Hey, i searched and found a few ways to figure if a Max is Fed or Cali but I still am not sure. I checked the number under my VIN and that tells me I am Cali. and under the hood it says U.S. and the State of California. Then I go to check how many plugs I have infront of the valve cover. I only see two there so that means I am Fed. In the emails from Cattman that I found it says that I need to use a Fed y-pipe. Is my car still Cali? If so, when I get a new fed y-pipe, am I still only getting rid of one pre-cat? Anyone know whats going on? I just want to make sure before I buy my y-pipe. Heres a pic and some info I found while searching. Thanks.




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Is my Cali or Fed spec?
Raise your hood. Look for a shiny metal identification tag fastened to the passenger side of firewall. The top row is the Vehicle Identification Number, starting with J. The second row is model information. The first five characters are BLHUL. The 12th character is the destination:

N = Canada
V = California
U = US, not California


Credit: Daniel B. Martin.
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"Yes, the gen 4 fed and ca are the same for 1998."

I also asked Cattman and heres the reply I got:
The answer to your question is very direct, whether the car has Federal or
CA-spec emissions, all 1995-1998 cars use the same Y-pipe, part #YG4. The
Federal and CA/NLEV cars use very different Y-pipe designs starting in 1999.

Credit: mozy
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From Brian Catts:

The answer to your question is very direct, and there is no basis for debate. Whether the car has Federal or CA-spec emissions, all 1995-1998 cars use the same Y-pipe, Cattman part #YG4. The Federal and CA/NLEV cars use very different Y-pipe designs starting in 1999.

So, for the 1996, the question of CA versus Federal emissions -- as it pertains to the Y-pipe -- is moot. To reinforce this, I attach the diagram I use to show 1999+ owners the difference.

Brian C. Catts
Cattman Performance

Credit: DCmax

 

Does anyone know for sure that both precats would be removed when replaced the stock y-pipe?

 

fed spec y replaces both precats

 

F*ck the stupid o2 sensor counting method. It's all messed up. Do the faq method, and since you checked out as a cali spec, thats what you have. I have a calispec, and I also have two of those plugs. Also, it seems that only the california spec 99+ maximas don't get both precats removed. You got a 98 california, so you're safe.

 

Do you have a swirl valve on the left side of the engine right by the intake manifold?