Y2KS4

On AWE's webste for their downpipes (http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shar...&IL=AWESflo_DP), it states that the cats that come with the kit are DOT approved, yet the footer at the bottom says that it's only legal for racing. So if it's illegal to run downpipes, then why bother with cats?

complacentsee

To help pass emissions.

RolledMySTi

Because technically illegal and illegal enough to get caught are two different things

donromani

It's known as covering your a$$ - see Wikipedia entry "Dick Cheney" for more details.

Most shops will not be able to tell that you have "illegal" high-flow downpipes although a dealership probably will know what they are and might refuse to work on the car. If you're worried about someone spotting the aftermarket downpipes then I suggest you go with the "piggies" from VAST, or gut your own precats in the garage. There is virtually no visual cue (other than the relocated secondary 02 sensors, and even this can be eliminated) that the DPs are anything other than stock.

You should still be able to pass emissions and inspection unless the guy is a huge stickler for the letter of the law and is well versed on mods for the B5 S4.

ThirdStrike

QFTT
officer/smog check station attendant; does your car have catallitic converters?
me; yes
officer/smog check station attendant: why dont i see them under the car?
me; because they are in the downpipes near the turbo chargers
officer/smog check station attendant; ok sounds good.