In post #70, I wasn't sure if you were referring to CA, the OP's state or your state. But catalytic converter repairs are often well over $2500 in CA and will make an older vehicle a total loss.
Really depends on the application. But in general, they are a crapshoot.
Maybe for universal, but direct-fit ones are at least a few hundred dollars.
This is not how it works. You have to qualify to use the rapidpass test. This isn't something you get "caught" with. I suggest reading up on it below. It's a separate test some cars qualify for in place of the standard OBDII testing.
law.lis.virginia.gov
I see that but to me that is for egregious things like maybe "rolling coal" through one of the check stations, not a catted performance downpipe or aftermarket oe-type cat. I've lived here my whole life (I'm almost 50) with 5 years up in that area with emissions testing, never have heard of anyone having issues even with performance/tuned cars running performance downpipes.There is a provision in Virginia state law that allows DEQ to send someone a notice that their vehicle has failed a rapidpass test and to require them to take their vehicle to an emissions testing station for a dyno + OBDII test (as I stated previously).
And if you do some Google searching, you'll find reports from people who have gotten such a notice.
And here is the Virginia law:
Title 9. Environment
EDIT: And I was told by an emissions inspector, when I asked him why they still had the dyno, that some vehicles are flagged in the system to get a dyno test. Presumably these get flagged by having failed a rapidpass test. (Otherwise, the only vehicles that would need a dyno test, because they aren't OBD-II, are ALL over 25 years old and aren't required to get emissions tests).
law.lis.virginia.gov
Good thing I don't have to worry about all of this nonsense..hahahaha. And I suppose they can only ding you if your car is registered where it matters, so if I drive through one it doens't matter b/c I don't require emissions testing where I am.There is a code section listing the pass/fail limits for the roadside emissions testing:
Title 9. Environment
(It's worth noting that they test for NOx, CO, and HCs, which are invisible--so you can fail one of these tests even if you aren't "rolling coal").
And, as I've stated previously, if your vehicle fails one of these, it will be subjected to ASM dyno testing, not just an OBD-II inspection. If for some reason it can't be given an ASM dyno test, then it will get a 2-speed idle test.
Them folks at DEQ are a little smarter than some give them credit for, and they are fully aware that a vehicle can be "tuned" to disable OBD-II monitors.
Yes, seems like only some cars are eligible to get the roadside as your "pass" and if you car isn't listed, you still have to go get a standard test.There is a code section listing the pass/fail limits for the roadside emissions testing:
Title 9. Environment
(It's worth noting that they test for NOx, CO, and HCs, which are invisible--so you can fail one of these tests even if you aren't "rolling coal").
And, as I've stated previously, if your vehicle fails one of these, it will be subjected to ASM dyno testing, not just an OBD-II inspection. If for some reason it can't be given an ASM dyno test, then it will get a 2-speed idle test.
Them folks at DEQ are a little smarter than some give them credit for, and they are fully aware that a vehicle can be "tuned" to disable OBD-II monitors.
And the whole reason for roadside emissions monitoring is PRIMARILY to gauge the effectiveness of the mandatory emissions testing. Allowing someone to skip an emissions test is a secondary benefit. (And, worth noting, that the law states that a random 2% of the vehicles that pass roadside test are still required to get a test at a shop. And some vehicles, depending on make and model, are ALWAYS required to get a test at a shop, even if they pass the roadside test. I'd love to see what makes and models these are but all you can do is input a VIN to find out if that vehicle is one of them...)
"
- The Commonwealth of Virginia applies a Vehicle Emissions Index (VEI) to determine the cleanest overall group of vehicles and their eligibility for RAPIDPASS. The VEI is an automated calculation based on the emissions test history of a particular Year, Make, and Engine Size. The VEI is updated quarterly and can range from a VEI score of 1 to 100. A lower VEI represents a vehicle that is expected to run cleaner than a vehicle with a higher VEI. Vehicle groups identified with a VEI exceeding the limit are not eligible for a RAPIDPASS. On the home page, click on VEI Lookup to use the VEI Lookup tool."
I’d suggest you speak to a couple autobody shops. I had an accident and the insurance company totaled my car. My local body shop said they were surprised it had been considered unsalvageable. I took the check from the insurance company and actually had it fixed for less than what the check amount was and then drove it for another 100,000 miles. Then used as a trade-in for a new car a couple years later.
I’d suggest you speak to a couple autobody shops. I had an accident and the insurance company totaled my car. My local body shop said they were surprised it had been considered unsalvageable. I took the check from the insurance company and actually had it fixed for less than what the check amount was and then drove it for another 100,000 miles. Then used as a trade-in for a new car a couple years later.
That isn't how I read it - it was on-road testing of diesel cars by students at the U. of WV. Basically had a setup rigged in the trunks to test while they were driving and saw the higher numbers vs. when they had a stationary emissions test.
I wonder by how much a high-flow "race" catted downpipe would fail one of these? Could also modify the DP by welding in a second GESI cat...it has a single cat up top vs. the dual it came with.
No thanks....FAIL!Drive to Northern Virginia and get an emissions test for $20 and find out
Interesting!
