Karma, murphys law

[reward44]

Well I have been wanting to do something to the SHO on the exhaust side such as downpipes but was having a hard time deciding on catted or non catted. My current state (NC) has emissions readiness testing in my county but had read an article that they were going to end emissions testing in 2020 in my county. So I decided to pull the trigger on a maganflow cat back. Two days after getting it installed the local news runs an article that the GOV has singed the law into effect starting this Oct. My inspection isn't due till Dec so that means no more testing for me.

So potentially looking at going catless but leaving the 3rd cat in place.

Does anyone have this set up as I am worried about the following.

Raw gas smelling exhaust
Raspy exhaust note

Looking at going most likely with livernois DP's in either configuration depending on advice.

 

[limited02]

It's my understanding that the power difference between catted and non-catted is pretty minimal. LMS themselves have recommended going catted if it's a DD. However, non-catted is cheaper and I've read of some owners not noticing the raw gas smell unless you have the windows down in stop and go traffic. Myself, I'd go (and plan to) catted and lose the third cat.

 

[10bird]

I have catless downpipes and the rest is stock. No smell issues or rasp. I still can't fathom paying more for less power if emission tests aren't required.

 

[SHOinVa]

So pretty sure this one is going to stir the *** some and let me be very clear this is just my point of view, I am passing no judgement on anyone. I try to stay with-in the spirit of the law and I believe the cats do serve a purpose, I acknowledge the laws should be a bit more flexible but in general I try to do the right thing. Now I acknowledge if it was a car I only drove around town and did not take on trips I might feel differently but probably not. Though the years I can't tell you how many time I was saying a small prayer when the guy was inspecting my car. I am so glad those days are over and I don't want to find out the nicest car I own has been rejected because somebody (lol not me) remove the cats.
Charlie

 

[SilverSH0]

If you have never been around a car without cats I recommend you find someone and take a ride with them. I don't think catless vehicles smell like raw gas, but they do have a unique smell. I used to have catless midpipes on my muscle cars and was fine with them. I could smell it when stopped but it wasn't that bad unless I was stuck in traffic. Then I hated it so much I would turn the car off so I didn't have to smell it. Eventually when I get downpipes for the SHO they will have cats because I don't feel this vehicle is more refined and I don't want it to smell bad when stopped.

 

[SHOinVa]

When I was a kid my Dad had a 1977 F250 with a 460 and dual exhaust, we had a camper that went in the bed and we run her long and hard. Many a time I fell asleep listening to her hum down the highway. Back in the day because of the lead in the gas you knew she was running right if the inside of the exhaust pipe turned white. I am glad we are now taking care of the planet but I also miss those days. Anyway. it never smelled like raw gas, my Harley does sometimes but it burns oil and its hard to keep the carburetor exactly right.
C/