I have a 2003 Evo and all I have to show for it is a 3 inch catback. I want to do more but what holds be back is the stock cat. One can only go so far with it. I don't want to go the test pipe route for a few reasons. One it stinks and two I want to pass emissions inspections. Afetr all, if a Corvette and Viper can pass emissions with 400-600hp with an approved catalytic converter, why can't I with a mere 400hp? Some say why don't I just swap out the test pipe during inspection? Well I don't want the fuss, I just want to keep everything on and forget about it.
So naturally I am looking into an upgraded 3" cat. Looked into a few: Perrin, Ultimate Racing, RRE, Works, Vishnu, MIlspec, AMS, Magnaflow. Yet when I think I have found the perfect one, there is always someone who gets a CEL. So what I am looking for is a 3 inch catalytic converter that meets the 2 criteria:
1. Will pass emissions inspection.
2. Will not trigger the check engine light.
Some poeple say they have no problems with a certain cat, then I see someone who gets a CEL with the same cat. Then some say get CEL but still pass emissions. I don't want to use any"tricks" to turn it off because that just masks the problem. I figure if you trigger a CEL you won't pass inspection, even with a fix because it doesn't take care of what caused the CEL.
Here are some research:
Perrin: EPA approved, but some still get CEL
Milspec: 100cell, higher flow, but will that lower cell count meet my two criteria?
AMS: 400 cell lesser flow, more inlined to meet criteria?
Works: basically a stock cat bored to 3"
Magnaflow: EPA approved, CARB certified, so must be a legal replacement, only have to weld flanges on.
Road Race Engineering: These I believe are Magnaflows(Car sound). CARB OBD 2 compliant.
If worse comes to worse I may just do the stocker and bore it out 3 inches.

Any input is welcome. As this is what is keeping me from modding. Once I do this I can go ahead with cams, turbo, FMIC, etc.

 

I am thinking any of the above are good solutions, I have the Works and its great and meets all the criteria and I know it works and passes everything.

 

I've heard the Helix won't throw a SES light. If I were going to buy one I would buy the MIL.SPEC and use a mechanical fix to cheat the code. Good Luck

 

Works!!!!

 

Mil.Spec 100-cell is the only way to go if you insist on running a HFC but still want to make good power.

 

I have a Works HFC, not their stock cat with 3" piping. The HFC is a 200 cell ceramic - no CEL, passes emissions with no problem.

 

I know but that won't cure what is causing the code. Not to mention it won't pass [emissions]. To me if you need to use a fix on a HFC, you might as well get a testpipe, because the HFC isn't working.

 

True, but will it trigger the code and/or pass. Otherwise might as well get a testpipe which defeats the purpose.

 

A mechanical fix will make it so theres NO code. Its not there to "cure" a code, its there to prevent it.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/3-Sta...item414627543a

 

+1000 Mil.Spec has shown over and over to be the best option.

 

Just turn the rear O2 off in the ECU or get a mecanical fix. Done deal. It'll pass on an OBD II scanner.

Alot of private NJ shops don't sniffer AWD cars as they dont have dyno's to run them on. They do a visual inspection and an OBD II test. Many of guys I know from NJ run a 3in pipe through a hollowed stock cat and your done for visual.

 

The last time I had my car inspected they didn't look under the car, but they did stick something in the tailpipe and revved my engine, so I defintely need a working cat. Not to mention I will have the stinks with a hollowed cat.

 

Thanks, considering it. Especially since it says prevents code and is OBD 2 compliant.

 

Thanks, a nice piece. OBD 2, may consider it as well.