test pipes and NJ... am I safe?
 

I want to go to test pipes but the emission laws in NJ are annoying. Luckily they only test through OBD2. Is there a set of test pipes that might sneak past that test and let me pass?

Any. Just get extended J bungs. Vibrant makes some.

IIRC, all states require OEM-spec parts on the emissions gear, ie, even if you can pass a sniff test without the cat, you will fail for not having a factory-spec cat. If a visual check is done (not unusual, from what I've read, but it varies a lot), the missing cat will stick out like a sore thumb. But I'm no expert on NJ emissions laws/enforcement, so YMMV.

Im planning on getting FI Hfc's
fast intentions says no CEL on 09-12 and very rarely on newer

Test pipes will fail the emissions test i think.
High flow cats should pass but it depends on the guy doing the visual inspection if he passes or fails them i think

keeping my stock cats just in case

Don't believe they do visual inspection in NJ

Test pipes will fail any sniffer test.

I held onto my stock cats for exactly this reason. I've passed MA inspection with FI HFCs, and could probably pass inspection with the long tube headers since they don't throw a code either; but if I get randomly selected for a visual inspection by a state cop, I would have to put the stock cats back on to pass. (the shops don't do visuals, but the inspection computer randomly selects unlucky individuals to get inspected by a state trooper)

I'd think there'd be some resonated test pipes where the resonator looks like a catalytic converter

I have HF cats and have passed visual inspection here in AZ.
I did attached the heat shields from the factory cats though.

I already have high flows and have no problems... I'm talking about no cats at all... I'm currently eyeing the AAM resonated test pipes since they don't throw a CEL and the resonators kinda look like catalytic converters.

I passed at rahway dmv with test pipes on and they have cameras under the car, I guess they thought the resonated test pipes were cats lol.

good to know

Good to know, my stock cats are pretty much busted so going with HFC route with Z1's kinetix. Do you know if NJ requires a CARB number? Z1 states they dont have it for the HFC's but I go to Rahway, any more info on what they do other than camera and sniff? Am I safe with HFC?

Have a shop remove the heat shields from the old cats and have them tack welded on the HFCs. Did this when I lived in VA and pass a visual inspection no problems.

Short answer, Maybe. NJ doesn't do any CARB stuff.

It all depends on how good or bad the inspector is. They did visual, ecu, and tail pipe tests last time I went to the state's inspection station was in '09. I have had times where they didn't check anything but the lights because it was busy and they were just moving the line along. Now days it's just more convenient to go to a local shop.