyone passed NY inspection?

[jeffery_stearns]

Only time I ever notice the smell is at a stop with windows down or cold start.

[Luminous]

Originally Posted by jeffery_stearns

Only time I ever notice the smell is at a stop with windows down or cold start.

I drive with my windows open most of the time and spend a lot of time in traffic, how bad is it? Have you passed inspection with the catless?

[Liquidpaper]

Originally Posted by Luminous

I drive with my windows open most of the time, how bad is it? Have you passed inspection with the catless?

I can't imagine you would. Any emissions inspection checks to see if your emissions are within certain defined parameters. The only thing that keeps your emissions within those parameters is the catalytic converter, so if you get rid of it, you won't pass.

FWIW, I am also upgrading my downpipe (albeit for slightly different reasons), and I am moving to a Fabspeed HJS Sportcat downpipe. If you get a sportcat downpipe, make sure you know where the catalytic core is coming from -- a crappy cat core is bad news. There are several reputable high-flow cat makers (HJS is one of them), but you have to search. Also, a good high-flow cat is expensive (as are all good catalytic converters).

[kd0t]

It's not bad at all.. Windows down at a stop and then you'll smell it sometimes at most

[John@Fabspeed]

Originally Posted by Liquidpaper

I can't imagine you would. Any emissions inspection checks to see if your emissions are within certain defined parameters. The only thing that keeps your emissions within those parameters is the catalytic converter, so if you get rid of it, you won't pass.

FWIW, I am also upgrading my downpipe (albeit for slightly different reasons), and I am moving to a Fabspeed HJS Sportcat downpipe. If you get a sportcat downpipe, make sure you know where the catalytic core is coming from -- a crappy cat core is bad news. There are several reputable high-flow cat makers (HJS is one of them), but you have to search. Also, a good high-flow cat is expensive (as are all good catalytic converters).

I couldn't have said it better myself Liquidpaper. I hope you enjoy your new downpipe.

For anyone else interested in downpipe modifications you really need to know your local and state inspection laws. Some people are able to get away with a Catbypass Pipe but most should run a Sport Cat Downpipe. It will make your life much easier in the long run with almost the same performance gains. There is no smell with our Sport Cat downpipe. If anyone is interested id be happy to supply you with a discounted quote including shipping. Pm or email me your shipping destination.

[MG 228i]

I think in California they stopped the sniffer test and it is all OBD now.
If the CEL is deleted from a tune you may get away with it.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Luminous

So I'm considering upgrading my downpipe and am unsure if I want a sport cat or catless. I'm aware of the CEL issue but if I go catless will most likely upgrade to jb4 anyway. I currently have the Manhart stage 1 which I'm loving, but I plan on eventually going FBO and upgrading the turbo so eventually I will need the jb4 anyway.

My main concerns are 1) increased smell of fumes and 2) passing NY inspection.
How much more do our cars stink with a catless dp and has anyone passed NY inspection?

Cant comment about the second question, but the smell is overrated in my opinion. You will only smell it on cold start if you leave the car idle for couple minutes. You will never smell anything inside the cabin, assuming that there are no leaks.

[jeffery_stearns]

Originally Posted by Luminous

I drive with my windows open most of the time and spend a lot of time in traffic, how bad is it? Have you passed inspection with the catless?

It's not that bad on a scale 1-10 maybe a 3 with a windows down, just don't stand behind the car during cold starts the exhaust fumes will stick to clothing but later fades..... As for inspection have yet to get one and I'd imagine my car wouldn't pass. Currently using the JB4 to delete the CEL.

[Luminous]

Thanks for all the responses!

How much should I expect to pay for the install?

Has anyone heard of an ER sportcat failing? Within 2-3 years of install?

[jeffery_stearns]

Originally Posted by Luminous

Thanks for all the responses!

How much should I expect to pay for the install?

Has anyone heard of an ER sportcat failing? Within 2-3 years of install?

There's a DIY on here somewhere, Id suggest going that route due to all the shops I went to turned me down for emissions reasons.

[mike@x-ph.com]

Originally Posted by Luminous

Thanks for all the responses!

How much should I expect to pay for the install?

Has anyone heard of an ER sportcat failing? Within 2-3 years of install?

No company will guarantee you that the cats will still work after a while but from what we have seen, the ER are the most reliable ones.