To cat or not to cat, that is the question...

[GIJoe2010]

I’ve come to a point where (I’ve got broken manifold bolts), I want to upgrade to long tube headers but I’m not entirely sure about going catless or not. My truck is my daily driver and has various simple bolt-ons but I’ll be more than likely be doing a tune as well, with no major internal upgrades (cam/lifters) in the near future.

There are a bunch of great companies out there making LT’s (JBA, ARH, AFe, Stainless Works to name a few) but not all offer a catted mid option and those that do are charging as much or more for the mids as they are for LT’s.

So to the point, regardless of cost, which would be a better option?

Also, has anyone had any issues passing emissions without cats, visual and/or “sniffer”?

 

[LeesEvoX]

Well if your county tests fir emissions. You will have a problem passing smog.

You can get away with it in some places. As they simply just check for emissions "readiness" so if all your O2 sensors. Evap, and all that other good **** read ready. you will pass. But most of the time with these tuners it just forces things like O2 sensors into a not ready states to stop the check engine light from coming on.

So if you want catless. Start looking for a guy who will "pass" your truck. I have a guy for my Evo. Dont know how he does it, but I pass every year with a built motor, big turbo, straight pipe exhaust, and no cats. Cost me 100 bucks. But worth it


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[2010 Infantry Vet]

If you have emissions in your county, more than likely it will have to pass the visual inspection for cats. Even if no dash lights are on, they still check. Always helps to throw the guy doing it $100.

 

[ram1500rsm]

Not worth the hassle unless you have a dedicated race vehicle, get the hi flow cats if they come with the LT’s, unless you live in Cali, you won’t pass here the normal way, and the abnormal way is more expensive than 100 .

 

[GIJoe2010]

Thanks for the insight and info y’all, I was already leaning towards catted mids for just in case I ever get smogged (haven’t ever been in my last 2 vehicles: 08 Charger R/T and current 1500). I’m looking at the AFe “Twister Steel” LT w/catted mids setup 48-42010-YC.

I know the feeling @ram1500rsm. I grew up in So Cal and you so much as replace a muffler with something better/louder you get odd looks from the PoPo and the general populace. The only reason I go home is to visit my parents so they can see their grandkids.