Hey everyone my name is Kate,

I am new to the forum, but definately not new to the car scene(just to Scions). I bought my 2005 Scion Tc about 2 months ago. I have a TRD exhaust and cold air intake right now, though I am getting headers here shortly. I want to also get a downpipe for it as well. However, I am new to scions and I will be going to California for my job and I know without my catalytic converter I will not pass the inspection due to the check engine light will be on. I know you can trick it by putting an O2 stimulator, but I can't seem to find one for it. Also, I know you can trick through the spark plug wires (did that on the civic si), but I am not sure if I can do that on my Tc and have it work. Any ideas of how to make the check engine light not come on with the downpipes once the catalytic converters are out?

Also, I have found downpipes from this website: http://www.tunerzimage.com/Scion-TC-...trdp-stc04.htm
They say it is emission compliant to factory specs. Any thoughts on this?

P.S. I would also like to say, that yeah I have read some forums about how Tcs have become chick cars. I agree, and it is a shame (I am a female by the way), but if the girl knows her stuff, can work on it herself and can actually drive then it should not be a problem. Lastly, those who just want a car for show and has no go, thats when it is a problem and yes that is most girls and some guys even (I see it all the time!) or they get stuff done and have no idea what it is, that is not cool.

 

Hi,

Unfortunately, the Check Engine Light is the least of your concern for inspection (smog check). California does a visual inspection of the engine, checks the gas cap, and measures emissions from the tail pipes, as well as an OBD. Aftermarket parts, such as headers and cold air intakes have to have California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order number, otherwise, they will have to be removed to pass smog. Removing cat converters is not allowed unless they are defective, and since our primary cat is found on the exhaust manifold, tCs with headers will not pass. If you plan on registering your tC in California, you will be required to have it smog checked before it can be registered.

--> http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures...r9.htm#feesdue

As for the downpipe, or s-pipe as it is called on the tC, it by itself won't affect smog testing. However, if your car fails smog and they check the exhaust system, any O2 sim or spark plug anti-fouler will stick out like a sore thumb. I would highly recommend returning your tC to stock for registration purposes.

If you would like more information on what to expect in California as it relates to your tC, please follow this link:

--> https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=165444

 

2fast4you,

That blows. I did not know California does visuals. I won't be registering it there, I will keep my NC registration and will get an out-of-state when need it.

I appreciate the info! It helps out a lot, sucks, but helps!

So how do you guys do anything performance to your cars??? And so I am assuming pure white HID's are probably illegal too?

 

The irony is most performance parts deemed "for off-road use only" come from California, are tested in California, and mostly installed on California cars. The key is not to draw attention to yourself with polished front-mounted intercoolers, loud fart cans, and gigantic fiberglass wings; when it's smog check time, many people return the car to stock or find someone willing to pass the car. It's the same cat-and-mouse game that's been played since 1967.

 

Wait, why is that a problem? not the part about getting stuff done and having no idea what it is-- i know that's typically a "problem" but, why is having a car that looks nice and doesn't have headers or a CAI or S/C, or Turbo etc.. a problem?

 

Not all bad, just common. I mean I personally like to have go and show instead of just show. Because if your car is good looking but can't back it up in a race, you can get embarassed on the road because people are likely to race you if it looks nice because generally the two (show and go) go hand in hand. And if the car you bought is made for tuning, then tune it! My opinion. As I said, I am a girl myself, but I prefer to have go before show (yes I will eventually do body work once my car is fast enough for my satisfaction).

 

I really appreciate your help! It is kind of odd that performance parts for "off-road" come from and are tested in California. I think they should do away with some of the rules. Thats what I do here, I have someone to pass it for me. Oh well I would rather re-move the stuff before inspection than get into trouble! Thanks again!

 

wont it cost more to remove modified parts and putting back to stock then to find someone that will pass u for alittle more money

 

Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. California has really been cracking down on cheating smog stations, so the risk has increased as have their fees.