I just recently learned that california emissions cars have two extra catalytic converters before the main one. I have a 2000 maxima SE with california emisions and i wanted to get a Y-pipe for myself. I was just wonder can i take out the 2 cats, cause my friends told me it will give me more power and if i do take them out, will i be able to pass emission. Thanks

 

it won't, don't worry about it. Just go with an aftermarket y-pipe. We had one member desertmax who converted to fed spec and only gained 1-2 hp

 

The Y pipe will replace 1 of the 2 the pre-cats. You need headers to replace both or swap the front manifold as was mentioned in the previous post.

 

Ditto to what Larrio said.

You should still pass emissions with the precats missing. As long as the tech doesn't look under your car you should be okay as long as the car is sufficiently warmed up.

The precats are primarily there to reduce emissions during the initial start up of the car while it runs very rich before the main cat at full operating temp.

 

Thanks for you help guys