3rd Cat removal

[jbrown9999]

I've seen a lot of people have removed this and have been told that I would still pass emissions with that taken out.  The question I have is, if I'll still pass emissions without it, why is it needed?  Is this just a CA thing just to get exhaust "extra" clean?
I'm really leaning towards PPE with cats and doing a custom 2.5" dual exhaust based somewhat on the M-Design custom exhaust using Magnaflows.

My concern is getting a shop to do the install because it requires removing the 3rd Cat.

 

[ajpturbo]

Passing the emissions and I/M monitors has nothing to do with it....It's always Federally illegal to remove any emissions control device....The car got the EPA certifications with everything you see intact so if you tamper with it then technically it should fail any state inspectors inspection because the emissions control device has been removed.

It should fail the visual.

 

[ZSHO]

X2 on ^^^  It's under CA Greenhouse Emissions regulations! Sorry for the late reply.
PDF -Below. Z

https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/pcldtmdv/2013/ford_pc_a0101697r1_3d5_u2.pdf

 

[bamsho]

Well some of the aftermarket exhaust systems don't have third cat.  Mine is off, but I still have it.

 

[jbrown9999]

Magnaflow removes it, I think.  Can anyone confirm that?

 

[SHOdded]

Corsa maybe?  They have a builtin xpipe?

 

[hawkeye93]

Magnaflow removes it, I think.  Can anyone confirm that?

The Magnaflow catback mounts behind the third cat.  It requires cutting the stock exhaust 4.75" behind the cat. 

https://www.magnaflow.com/installsheets/15769.pdf

That said, lots of people remove their third cat.  Whether or not it's illegal was not the OP's question; he wanted to know if he would pass an emissions test.  Lots of things are illegal, like speeding, yet I do it every day.  And CA regulations only apply in Californistan.

 

[ZSHO]

OBD CA. (ULEV) Ultra low emissions vehicle P.car! 
The vehicle will pass emissions testing and best of luck. Z


https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/zevprog/factsheets/calemissions.pdf

https://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/levprog/cleandoc/cleancomplete_lev-ghg_regs_3-12.pdf

 

[chrisjobe]

Does anyone make test pipes by chance?

 

[derfdog15]

Does anyone make test pipes by chance?

I haven't seen anything. All you would need to do is use an X pipe as your replacement for non test purposes, and add some flanges to the X pipe and your stock 3rd cat, or just use slip connectors. It's in a pretty easy spot to get at, so you could swap it pretty quick in a driveway.