Howdy RX-8 Club,

I've brought my 2005 RX-8 from CT to CA, to find the smog laws are pretty strict, and it's all about the ECU test.

That being said, I deleted my catalytic converter and wasn't able to bring it over to CA. OEM cats are expensive, from $1-3k, and aftermarket ones will be hit or miss since none are CARB certified.

I am wondering if anyone is near the City of Ventura area, who would be willing to lend me their OEM cat for a day or two?

Please PM me or post here if you think you can. Thanks a lot in advance.

 

did the smog tech actually look down there for the stock cat?
I "know a guy" who hasn't had a stock cat on for the last 2 inspections and passed with flying colors since the new test doesn't require them to stick a sensor in the tailpipe, it just goes off the OBD II readings.

 

If you do need to pass visual for some reason and can't borrow/buy OEM, Magnaflow now makes a CARB certified aftermarket converter. The part number is

 

Here in CA it is likely they won't go looking for the stock cat. But the smell is a giveaway. I do have a CEL having to do with oxygen sensors due to deleting the cat, but that will be solved soon as I took the next poster's advice.

Thank you for this suggestion. I ended up going with this exact Magnaflow model! I found a great deal on Amazon:
Looking forward to getting my RX-8 on the road! 👍

 

Socalrx, if you've gone through with this purchase I have a question. Curious to know what identifying marks appeared on the CARB certified replacement converter from Magnaflow, if you took any notice.