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  1. #1
    FEP Member 8ballEinstein's Avatar
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    Default What are my options? Trying to pass CA emissions with an '85 GT

    I have a 1985 Mustang GT that's been mildly modified. For exhaust, I've converted to true dual system with Ford Racing headers (heat riser connectors welded on), a BBK cat pipe and Flowmaster cat-back. In past testing I was able to pass with no issues. This time around, I knew there would be challenges to get by. The internal material in the cat pipe started breaking up and I had to fish it out because that loose stuff was rattling in there real loudly. Now it's rendered useless as far as scrubbing the exhaust.

    With a cat pipe to replace, do I have to go back to single exhaust? If so, where do I find a replacement? So far I haven't been able to find an aftermarket replacement anywhere. Can I pass the visual inspection with a later exhaust setup?

    I'm at a standstill. Any help would be appreciated.
    1985 Mustang GT - original short block w/ bolt-ons
    1995 Mustang GT - supercharged 331
    2007 Mustang BDX - (Barber Driving Experience) designed for daily driving and track use

  2. #2
    FEP Power Member
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    The CA ARB board provides a list of approved CATs. Technically, you now have a dual system would fail visual inspection. Fortunately, they see so few of them and the dual would appear to be normal these days. Check CA state site for replacement CATS. Your smog guy can point you in the right direction. I thought the options were limited until my smog guy showed me the list!

    Maybe check with BBK as well for a repair/replace CATS.

    Here is the link for approved CATS. https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/PartsSearchTo...earchTool.aspx
    Last edited by KevinK; 09-23-2016 at 01:29 PM. Reason: added link
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
    84 SVO 24K miles, 85 Mclaren Capri Vert. 84 GT Turbo Vert.
    88 Mclaren Mustang Vert 20K miles, 89 Mustang LX Sport Vert,
    03 Mach 1 7900 miles, 74 Mustang II, 69 Mustang, 67 Mustang, 07 GT500,
    14 Mustang CS/GT, 15 F150 FTX Tuscany, 16 F250 Crewcab, 67 Tbird 47K miles

  3. #3

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    I have the california legal magnaflow xpipe and i passed with flying colors.

    And yeah they would probably just assume its dual exhaust like every other fox mustang they see. So, i wouldn't worry there.

  4. #4
    FEP Super Member xctasy's Avatar
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    Default

    Working to rule, the Federal Motor Vehicle emissions testing procedure seams to lists a three cat set up for 4-bbl M codes for 1985.

    It should be two cat, with one primary light off and a bed cat, but they may have changed.

    So there is a freedom that doesn't exist when you check the schematics.




    The EFI 1986 is quad cat. Uses more fuel, slower, and twice as many catalysts as the 1985 5.0 4-bbl. So addng an 86 style exhaust catalysts if you can afford it might be accepted if you just try.


    M code 1985 CFI is single cat, without a primary lightoff







    As per all list, the original configuration, number, and vehicle weight class is defined.


    With Catco, only a few have the important prepix 66 code.

    https://www.catalyticconvertersonlin...alifornia=True

    I did research, and of course, the same masterhead of info applies.

    https://www.catalyticconvertersonlin...er-pc-2-112764

    1984-1985-1986-2000 TWO CAT VERSES FOUR CAT EXHAUST

    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...n-84-5-0/page3
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ng-5-0-exhaust
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...uestions/page2
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...22#post1757022


    I also thought Cat Grant ran CatCo,




    but whatever, the ARB lists another, um, member in the M code 1985 5.0 exhaust...G""d bless em...

  5. #5

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    With gutted cats for the same reason you mention (guts turned to rattling burnt pieces of driftwood debris), my '86 5.0L Thunderbird passed the Ontario (Canada) "E-Test" with flying colours, after the garage doing the "test" and the "safety inspection" installed new oxygen sensors and didn't install but charged me anyways for a new TPS...

    If you're running the '85 Holley, and it's idle mixture screws are accessible, I'd run them in a bit more than usual and roll the dice. "They" can't visualize and see inside catalytic convertors.
    Mike
    1986 Mustang convertible ---> BUILD THREAD
    Past Fox-chassis "four eyes":
    1983 Mercury Cougar LS
    1986 Ford Thunderbird ELAN
    1980 Capri RS Turbo

    Work in progress website ---> http://carb-rebuilds-plus.boards.net/

  6. #6
    FEP Member 8ballEinstein's Avatar
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    Default

    Thanks to all those who replied. I'll see what my smog guy has to say.
    1985 Mustang GT - original short block w/ bolt-ons
    1995 Mustang GT - supercharged 331
    2007 Mustang BDX - (Barber Driving Experience) designed for daily driving and track use

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