Fabspeed headers and Check engine light ON

http://www.o2simulator.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3VRMMVpvWY&feature=channel

 

Fabspeed should also offer a header with a pre-cat (that's the issue, right?), so those looking for a true replacement header don't have to deal with this issue. Why sell a header for an expensive car that triggers the cel?? The average Ferrari owner doesn't want to deal with O2 simulators or ECU mods, the headers should bolt up and work correctly.

The dealers already balk about installing aftermarket performance parts (especially on warrantied cars).. now they see that you have to trick the car into accepting them, that isn't making the situation any easier. Some owners have no choice but to use the dealer for work.

If Fabspeed wants to offer a header without a pre-cat for even better performance, fine, but offer a catted version for those who want high quality, OE style replacements for the troublesome factory units.

 

Are you sure the cel is related to the headers?

 

Very appropriate statement.

The 99's have no pre-cats and get no CEL's!

So why with a header change would the cars produce a CEL?

I would agree with Bill that it's more than a header issue.

Are the headers being used with stock CATS or aftermarket?

 

I am not sure of the configuration of the oxygen sensors or catalysts on the 360 but it sounds to me like the Fabspeed headers delete the pre-cats and if the configuration of the vehicle has the post-cat oxygen sensor directly behind the pre-cat then removing the pre-cat will eventually cause the CEL to illuminate because the ECU is expecting to see a specific signal from the post-cat oxygen sensor and it is not seeing the correct signal (essentially a flat line voltage for conventional O2's or I do believe a non fluctuating amperage draw from a LSU wideband O2 like Ferrari uses). The vehicle is not operating as it was designed to and the only way to illiminate the problem would be to return the vehicle into its original confuguration ie reinstall the precats.

 

I agree with the statement that Fabspeed should responsibly offer a Header etc. that would not trigger a CEL. These Headers are not cheap and prior to introduction should specify problems about to ensue. The biggest prob. is the unsaleablity of your car in addition to the cost of application and the header itself. All this in the hopes of a little more horsepower and of course the pre cat issue. Headers look good , but unfortunately problems exist. It would be interesting if any individuals out there have 360's , fabspeed headers and no cel issues post.

Docf

 

The cel may well be caused by the headers but without a scan you just don't know. A cel can be triggered by something as simple as a loose gas cap.

 

its beyond me why anyone would modify a car like that. I do not have my CS with me or I would look at the configuration. FYI the post cat oxygen sensor has no other function other than to monitor the effeciency of the catalytic converter. All powertrain related codes on all 1996 and newer OBD2 compliant vehicles (P codes) are standardized and if the codes are cat effeciency related the codes should be P0420 and P0430-Catalyst effeciency below threshold bank 1 and bank 2 respectively. Even if the post cat oxygen snesor is after the 2nd cat the missing catalytic converter causes the other cat to operate ineffeciently. The car was designed to operate the most effecient for most people and most circumstances in its original configuration. For instance, allowing to many unburned hydrocarbons into a catalytic converter can cause overheating of the substrate and damage the remaining catalytic converter. Hope this helps.

 

I agree that the problem is not the headers but the absence of the pre-cat. But again the 99's have no pre-cats and thus no subsequent CEL's. So the ECU programming is obviously slightly different.

I would bet the addition of the pre-cats was to burn off a bit more hydrocarbons as required by EPA, etc.

So if the ECU could be reprogrammed for a slightly leaner mixture the CEL's with these headers should be history.

I still like the O2 simulator idea.

 

Yep, cold-start emissions regulations by the EPA.

 

that because it is illegal to remove a catalytic converter for reasons other than ineffecient operation (resulting in MIL illumination or failed emissions test) or damage to the cat itself that companies like Fabspeed should not be allowed to sell parts that delete an EPA required emission device unless the part is CARB legal. Do you know if the headers that delete the cat have an Executive Order (EO) number? If so then the feds say they are ok as a legal replacement and if not then IMHO they should not be allowed to sell them. I agree with you on the function and use of headers themsleves but I would not even think of modifying my CS in any way but that is just me.

 

As long as they label them "for off-road use only" then they're in the clear. ;-)

 

I just had a look at the web site and they quite clearly say they are not legal but they also say more than once that their products have no effect on Ferrari factory warranty which is not only a lie it is unbelieveable anyone with any knowledge about Ferrari and their attitude and practices would say such a thing.

Bottom line is, precat or not, their headers are not legal in California.

 

I wasnt aware that they were for "off-road use only" and if thats the case then you are correct.