Getting around CA SMOG!

[SLO_F-250]

Hey Guys,

I just went and tried to get my 1999 7.3L smogged and the guys said it wont pass cause I dont have a CAT. Great! I put a 4" Turbo back exhaust on it years ago, and dont have the stock exhaust. Any ideas for us CA guys on how to get around this?

Aftermarket CAT?

Im worried Im going to have to buy a CAT from the dealership and its going to cost 1/4 the worth to the truck! I hate CA!

Thanks for the ideas.

Paul

[jesilvas]

Go to the sticker on your engine. It will say if it came with a cat or not.
Idk CA's laws, but I would think, if it came on the truck, it should be there. If it didn't, it shouldn't be there.

[SuperCrutyPS]

I'm guessing you don't you have this sticker under your hood? Here's a link to my sticker (large pic)
http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/mem...od-sticker.jpg

Are you sure this guy understand doing diesel 'smog' tests? Just asking.

On your current issue - If you're truck was supposed to have it, it'll have to be there during the testing.

[SLO_F-250]

Originally Posted by SuperCrutyPS

I'm guessing you don't you have this sticker under your hood? Here's a link to my sticker (large pic)
http://www.powerstroke.org/forum/mem...od-sticker.jpg

Are you sure this guy understand doing diesel 'smog' tests? Just asking.

On your current issue - If you're truck was supposed to have it, it'll have to be there during the testing.

Unfortunately I don't have that sticker. Mines an early 99. What year is yours. The guys at the place looked it up and said the book said I needed a CAT. I'm not sure what to do. I dont want to spend $1000 on a stock exhaust system.

Im going to try a few more places tomorrow. From what I have read on the internet it seems that the smog stations are hit and miss. My buddy just got his 01' smogged and told me they didnt even look at it hardly. Did the smoke blowing test and that was it.

Are there any aftermarket 4" CATs out there legal in CA?

Thanks for your help guys!
Paul

[jesilvas]

I wonder if you could call Ford with your VIN and ask if it came with a cat or not.

[colberjs]

If you modded your exhaust years ago, why is this issue just now coming up?

Also, do you not remember if you removed a cat when you installed the new exhaust?

Just curious.......

[SLO_F-250]

Originally Posted by jesilvas

I wonder if you could call Ford with your VIN and ask if it came with a cat or not.

Well the guy at the station showed me the book, year, and my truck. Said that the "OC" meant it had and original CAT. Then he showed me the valve cover on the passenger side, and in a stream of letters there was the "OC". But I swear, when I took the stock exhaust off there was no CAT.

Im wondering if I throw this magnaflow CAT on it would pass the visual inspection?

I havent come across a aftermarket part that is approved in the Golden State. Im hoping the next shop I go to just gives is the smoke test and lets me go! Other Ideas? Ill call the dealership tomorrow.

[02SILVERBULLET]

go to another smog station. the guy does not know what he is talking about. no 7.3's had a cat till 03

[jesilvas]

None? What about OBSs?

[SuperCrutyPS]

Originally Posted by SLO_F-250

Unfortunately I don't have that sticker. Mines an early 99. What year is yours. The guys at the place looked it up and said the book said I needed a CAT. I'm not sure what to do. I dont want to spend $1000 on a stock exhaust system.

Im going to try a few more places tomorrow. From what I have read on the internet it seems that the smog stations are hit and miss. My buddy just got his 01' smogged and told me they didnt even look at it hardly. Did the smoke blowing test and that was it.

Are there any aftermarket 4" CATs out there legal in CA?

Thanks for your help guys!
Paul

Mine is a 2001. (See my sig)

Originally Posted by colberjs

If you modded your exhaust years ago, why is this issue just now coming up?

Also, do you not remember if you removed a cat when you installed the new exhaust?

Just curious.......

Just to let you know, CA just started these "SMOG" tests in 2010. The cut-off year is 1998. ('98 and newer get smogged) Before they started this came up no one had to worry about it.