... don't even think they checked for that, they took my Tahoe back for 5 minutes and then I was done, I think they JUST check the emission monitors.
You're likely right. I'm just trying to give all these other people who are on one fence or another about getting tuned one more reason to get tuned.
I am curious if I could gut my cats and still pass smog as long as I did it without raising suspicion and keeping my emission monitors looking properly and o2 sensors addressed. but that test will be for a different season.
So far as I know, safest way to get away with this
IFF one were so inclined!
would be to:
open the catalytic converters like clamshells
close the clamshells AFTER installing export pipes - instead of catalytic material, the shell contains a pipe now
(in countries that have no catalytic converter requirement, they use export pipes instead; good luck finding THOSE parts numbers anonymously)
properly installing / re-installing pre-cat O2 sensors & post-cat O2 sensors
deactivating post-car O2 sensors & codes with a proper tune
That same 'proper tune' must also IMPROVE power AND MpG at the same time.
By which I mean: the tune must effectively perform the same function as the catalytic converters.
Those who take emissions sniffer tests with E85 in the tank should have a MUCH easier time passing ...
Once we think of a better source than corn, E85 may NEED to displace gasoline to improve emissions ...