Catalytics Converters

[SlyMart]

Hi there,

We got the car delivered today and the owner put some hooker headers and installed a true dual exhaust setup with flow master mufflers.

The problem is my car is a 1978 Corvette and he didn't put any Catalytic Converters on it?

Do I need to add Catalytic Converters on the car? Some people says I will get a hefty fine if I don't have them in Ontario?

 

[buckhorn76]

yes, you have to have them in ontario. the m.o.e. fun police are constantly on the prowl and carry mirrors to look under the car for cats. the fines are hefty but one gets the feeling they'd like to give transgressors the electric chair.

 

[Riley P]

I took the cat off my truck years ago as it is old and most likely plugged. No cat, better fuel economy so better for the environment!
I could have replaced the cat but it was as much as my truck was worth.

At least they now have high flow cats. Even though Sask doesn't have any air care program, I would like to keep the cats and all the other stuff on the vette.
Are cats easy to find for the 78?

 

[Bearly Flying]

Check with Manny, He should be able to get Hi Flow Cats for you, and probably retrofit them into your existing system.

 

[Keith Tedford]

It is not legal in Ontario to remove ANY emissions equipment. There is a fine for each piece missing, eg. cats, smog pump, heat stove to the breather and the fines add up for each piece missing. High flow cats would be the way to go. When we still had our '69 L78 Chevelle, I bought reproduction exhaust manifolds and smog pump. No fun looking over your shoulder for the MOE guys. I think it is just one more way to bring money into the government coffers. The number of old cars still on the road is minimal. When leaded gas was still available, people would use it because it was cheaper but the lead plugged the cats to the point where the engine couldn't even run. Our '87 S-10 truck passed with excellent numbers at 20 years old and had the original pancake cat on it. Still does in fact.

 

[buckhorn76]

if you need the cats just to run legal, high flows are'nt really necessary. you won't notice any difference in performance on a c3 smog motor. i run the internet cheapies - 50 bucks a piece

 

[Brian Keery]

Wouldn't even worry about it. Unless you're running straight pipes, the odds of getting tagged by the MOE is slim. I can't remember the last time I even heard of anyone getting inspected; it may have been at Wasaga's Corvette Weekend......but that was a long time ago, and I think the guy was creating a lot of attention - if you know what I mean. More of a chance getting questioned about Historic plates; and that still hasn't happened to me in the past 10 years - not once. Your car, your choice. But I'd drive it and enjoy it for the next 4-5 months before you start worrying about any modifications......that's what winters for.

P.S. no cat, installed a 'test pipe' instead.

 

[Keith Tedford]

In the Oshawa, Port Perry, Peterborough area, they have been active for 3-4 years checking cars. Street rods were/are a real target because, well, street rodders use what they have and that usually means an engine with none of the necessary smog equipment. Pretty obvious if there is no hood. I haven't heard of anyone around here getting pulled over yet this year.

 

[Black 03 Z06]

I have seen the MOE and MTO stopping vehicles in the Haliburton area recently. What is odd about that is that we have no emission inspection stations and smog checks are not required here to get your vehicle licensed. So if you have no idea of what emissions your vehicle is putting out and not required to know why are they pulling people over and inspecting equipment?

 

[buckhorn76]

just another cash grab. around here most of us keep the hoods closed at cruise nights because the sneaky sob's sometimes go plain clothes.

 

[Keith Tedford]

I have seen the MOE and MTO stopping vehicles in the Haliburton area recently. What is odd about that is that we have no emission inspection stations and smog checks are not required here to get your vehicle licensed. So if you have no idea of what emissions your vehicle is putting out and not required to know why are they pulling people over and inspecting equipment?

They are probably hoping that they pull over out of towners who come to Haliburton from areas that do have emissions tests. It makes the Haliburton MOE guys a few bucks.....for no good reason. As in the U.S. we have a government going out of control.

 

[Brian Keery]

Sorry to hear of your troubles guys, I actually went through my first RIDE program this afternoon on the way back from Burl's Creek. The cop was more interested in commenting on my car's looks than whether or not I'd been drinking. I see more of a 'Big Brother' presence out on the water; where you do get looked over at least a couple of times a month. I can honestly say, I've yet to have had my car looked at for any reason since I bought it. I guess the authorities have other concerns......suits me fine.