I really want to make my 7 more reliable(duhh) and a downpipe was something I was going to add. Are they illegal everywhere in the US, or just certain states? Any ideas as to what the penalty would be for getting caught with one? Would DEQ be the ones I have to worry about? Thanks

 

Not sure about oregon...but I would like it's illegal there too..just like here in Ca.. Most states do not allow emission related items to be removed..even if they dont test..

getting caught...well I dont know that yet..hope I dont find out.

 

They are basically illegal anywhere you have emissions testing. Any altering of the air intake or exhaust is illegal in those states. Most of the time they just check the emissions with a sensor and see if you pass, and if the after market parts don't hurt the emissions you are fine. If they do a visual test though you would probably fail, depending on the tester.

However I believe there is a emission code or something (someone please correct me on this) that is assigned to parts that have passed emission standards. The testers can/will look for these numbers on a visual inspection. If the after-market part doesn't have these numbers, it means it's not street legal.

I've heard of people in CA passing with an intake, downpipe and hi-flo cats, so you should be fine with just a downpipe.

Just take some extra cash with you when you get it tested (if you have to in your state). I've had several testers say "Do you really want it to pass?", then that's where that extra cash comes in handy.

 

How many cars have pre-cats or monolythic converters? How many testers know the FD has a pre-cat? Look at your underhood emissions label, and there is no mention of it. They WILL visually inspect for the main cat, and they MAY follow the pipe up to check for the O2 sensor.
(One of the main reasons I didn't get the Stainless DP, it looks obviously aftermarket with its nice finish.)
A visual inspection is a pass/no pass checkbox on the smog check form and can be "overlooked" easily. If an a-hole dings you, you'll have to retake a test at a state-run referee smog station where they will break out the spec manuals and go over every piece of emissions required.
(You think getting a fix-it ticket written off is bad, wait til you meet up with these no-humor ****'s.)

Of course, the original smog station warrants a midnight dumpster rammed into his lobby.

 

100% illegal to tamper with any emissions device that comes with the car from the factory in every state - it's a federal law. Fines, jail time, damnation, even deportation of the offender to Tora Bora. You get the picture......... Read your owner's manual if you dare!
Chances that some num nuts at the emission control station is going to know that you've replaced your pre-cat with a dp? 0%. Just make sure it's operating temperature when it's tested and not stone cold.
AND - I think Toadman is pretty damn clever not replacing it with a shiney new stainless one. It's a freakin' pipe, and unless you live in a humid, salt water climate chances are it will outlast the rest of the engine.

 

Something to think about: At RX7.com, the high performance Bonez system claims to be street legal - it's a high flow and a dp. How it's street legal, I have no idea, but it may worth calling them and asking (or sending them an e-mail).

http://www.rx7.com/cgi-local/3catalog.cgi?cat=4&part=1

"Note: These systems are EPA Legal for Street Use."

 

what is your state does not check emissions any more? does a downpipe really increase you polution?

 

It is reading links like these that make me happy to live in Alberta Canada! I've only got a muffler for my '93 "7" and that is perfectly legal here. I also backfire because of the pettit computer and other mods. It is sorta loud when it backfire but otherwise is quite a nice sound to it. Also the flames when it backfires is a nice effect, unfortunatly that is illegal and a fineable offence here.

 

its a federal offense unless the people selling the part have an exemption

mike

 

Too bad that Bonez system is just EPA legal and not CARB legal, still can't use it in Cali. But like the other posters said, what are the odds that the inspector will realize you don't have the pre-cat anymore?

 

Since the dp is quite illegal(not to say I won't do it), is there a replacement for the reliability a downpipe provides? It has always seemed one of the mods that ppl always suggest, so is there a legal equivalent?? Thanks guys

 

Nope.

Bascially, a downpipe is just removing the pre-cat since it generates some back pressure and heat. Removing it helps reduce the under-hood temperatures and allow the exhaust to flow better but at the cost of a little more pollution (not much).

As stated above, any changes from FACTORY equipment is illegal, but that doesn't mean your car won't pass inspection.

If you are worried about being legal or not, then you cannot modify ANYTHING that has to with the air intake or exhaust of your car, period.

 

Most of these posts are correct, no matter which state you are in, The EPA rules will govern here. Read the CFR's. The states cannot change the federal regulations on the emissions standards as implemented by federal statute.
States lose federal highway funding if they are found to exceed EPA air quality standards and ignoring emissions requirements.
You can remove that stuff, but you subject yourself to a fine. Doesn't matter if the guy at the emissions station know it or not.
Ralf W.
vertrx7@yahoo.com
Leather shift and ebrake boots

 

c'mon no body is going to give you a ticket for just dp. unless you haev some really strict inspector they won't even notice. just make sure car is warm when you get it tested. EMission testing is a great idea, it help keep our earth clean. But c'mon, what are a few rx7s going to do. That is why I have an open exhaust.

 

I'll sell you my gutted precat (a.k.a. Poorman's DP) if you are that worried about it.

I had to lower myself to doing it when I was jobless

 

Its true, no one will give you a ticket unless you get a very zealous, overly eager U.S. Attorney who is on a crusade. That is very hard to imagine, but to those that say it really doesn't matter, the raindrop also says "my little self does not contribute to the flood".
That said, I run a Bonez cat, not legal in CA where I bought it when I lived there. Its almost like speeding, its illegal, but a calculated risk, just a LOT less risky, which has already been stated.