CO Emissions Testing for SC cars - Denver area

[MSH_]

Hi All,

Currently have a mk7 big turbo Golf R that is a great all-rounder for here in CO, but it's a bit boring being DSG and AWD w/ FWD bias. I'm a former S52 M Coupe owner that was well sorted for track use and while I would love to get back into a M Coupe I'd prefer a S54 this time around, but the prices as most know are out of control.
I've been all over the map on what I want to move to but it's pretty much narrowed down to E46 M3, M2 (much prefer the newer Comp but used prices kind of out of $ range I want to spend right now), and finally a E9x M3. If I went E9x M3 I'm very intrigued with throwing on a ESS or Harrop SC to mitigate the big hit the NA car takes up here at altitude.
Bottom line question is for those of you that are in emissions required counties (I'm in Jeffco) that have an SC on your E9x M3 how has the inspection process gone? Any trouble whatsoever passing?
Thanks in advance!

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by MSH_

Hi All,

Currently have a mk7 big turbo Golf R that is a great all-rounder for here in CO, but it's a bit boring being DSG and AWD w/ FWD bias. I'm a former S52 M Coupe owner that was well sorted for track use and while I would love to get back into a M Coupe I'd prefer a S54 this time around, but the prices as most know are out of control.
I've been all over the map on what I want to move to but it's pretty much narrowed down to E46 M3, M2 (much prefer the newer Comp but used prices kind of out of $ range I want to spend right now), and finally a E9x M3. If I went E9x M3 I'm very intrigued with throwing on a ESS or Harrop SC to mitigate the big hit the NA car takes up here at altitude.
Bottom line question is for those of you that are in emissions required counties (I'm in Jeffco) that have an SC on your E9x M3 how has the inspection process gone? Any trouble whatsoever passing?
Thanks in advance!

First inspection was without the SC. Upon install and rubbing test pipes was able to pass emissions via the road side drive by stations.

I've since gone fully catless. Assessing my options for preparing for next year's emissions.

[MilehighM3]

S/C won't negate your ability to pass emissions. I know a few people in the denver area with various kits installed and they pass, but typically have to reinstall stock cats to get readiness completed. I'm going to do some further experimental testing with an NA catless car hoping to get O2 sensors ready without cats, but time will tell if it's successful.
2 of us here in this thread would give a vote for harrop stage 2, if we have a vote haha.

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by MilehighM3

S/C won't negate your ability to pass emissions. I know a few people in the denver area with various kits installed and they pass, but typically have to reinstall stock cats to get readiness completed. I'm going to do some further experimental testing with an NA catless car hoping to get O2 sensors ready without cats, but time will tell if it's successful.
2 of us here in this thread would give a vote for harrop stage 2, if we have a vote haha.

Yes. Get out the vote!

[MSH_]

Originally Posted by DRLane

First inspection was without the SC. Upon install and rubbing test pipes was able to pass emissions via the road side drive by stations.

I've since gone fully catless. Assessing my options for preparing for next year's emissions.

Originally Posted by MilehighM3

S/C won't negate your ability to pass emissions. I know a few people in the denver area with various kits installed and they pass, but typically have to reinstall stock cats to get readiness completed. I'm going to do some further experimental testing with an NA catless car hoping to get O2 sensors ready without cats, but time will tell if it's successful.
2 of us here in this thread would give a vote for harrop stage 2, if we have a vote haha.

Thanks to you both! So I would honestly try and stick catted mainly cause I don't want to deal with the smell issue especially with the wife and kids.
With that said looking at the $3500 cost for the Fabspeed Sport cat set up makes me cringe

[DRLane]

Originally Posted by MSH_

Thanks to you both! So I would honestly try and stick catted mainly cause I don't want to deal with the smell issue especially with the wife and kids.
With that said looking at the $3500 cost for the Fabspeed Sport cat set up makes me cringe

Just put a single high quality GESI 300-400 cell, high horsepower applicable Cats welded in closer to the secondary position. Have the shop weld bungs on for the secondary O2s. Then you'll be able to detune the SC to stock and set the readiness sensors without any physical changes. Or might even be able to have you SC tuner give you a file with the secondaries still active.

[AlpinaFS]

Originally Posted by MSH_

Thanks to you both! So I would honestly try and stick catted mainly cause I don't want to deal with the smell issue especially with the wife and kids.
With that said looking at the $3500 cost for the Fabspeed Sport cat set up makes me cringe

The price of CATs has skyrocketed due to precious metal costs. Sure, you can find low-quality CATs for less, but they'll cause a CEL. Pretty sure Fabspeed is the exclusive importer of HJS Catalytic Converters, Guaranteed no CEL, and known for being the industry's Gold Standard.

[MilehighM3]

Originally Posted by AlpinaFS

The price of CATs has skyrocketed due to precious metal costs. Sure, you can find low-quality CATs for less, but they'll cause a CEL. Pretty sure Fabspeed is the exclusive importer of HJS Catalytic Converters, Guaranteed no CEL, and known for being the industry's Gold Standard.

3500 for a mid pipe is nuts. Fabspeed stuff is typically pretty nice, but not that nice.