I have the same. I got a CEL a few weeks ago for the first time. Cleared it out and it hasn't come back (yet anyway).

 

Were you able to pass the visual portion of the smog test?

 

I didn't need to do a smog cert this year. I think it's required only every two or three years, I forgot.

Anyway, I'm already getting quite worried about it. Not being a smog technician, I never heard of the visual inspection until after it was installed (I thought it was just the "sniffer" that it had to pass).

My mechanic and Fabspeed both told me it would pass smog test (I did ask that before it was installed), but now I find that this is not the case if they actually do the visual inspection, since there is no CARB stamp/label on it.

I plan to raise holy hell if it fails when I next need to do smog. Of course, I doubt the mechanic or Fabspeed will be there to help me out at that time.

Another mechanic told me that the mechanic who installed it will be in deep doo-doo if I bring it up to CARB, since apparently it's illegal for them to install a non-certified cat.

So, you may see some "interesting" postings from me about this topic in a year or so.

If anyone else here has any advise, I sure would appreciate it!

 

None of these products will pass visual inspection in California if the operator is on the ball. Most of the local Smog centers are only interested in getting paid for the smog cert; however, occasionally, you run into that smog technician who will reject your aftermarket cats and fail your car. It is just a matter of finding that one that isn't concerned with visuals. Good luck