Y Pipe Questions

[trac power]

Hi,
Im looking into buying a y pipe for my 03 sport trac. I have a few questions about it. Will it throw any codes and give a check engine light. Will it pass emissions test and were is the best place to buy one that will work the best for me.
Thanks for the help

 

[ncranchero]

You mean an aftermarket off-road Y-pipe with no cats?

Yes it will throw codes/give check engine light/never pass inspection/is illegal to remove them. Your cats are not hampering performance and actually you'll be better off leaving it stock. Your O2 sensors are important parts of the engine management system.

What do you think you'll gain without them?

 

[Fredness]

If it's legal in your area, check with Zabteck Performance, they have Random Technology Y-Pipes and Cat replacements - all stainless, high end stuff. That's where I'm headed in the future - installing stainless headers in the next couple weeks to start with, already have a dual cat-back.

 

[ncranchero]

But you're in Can a Da aren't you Fred? Removal in the USA is not legal. He's in PA.

 

[trac power]

when i emailed one of the guys from zabetech they said this
Colin,
Todd asked me to respond to your questions.
You will not throw any CEL codes because although the 2 pre-cats on the y-pipe are removed there are still bungs for the oxygen sensors to screw in to. Please be careful when removing and reinstalling the sensors because the only time we have seen codes is when these were damaged during installation.
As far as the PA emissions inspection I think you will be fine. I am not familiar with your rules but we have strict ones here in downstate NY and I don't have any problems. Unless the inspector is specifically looking for the 2 cats on the y-pipe I'm sure you will be fine.
Thank you for your interest.
George

 

[Fredness]

But you're in Can a Da aren't you Fred? Removal in the USA is not legal. He's in PA.

Um no. I'm in Sasquatch Country (see map).

Not that I'm arguing with a moderator, but here it is not illegal to replace a "missing or malfunctioning" cat - even with an aftermarket "Hi-flow" replacement(s). So, I know what my plans are WHEN mine fail.

 

[ncranchero]

Um no. I'm in Sasquatch Country (see map).

Not that I'm arguing with a moderator, but here it is not illegal to replace a "missing or malfunctioning" cat - even with an aftermarket "Hi-flow" replacement(s). So, I know what my plans are WHEN mine fail.

LOL Fred! I'm only a mod not a god! People argue with me all the time! I'm not up on my Sasquatch locations. Ya know, we have one here in NC, LOL. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPfEqn8RTys Git away from here, git...git....

Maybe I misread or took it that he was removing the cats all together. Your statement above is correct ..... Replacement OEM pipes w/cats are ridiculously expensive!

 

[Fredness]

Been there, done that.
On the first SC install on the Ranger back in 2001 I melted the cats - hi-flow aftermarkets were less restrictive and passed emissions with flying colors. The Inspector was surprised a "Homemade" supercharger would even pass.
This is always a touchy subject, but if it is a replacement for a failed cat, it's a no brainer.
If you are looking for an "upgrade", you are headed down a dark path that could cause legal issues. Besides it is not cost effect HP by any means!

 

[JohnnyO]

The Random Technology Y-Pipe replaces the two pre-cats but the main cat stays. I have been told that Tracs will pass an emissions test without the pre-cats, although you may flunk a visual if the inspector is picky and knows what to look for (not likely). My experience living in PA has always been that if the vehicles passes they don't bother looking at anything.

 

[Fredness]

There is also a Random Tech Main cat that replaces #3 and #4 (if equipped).
I'm doing both - eventually.
Need to creat tune files for each.