Alright, so I'm new to this california smog thing. Basically, after I pass my smog test (which Im going to do this weekend while I'm 100% stock) I can modify my system, but need to keep it LOOKING stock so that if I am pulled over they dont see anything fishy. all that is done to the car is an STI catback, and a GM boost solenoid, and a tune. The car will be retuned very soon anyways, but I'd like to get the parts installed before, so I dont nee to tune AGAIN. I want a quicker spool and a SLIGHT increase in power, I'm not looking for crazy numbers, and the car is fun as is. I want to keep my power down low, as in, shooting for a quick 0-80mph. I plan on spending my money on suspension and drivetrain components, and adding more power always means you can NEVER stop upgrading everything else! (itwouldnt be my first rodeo with owning high hp car) the parts: -STI uppipe & downpipe (what is done to fix the CEL from no cat?) -Leave stock mid pipe, or any ideas on something that passes visual inspect? -leave my sti catback (or maybe go with thormix's recommendation and get a cobb when the money comes in) -Grimmspeed crossover pipe (I am going to purchase a dremel, and PNP all of the above parts.) I know pnp'ing my td04 will give me a few extra ponies, but the mileage is growing on mine so I'll need to just pnp a new one and swap them out. Now my questions are: *Is it worth the power to go to this kind of trouble? any idea on expected numbers? easy to get caught with these kind of mods? *better ideas? no worries, i'm looking for more cost effective ways to get the same power. If i'm off in assuming these parts will help, let me know. Im not ignorant and I'd like to know if I'm about to waste my money. EDIT: one last thought. these mods above will allow me to run a vf34/pinks/sti or ebay top mount/walbro 255 in the future, correct? Albeit a little restrictive on the exhaust, the car WILL be able to run healthy if tuned correctly?
the sti downpipe is the same as yours, its not gonna do anything. the up pipe, well without a real down pipe isn't gonna do anything other then get rid of that cat.
I was in California, and got away with a VF34/UP/DP/Catback/injectors. You can probably do Cobb's stage "2.5" and be fine. The VF34 looks OEM especially if you get the heatshield on it. Just make sure you keep the 3rd cat. They look for that under the car, so you'll need to find shorty downpipes. The 3rd cat should be enough to keep you within emissions specs for the sniffer test too as long as your car has warmed up completely.
hey jason, thanks for the advice. I spent the day with the socal subies guys down here (familiar with that group?) and saw some of their setups. I didnt realize that I had so many options in how to get past smog. I'll be getting that done ASAP, and then will start building. after smogging this time I wont need to for another...2 years I believe. gotta look that up though. Again, thanks.
