No, we deleted the air pump and I used a second hand TIC GROUP cat without any issue. In fact, this was the second time I've used second hand high-flow cats on my personal FD with success. Also I wouldn't say those companies are "bending the law" cus they are doing everything by the book and spending millions of yen in testing fees. (I guess that phrase can be left up to interpretation though..)

Letting the shaken expire does result in a more difficult inspection but both times the catalyzer was not the issue, where my recaros were . Now the 99+ FDs ain't passing for anything emissions related if they aren't oem it seems, my friends and I really try to inform new buyers to seriously avoid them unless they don't mind a very difficult time.

Old thread but hopefully we didn't completely go off track!