Catted UEL Header

[Cjymiller]

The boxer rumble is one of the most recognizable engine sounds in the automotive world. You don't even have to turn around to know that a Subaru passed you by when you hear that deep growl. This is a sound that our FA20 motors could definitely benefit from. Yes there are non-catted versions, but these solutions ignore the majority of the incredible aftermarket that exists in California and other states with strict vehicle emission regulations. To my knowledge, no catted UEL solutions exist at this point.

My objective with this post is to try to start drumming up attention for the need of a catted, UEL header for the BRZ & FRS. I know this is something that would be more appropriately placed in the "exhaust, transmission..." section but I wanted to place this here to get the most exposure for both interested adopters and potential fabricators that can appreciate the benefit of being first to market.

The squeaky wheel gets oiled right?

[Gen]

Originally Posted by Cjymiller

The boxer rumble is one of the most recognizable engine sounds in the automotive world. You don't even have to turn around to know that a Subaru (maybe FRS) passed you by when you hear that deep growl. This is a sound that our FA20 motors could definitely benefit from. Yes there are non-catted versions, but these solutions ignore the majority of the incredible aftermarket that exists in California and other states with strict vehicle emission regulations. To my knowledge, no catted UEL solutions exist at this point.

My objective with this post is to try to start drumming up attention for the need of a catted, UEL header for the BRZ & FRS. I know this is something that would be more appropriately placed in the "exhaust, transmission..." section but I wanted to place this here to get the most exposure for both interested adopters and potential fabricators that can appreciate the benefit of being first to market.

The squeaky wheel gets oiled right?

Either way it's still illegal in California. You cannot replace OEM cats until (I believe) the 10 year mark. Everything is illegal in California.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Gen

Either way it's still illegal in California. You cannot replace OEM cats until (I believe) the 10 year mark. Everything is illegal in California.

Really? Do you have a source? I've heard of cats failing before the 10 year mark.

And wouldn't the system use the OEM cats anyway?

[Darryljr11]

only reason id get one is cuz i dont want my exhaust to smell like shit

[Gen]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Really? Do you have a source? I've heard of cats failing before the 10 year mark.

And wouldn't the system use the OEM cats anyway?

Yes, and you have to replace the cat with an OEM cat if it fails. In fact, I think you're only allowed to replace the OEM cats with aftermarket ones after 10 years if the OEM part is no longer available ANYWHERE. The state would also argue that your emissions equipment has a 10 year manufacturer warranty. I doubt many vendors are going to take on the expense of making their catted UEL header CARB legal. It is excessively expensive to do.


http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...ftermktcat.htm

"Aftermarket catalytic converters must be exempted from California's anti-tampering laws in order to be legally sold and installed in the state. If an aftermarket catalytic converter is shown to be durable and meets vehicle emission control requirements, it is granted an exemption Executive Order (EO) that allows it to be installed on specific emission controlled vehicles."

[Overland'n'5thGEN]

I would be interested in a catted UEL!!!!!!!

sent from a Galaxy SIII...

[Cjymiller]

Originally Posted by Gen

Yes, and you have to replace the cat with an OEM cat if it fails. In fact, I think you're only allowed to replace the OEM cats with aftermarket ones after 10 years if the OEM part is no longer available ANYWHERE...

That reference page you linked is interesting. From my brief scan of it, it would seem CA used to allow a number of non OEM manufacturers to provide replacecment cats. They have since redacted that status of all, or some of these manufacturers but I can't determine.

If CA still allows for some aftermarket replacement cats, is it possible that a header manufacturer can pair up with an approved replacement cat producer to create a state approved header?

[Gen]

Originally Posted by Cjymiller

That reference page you linked is interesting. From my brief scan of it, it would seem CA used to allow a number of non OEM manufacturers to provide replacecment cats. They have since redacted that status of all, or some of these manufacturers but I can't determine.

If CA still allows for some aftermarket replacement cats, is it possible that a header manufacturer can pair up with an approved replacement cat producer to create a state approved header?

I'm not savvy enough in the law to know if you can simply approve the cat or if the entire header needs to be approved for the vehicle. My guess would be the latter. Even if it's the former, it has to be approved for this specific car for this specific year, it's not a blanket approval. CA smog laws are really terrible.

[Tim_Asphalt_FRS]

Originally Posted by Cjymiller

That reference page you linked is interesting. From my brief scan of it, it would seem CA used to allow a number of non OEM manufacturers to provide replacecment cats. They have since redacted that status of all, or some of these manufacturers but I can't determine.

If CA still allows for some aftermarket replacement cats, is it possible that a header manufacturer can pair up with an approved replacement cat producer to create a state approved header?

The only solution I can think of is to have a header where you can cut the stock cat out and weld it onto a new header. This kit would have to then be submitted to CARB and then approved. I think it's a long shot.


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[Gen]

Originally Posted by Tim_Asphalt_FRS

The only solution I can think of is to have a header where you can cut the stock cat out and weld it onto a new header. This kit would have to then be submitted to CARB and then approved. I think it's a long shot.


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I seem to recall CARB approval costing many thousands of dollars--as in more than the car actually costs. I can't speak from first hand experience, however.

[jflogerzi]

Just run stuff with cats. Then come inspection time, just swap back to stock.

[ashtray]

Even if someone makes a catted header, will anyone CARB certify it?

I don't think I've seen a WRX catted downpipe with a CARB sticker - making it illegal in CA (and maybe other states). Same issue with the header - even if someone does a catted version, it only helps the air, not the legality of the car in CA.

I'm uneducated on the header cat - is it like a pre-cat for early emission controls before the main cat(s?) are heated/operating? Ie, once the engine/exhaust is warm, does this car help reduce pollution or is redundant?

I'd love to get more boxer rumble from this car for sure!

[Tim_Asphalt_FRS]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

Just run stuff with cats. Then come inspection time, just swap back to stock.

The only problem with that is if you are asked to pop your hood if you get pulled over.


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[WolfpackS2k]

I'm afraid the only option for you is to vote out those fascist assholes in your state government.