355 - Catalytic Converters Euro vs. US Cars | FerrariChat
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355 Catalytic Converters Euro vs. US Cars

Discussion in '348/355' started by USAF - 1, Sep 11, 2024.

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  1. USAF - 1

    USAF - 1 Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 27, 2021
    63
    San Jose CA
    Full Name:
    Todd
    #1 USAF - 1, Sep 11, 2024
    Hi all:

    Question on the catalytic converters and the dreaded CA smog test. Will Euro cats, part nos 168570# and 168571# work in the US Spec car and pass CA smog? I am going to get them re-cored, but I wanted to confirm that they will fit and second, whether there are some markings on the US ones that would make a difference to CA smog assuming they look really close (which likely they won't). Thanks!

    Todd
     
  2. fboutlaw

    fboutlaw Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2014
    257
    Woodside, CA
    #2 fboutlaw, Sep 11, 2024
    It depends if your smog guy is blind in one eye. Those are the gems we must protect.

    Technically you need a cat that has a smog EO stamp on it for it to pass visual inspection. I'm not sure if the euro cats have that. You should ask before you buy.
    Additionally, your y-pipe should have cat cells in it. One overly ambitious shop failed me because they couldn't get a bore scope in to inspect the y-pipe.
    Then you need to pass the roller test. I've passed on 200 cell cats rebuilt by fab speed. You'll likely hear that others haven't. Feels like luck.
     
  3. sfcarguy

    sfcarguy Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 9, 2018
    522
    Earth
    #3 sfcarguy, Sep 11, 2024
    Last edited: Sep 11, 2024
    Factory cats on 50 state cars generally don't have any CA specific markings. If the cats are in good shape, most smog techs wont be able to tell the difference and they should pass.

    Get the car good and hot by driving fairly slow at higher RPMs before the test and you'll probably be fine.

    Be careful if you do have them re-cored. Some techs will harass you because the welds are obvious.
     
  4. USAF - 1

    USAF - 1 Karting
    Silver Subscribed

    Mar 27, 2021
    63
    San Jose CA
    Full Name:
    Todd
    #4 USAF - 1, Sep 11, 2024
    Ok so this is completely insane that a shop attempted to stick a camera in your Y-pipe (sounds painful). Someone took their job way too seriously. BAR is not sending late 90s ferraris in as bait cars :).

    Regarding the EO number, the only number I have seen on the F355 cats is CAT R129 R04 or R01. I haven't been able to find a good photo of a US-spec cat with the numbers. Does anyone have a photo of that? Thanks for the help!

    Todd
     
  5. fboutlaw

    fboutlaw Formula Junior

    Dec 3, 2014
    257
    Woodside, CA
    #5 fboutlaw, Sep 11, 2024
  6. Joshman0531

    Joshman0531 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 19, 2012
    865
    Tennessee
    Full Name:
    Joshua Seidenberg
    #6 Joshman0531, Oct 4, 2024
    I just had the dealership add Nuvolari CATS to my '98 2 months ago. No codes, sounds a bit better, and I don't think about factory CATS that are 26 years old failing any more. Just my opinion, I like them. I've had my 355 for 10 years and it took months for me to pull the trigger on these.
     

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