No catalytic converter but no check engine light?

[jmanders]

I added an aftermarket exhaust to my maxima with a straight pipe and no cat. I figured the check engine light would come on and I would not be able to pass emissions in PA, however it did not come on. Does this mean that it will pass emissions inspection? I heard that many nissans burn so cleanly that the don't need cats.

[lightsout]

i think if your check engine light is on they wont let you pass...although my Maxima burns VERY clean!! i run fuel system cleaners through the tank every 2.5-3 months, and i also ALWAYS use 91 octane fuel.!

[typer324]

I don't know the rules in PA but here in Mass you might be able to pass. When they scan the computer if there is no CEL on it will pass. The problem is that they are suppose to do a visual inspection to make sure you do have a cat but sometimes they don't do this. Hope that helped.

[allensteiner]

you're screwed if they hook up a hose to your exhaust pipe.

[MinisterofDOOM]

A lot of places do a visual inspection and won't pass your car without cats even if it passes the sniffer and has no CEL. But if PA doesn't do visual inspections for cats you may be okay.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

In TX they provide a statement detailing the C02, NOx, standard tomeet and next to it they print what your car exaust reading wereso you can compare. You might look at last years to see whereyour car was

My 95 is way under the standards TX has for passing. Burns veryclean. Now if that steering wheel wasnt so thin......

[jmanders]

I don't understand why it would even need a catalytic converter if it will pass without one. And they don't hook a hose to the exhaust with cars that are 96 or newer thay are all ODBII.
Modified by jmanders at 11:06 PM 9/11/2008

[maxhopper]

The fact is that altering the emissions of the car can carry penalties. As an example: I work at a dealership; and there is a message from our corporate office stating that a facility can incur up to a $32000 fine for altering the factory (EPA) emissions systems of vehicles.

Equally illegal but: You could have hollowed out your cat and passed the visual inspection.

[maximaman]

sucks for u guys. There is no emmissions testing here in hawaii. U can put ur arm right thru my new cat...