Possible noob question alert....

"would installing HFCs cause me to fail the smog check?" and how long do HFCs usually last?"

 

Most likely.

 

yes they most likely will... but they will pass the "sniffer test"

 

Berk Technolgy said that their HFCs have been passing emissions tests in Cali

 

ohhh surprising...

 

It wouldn't really make sense for a manufacturer to make HFC's if they didn't do their job.......... You might as well just knock the center out of the stock cat's or just put a straight pipe in their place if that was the case lol. I'm pretty sure you should still pass, if not the HFC manufacturer is selling junk.

 

dont know why you have that idea... look at the name... HIGH FLOW cats... its still a big difference from straight pipes but it usually says for off road use only...

 

not sure why you have the idea the don't do their jobs = Cats <---- key word there. High flow means they do their job with less restriction. If you want something for off road use there is absolutely no use for cats at all........ that's why they make test pipes

 

I know that most HFCs are at the very least 49 state legal. I think this is the case too with Berk but there was mentioned that some folks in 350Zs were passing Emissions in Cali. I'll have to find the linky...

 

here is some info from a company that specializes in making cats incase people doesn't understand the difference between regular cats and HFC's:

Your exhaust system is one of the major keys to your vehicle’s performance. The catalytic converter is a highly specialized yet essential component of your exhaust system. Without a properly working catalytic converter, you will not only be polluting the environment, but also, your vehicle will not pass its emissions test. For a street-legal catalytic converter that improves your engine’s performance, consider the Catco high flow catalytic converter for your vehicle.
What is the difference between a stock converter and a high flow catalytic converter? To understand this, you should know what a catalytic converter does. This component is actually a filter, but unlike your air filter or oil filter, which remove solid contaminants from your engine, the catalytic converter actually transforms the chemical composition of your exhaust flow. It does this by using small amounts of precious metals--usually platinum, palladium, and rhodium--embedded in the walls of the honeycomb structure.
Catco High Flow Catalytic Converter PartsThe Catco high flow catalytic converter is different than stock catalytic converters in that it uses a low-restriction element. Your engine exhaust is still cleaned, but the gas flow through your exhaust system is not slowed down in the process. Faster removal of exhaust from your system means that more power is available to send to your wheels. A high flow catalytic converter gives you more power and more torque.

 

yeaa i guess we will have to see... cali is WAY strict... pretty annoying..

 

I think anyone that buys these should definitely report back after being tested. If a company is selling these and people aren't passing emissions then people should think about using another company for their HFC's

 

well most people buy them almost expecting not to pass...?

 

^ Same thing I was thinking... "I'm gonna have to pay the smog checker some extra lettuce to pass me!!" LOL

 

exactly... ^