Dave Thomas

I'm considering installing a catalyst test pipe on my '88 Carrera. My state recently started doing emissions testing. It's a drive-through tailpipe check only - they don't physically inspect the catalytic converter. Will the test pipe guarantee a failure or is there a chance it will still pass? The car is low-mileage and in perfect tune. I don't want to go to all the trouble and have to remove it.

Von Kiser

More than likely it will fail....but your local autoparts store sells some stuff that you can dump in the gas take and pass the test. I'm not sure what it is called, but I am sure if you ask one of the employees they will know what we're talking about. Its like $6 bucks a bottle...just put it in and fill it up with Premium Chevron Gas.

Try this first, it may still fail but at least you tried. I think most checks give you 2 or 3 times to pass it.

--Brian

Bill Gregory

Dave,

I know several who have taken SC's and 3.2 Carrera's through the state emissions sniffers and passed, without a cat being installed.

Dave Thomas

Thanks, guys. I think I'll give it a try - it wouldn't be that big a deal to have to change it back.

Walt

To pass without the cat you will need to lean out the CO mixture. Some repair shops will do this for you and then reset the mixture to the correct level following the sniff test.