No cats and still passing emissions testing!!

[ewill3rd]

If you smell fumes at idle, it won't pass an emissions test.
The "fumes" are hydrocarbons, which happen to be measured duing an emissions test.
If you can smell them, I guarantee an emissions probe stuck in the tailpipe will too. Don't kid yourself.

[GotStroke?]

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

If you smell fumes at idle, it won't pass an emissions test.
The "fumes" are hydrocarbons, which happen to be measured duing an emissions test.
If you can smell them, I guarantee an emissions probe stuck in the tailpipe will too. Don't kid yourself.

I should have clarified. I never tried to pass the sniffer w/out cats, I used the Collector's vehicle "out", besides my motor wouldn't have passed for a variety of reasons: cams, race gas, etc.
A nearly stock motor running optimally wouldn't have those issues.

[Barak]

Originally Posted by ewill3rd

If cars can pass emissions tests without cats, why do carmakers spend billions on installing them?
Just curious... I think someone's pulling your leg.

I do think there are some operating conditions under which some of the readings may stay below the maximum limits, but a true dynomometer emissions inspection.... I seriously doubt it.

Consumer smog check emission limits and OEM emission certification limits are completely different. The current limits that must be met for smog checks are not strict by any means, however it would be a stretch to assume that even a SULEV would be able to pass a smog check without cats.

[ewill3rd]

Again, I am sorry I brought up a logical question.
Thanks for reminding me that I have other things to do today.
Guess I'll go do them.

[daytripper]

Maybe this story will vindicate you ewill.
Virginia began roadside remote sensing (between emissions tests checks) this summer as part of the Northern Virginia emissions test program.
If you fail when passing by the roadside sensor, you get a notice in the mail to go get a off-cycle emissions 'confirmation test' -- or you can pay a civil penalty instead. If you pass cleanly enough, you get a one year pass to skip your next test.

Those without cats may have trouble passing this even if they fake their way past the biennial OBD check.

Here's a link to a story on it:
http://pubs.bna.com/ip/bna/DEN.NSF/eh/a0b3a9r0m1

I doubt you could pass this drive-by test (i.e., under accelleration) with no cats.

Brian R.