Are downpipes legal?

Legality. If the negative environmental and health effects weren't enough, a catless downpipe can have steep legal ramifications. In some places in the US, removing or disabling a catalytic converter is subject to a $2,750 fine. Your vehicle may also be subject to impound which can rack up additional fees.
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Is it illegal to have a downpipe?

To answer the OP's original question, there is no such thing as a high flow cat or de-catted down pipe that is CA legal.
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Will a Catted downpipe pass emissions?

There are ZERO benefits to a catted downpipe since you won't pass emissions with either (unless you use x-kitty).
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Is having a Catless downpipe illegal?

Catless downpipe causes heavy emission and is illegal in all states in the US. For 90% of enthusiasts, I would recommend looking into catted downpipes instead.
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Are high flow downpipes legal?

A catless downpipe is technically illegal as it violated emissions laws. Although there are "fixes" that can hide the engine codes and trick emissions tests, generally, you will fail emissions tests with catless downpipes. With high-flow options, you will pass emissions testing and are in compliance with the law.
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5 Things you NEED to know BEFORE buying a DOWNPIPE (F30 BMW, WRX, EVO, Supra, and any Turbo Car!)



How much HP does a downpipe add?

It's generally accepted that installing a downpipe will add just 10 to 20 horsepower, but that gain is noticeable when the engine is revved up.
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Will high flow cats pass inspection?

Nope it won't pass. If you live in California, I feel bad for you cause you can't have as much fun.
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Do downpipes pass smog?

Registered. Generally, an aftermarket downpipe will not pass a visual inspection at the smog shop.
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Are turbo downpipes legal?

Is it street legal? The short answer is NO. Modifying the factory emission systems automatically guarantees you will not pass local or state emissions. Even if you have a high-flow catalytic converter some states may not pass the vehicle as it is not the OEM unit.
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What happens if you get caught with a Catless downpipe?

There are huge fines if you get caught without them. If you get caught, the officer could decide to send your car to ref, where they tear it apart and look for other illegal items on the car. You will then have to take your LT's off too.
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Is Catless exhaust legal?

Registered. Yeah catless is always illegal everywhere, that's why car manufacturers put them on, for noise & air pollution. Just don't mess with them at all, not worth it imho.
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What does adding a downpipe do?

A downpipe is put in place because it allows the turbo aspect of the engine to be more effective. The downpipe steers gases away from the turbine, creating more uninterrupted power. When you get out on a straightaway and open up your Mercedes, or a similar vehicle, you'll feel the difference.
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Are Catted downpipes worth it?

they are worth it because they are more free flowing and will give you some power gains, but nothing near catless. they are worth it because they are more free flowing and will give you some power gains, but nothing near catless.
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Is a downpipe illegal UK?

Yes, decat pipes on your vehicle are legal, and you can enjoy the smooth performance of your engine all year long. However, certain considerations need to be kept in mind, such as the annual MOT test. Get your decat exhaust pipes from Turborevs today and take your car's performance to new heights.
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Is straight pipe legal?

No person shall operate a motor vehicle with a straight pipe exhaust system; "straight pipe exhaust system" means any straight-through exhaust system that does not contain baffles or otherwise does not meet the definition of muffler in RSA 259:66.
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Is a straight pipe legal UK?

Most big-bore and sports exhausts are not legal on public roads in the UK due to their excessive noise levels and extra emissions. Drivers caught with an excessively noisy exhaust may receive an on-the-spot fine of £50, and could have their car taken off the road until the offending exhaust is removed.
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Does a downpipe void warranty?

Well-Known Member. It should not void any part of your warranty, but a dealership may void it anyway. As Mark said above, it is probably not worth the fight once it has been denied, even if you are in the right.
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Will a Catted downpipe pass smog in California?

You can't realistically pass SMOG in CA without cats. Just go back to stock (including tune) before SMOG and drive the recommended cat cycle before going in. If you get flagged and have to go to a state ref there is absolutely 0 chance you will pass with any modifications to the exhaust chain or tune.
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Is downpipe same as headers?

The downpipes have the catalytic converters. The downpipes connect to the exhaust manifolds(headers)and run to the cat-back, or, the section of pipe which has the resonators and mufflers and tips.
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Can you go Catless in California?

No it's still illegal.
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Can you have a Catless downpipe in California?

Thanks ! It is illegal to operate your vehicle in the state with a catless downpipe. It is illegal to operate your vehicle in the state with a catless downpipe.
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What is a Catted downpipe?

Catted downpipes are fitted with a high-flow catalytic converter, which cleans the gases just as your OEM catalytic converter will. A catless downpipe is one that is not fitted with a catalytic converter. In the absence of the converter, the exhaust fumes suddenly take on a rather unpleasant odor.
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Do high flow cats smell?

High flows are called high flows for a reason. They flow exhaust fumes at a much higher rate, therefore a lot less "smell" (fumes) get trapped in the cats. "It works 60% of the time, every time." "Some say it's a waste of time, others say it's an incredible waste of time."
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Do high flow cats require a tune?

No high flow cats do not require a tune. As you are well aware, they will be optimized with a tune.
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Do high flow cats make exhaust louder?

Changing to long-tube headers along with the required x-pipe and high-flow cats will make for a louder exhaust tone at wide-open throttle but not change the exhaust tone much during normal driving. However, just replacing the stock cats with aftermarket high-flow cats might not change the sound at all.
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