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 "Smog
certificate required", the three dreaded words that muscle car
owners hate to read on their registration notices. Most states now
require some sort emissions testing every one or two years in order
to register a vehicle. In heavily populated (and polluted) states
like California, the testing is especially tough because it combines
a tailpipe "sniffer" test along with a visual inspection,
where the official checks to verify all the factory smog equipment
is in place and functioning. They also look for "illegal"
aftermarket parts, which do not have E.O. (Exemption Order) numbers.
In especially "impacted" areas the testing may even be conducted
on a dynamometer, to simulate real world loads on the engine - and
no, they wont give you a dyno graph at the end of the test! As if the "smog nazis" weren't enough of a pain to deal with, the local law enforcement agencies have made it their own agenda to pull over, inspect, and even tow away vehicles suspected of having non smog-legal parts or missing emissions equipment. Back in
the day when the air was still clear, and the ozone intact, nobody thought
twice about removing a performance cars smog equipment in attempt to
free up some horsepower and reduce weight and clutter. Smog pumps, hoses,
EGR valves, and catalytic converters were quickly yanked and the aftermarket
was right there to supply better performing replacement parts. When
it came time to smog, you either bolted the stuff back on temporarily,
or took the car to your buddies shop where he hooked you up with a cert
in exchange for a six pack of his favorite brew.
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So
what is the enthusiast supposed to do? Is it possible to make decent
power and keep the environment clean? The answer is yes, and one
of the ways to do it is to run a high flow H-pipe with catalytic
converters.