California emissions

Wilbur · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2008, 10:27 PM

Seeing as California has some rather strict laws about emissions, I was just wondering if any members who live in the state have a problem passing smog after some performance options?

ltmicali · #2 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 04:34 PM

I personally haven't had any issues. I didn't have any extreme mods though. But I had a ZZP DP with a high flow cat, stainless Plog, 180* stat. and a TB spacer as my biggest modifications. I just made sure to reinstall my stock airbox before doing the test since anyone would know if GM installed a 9 inch filter as standard equipment.

I'm pleased to report that they didn't notice the Plog, I'm sure because it looks so close to stock. Even the painted crossover got by them. Yep, you can't have wrapped exhaust, nor paint it. My high flow cat also provided good numbers and I was no where near failing.

My real disappoint is that I couldn't find any CARB legal intercoolers and I didn't think it was worthwhile to remove it everytime I needed a smog test.

So yeah, there are hindrances.

12.99someday98 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-23-2008, 08:14 PM

well then water injection might be right up your alley?! Better than nothing, but nowhere near as good as an inter cooler.

agrazela · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilbur

Seeing as California has some rather strict laws about emissions, I was just wondering if any members who live in the state have a problem passing smog after some performance options?

Do you live in an Urban area? (e.g., San Diego, LA, Orange, Riverside counties; Bay Area; there may be more) Smog tests are more stringent in these urban areas.

SnoFalls · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2008, 02:05 PM

I'm also curious about this since I'm contemplating using a gen2 L67 for a kit car build.

ltmicali,
Does your car have the YF5 RPO (for cali emissions)?
Any idea if there are "extras" bolted to kalifornia L67's (gen 2)?

I'm in the process of searching for a donor vehicle (probably a regal with a blown tranny) ... just not sure if I'll need to find a "cali car" or if any would do.

Louvered97GTP · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008, 01:05 AM

I believe I heard somehwere that you can possibly get away with an S1X cam and a modified fuel tune to fool the emissions. Obviously the car will drive like ass, but it's only to pass the sniffer. California is strict on the visual inspection aspect so you can hide an intercooler under your cover but headers obviouslyl won't fly. Outside of that, you'll need to pass it under the table.

GP_Pimp · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2008, 01:40 AM

Just need to get an older set of TOG's that were CARB certified.

ydtrack · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2008, 09:58 AM

The Whipple car passes CA SMOG....

Both the VS and XP cams pass with flying colors as long as the car is tuned properly.

Most of the aftermarket "high flow" cats are going to cause problems on a more modified car, so you want to stick with a stock cat, at least for the SMOG test.

There is some helpful information on the SCACGP SMOG info page

Doesn't matter if the TOG headers are old or new, but the EO only covers 97-00 models.

No need to hide the intercooler, most either think it is stock or don't even notice it.

The only changes I make to the PCM for SMOG are the fan turn on points, so the car doesn't have to be specially tuned for SMOG and run like crap. That was how it used to be with old vehicles and carburetors, but not the case with EFI / OBDII

ltmicali · #9 (**permalink**) 09-26-2008, 05:05 PM

Quote:

ltmicali,
Does your car have the YF5 RPO (for cali emissions)?
Any idea if there are "extras" bolted to kalifornia L67's (gen 2)?

I'm not sure what the YF5 RPO is, but I know the 97s had an option for California emissions and my car has a California emissions sticker, but I don't know what it included. So I can't speak for every year GP, but it seems like some 97s could be without the Cali option.

Edit: I just found out what the YF5 deal was, so yeah, mine has it.