Removed cat.
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20
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From: My house in Pennsylvania.
Removed cat.
Here in pa the f250 super duty pickups are exempt from emissions because of weight. I removed my cat and got more top end but I can more torque. I replaced my coil packs last year. Any help?
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
But there are a lot of trucks running around without cats, DPFs and EGRs.
I'd also be surprised if the feds use forums to find smog dodgers
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Doesn't matter, it is still illegal under federal law for anyone.(on road use)
I am in PA also with an F-250 too and there is an emissions inspection. I am only exempt from emissions inspection if I drive less than 5,000 miles a year. I still need to pass an OBD scan, gas cap test and visual anti tampering to pass emissions. No "sniffer" test. PA is broken up into regions and things vary slightly depending on region.
The OP changed the velocity of his exhaust by ditching the cat and loss of low end is the result. You can try a set of long tube headers like the Thorleys to maybe pick up some low end. But I think you will end up living with your decision or putting a cat back on.
I am in PA also with an F-250 too and there is an emissions inspection. I am only exempt from emissions inspection if I drive less than 5,000 miles a year. I still need to pass an OBD scan, gas cap test and visual anti tampering to pass emissions. No "sniffer" test. PA is broken up into regions and things vary slightly depending on region.
The OP changed the velocity of his exhaust by ditching the cat and loss of low end is the result. You can try a set of long tube headers like the Thorleys to maybe pick up some low end. But I think you will end up living with your decision or putting a cat back on.
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9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
I know. I'm just saying I don't know what the law is that makes it illegal for us at the federal level. I thought it was at the state level, and if your state doesn't require you to do emissions then so be it.
If anyone can cite it... Much appreciated.
If anyone can cite it... Much appreciated.
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Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
In PA things are broken up into regions (several counties to a region) however federal law is still valid. Welcome to the wonderful world of government where confused is right where they want you to be.
If you want to remove a cat IMO your best bet is to pull it, gut it and put a pipe through the inside. Then reinstall it making it look as untampered with as possible. Something that should not be illegal IMO, just don't go attracting extra attention to yourself. The oe cats can develop a rattle either internal or heat shields a good excuse to replace it for a better flowing aftermarket cat.
Last paragraph page 7. Notice it covers "individual" not just businesses.
http://www.epa.gov/otaq/cert/factshts/catcvrts.pdf
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 387
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From: OR
In the real world, if you are not subject to an emissions inspection, then you can do what you want. Nobody will ever check, and in fact, nobody has the authority to check. They can't just pull you over and check for a cat, that isn't legal.
Even if you were subject to an inspection, the worst that will ever happen is that you will fail and your vehicle will not be registered. They will tell you to go put the cat back on. It is NOT illegal to remove the cat on an unlicensed vehicle. Many shops will do it legally for "offroad use only". You will not be fined. Yes, cats are part of the federal emissions regulations, but, there is no federal emissions inspections, inspectors, or testing! I would also bet that only applies to federally maintained roads.
It's funny, I actually spent about 10 minutes talking to the local cops about the straight pipe on my 6.0. Technically it might be "illegal", but they loved the sound and we talked about his Cummins with a similar exhaust.
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