Hey everyone,

Ever since I bought my RX7, i've known that i'd have to do something about emissions testing. Since I live in a county that does do emissions testing, and I have DP/MP/CB, the chances of me passing are slim to none. Thus, i've been thinking about getting a hi-flow cat equipped with the airpump (and adding some denatured alcohol) to pass emissions. However, my searches on the forum have left me a little confused.

1. Does a hi-flow cat actually increase low-end performance? There was a thread that debated this topic but never gave an ultimate answer. And the dyno/graph that someone submitted as evidence was then chalked up to different problems with the car. So is there a final verdict on this point?

If the cat actually does help with low-end performance, i'll bite the bullet and just buy the 500+ Bonez cat (lord!). However, I really do like the power of a fully-free flowing exhaust. On the other hand, I have to pass emissions (and safety). Does anyone have any suggestions? Should I find someone in the area and ask if I could borrow their stock eq? Anyone in NC ?

Thanks everyone. This forum has been a great help.

P.S. How do I get the horn to work on the efini steering wheel? I'm pretty sure i'll need this to pass safety. And do the rear bins fit with the kirk racing rollbar? That exposed battery behind my seat isn't going to bode well with the inspectors .

 

Chances are pretty good that you won't pass even with the high flow cat. They don't really do much emissions wise. The denatured alcohol will help more than the highflow.

As for the increased low end, that's because the cat provides some resistance (and backpressure?) to the air flow (making you spool faster?). Putting in a straight pipe (mid pipe) increases your top end, but hurts some of your bottom end because of the lack of back pressure.

I'm sure someone else can chime in and tell you better than I can, but that's my understanding anyhow.

Anyways, your best bet towards passing emmissions is going to be with the stock equipment and alcohol. FInd someone in your area that's passed and find out what they did. If all else fails you can always bribe the tech

 

I wonder if running pure Xylene would help? I know it's a lot more like normal gas than alcohol.

 

I think Mr. Franklin is the only option for many rotaries.

 

Doh! Well...does anyone know a "nice" inspector in the Research Triangle area ?

Chris

 

Try going in your regional section and asking there, there are always threads going around about nice guys who like money :P

 

I'm in the same boat Jedi. Let me know if you have any success, as I'll probably have to go the "Franklin" route, at least this time. My fuel maps are horrible right now and there's no way I can get them cleaned up in time. Feel free to PM me since I'm sure "nice" inspectors don't want things being too public.... If we can just wait 2 more years, they're ditching sniffers and only testing cars with ODB2, woo hoo!

Also, FWIW I had a bonez hi-flow cat and passed with it. But it sort of "fell off" and a midpipe found it's place.....

 

just put the stock stuff back on. i on the otherhand will be forced too. i have the "200 dollar handshake" if you will. i helped my buddy get his car smogged and i was like cool, i can do the same when it comes around. guess what, it came around and the **** state of CA decided to send me to a TEST ONLY station. WTF is that. i have to put everything back on, but then what...i dont have a stock ECU. i have a PFC that doesnt emit a CEL. as i am bending over i feel CA sticking it in. can we just blame this on gary condit
kris

 

Haha guys, we're all in the same boat. If anyone finds out about a friendly inspector, let me know. In the meantime, i'm gonna try the airpump/hi-flow/alcohol route. Wish me luck.

Chris

 

If you are worried about passing emissions- move to a state that doesnt care!
Florida for example.

 

If only I had that luxury...::sigh::

Florida would be REAL nice though .

Chris

 

i went to visit my cousin in florida last year, and all i can say is never again. ill put my **** back to stock no matter how long it takes so long as i dont have to sweat with 80 degree and 90% humidity weather at 2AM in the FREAKIN MORNING. what the hell is that. no wonder florida is the fountain of youth, there is enough humidity to keep your skin moisturized all the time that wrinkles never occur
kris

 

I'm afriad stock really isn't an option for me anymore. One thing has led to another.... The RX6 kit caused my downpipe to glow which melted my wiring harness. We found that unplugging the airpump made the downpipe quit glowing, so that's something that had to be done as I had NO intentions of burning up another harness. However, no airpump means no cat. No cat means no inspection sticker...

 

I lucked out here in fayetteville. Emissions testing is only required on cars 96 or newer!
-stephen