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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 02:54 PM
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Default Smog Test

Heres my question...

How do people pass smog tests when their cars are heavily modified? I seen a couple of those Honda Civics on the road where Im pretty sure 90% of it is not stock. How do people pass their smog tests when they have all these modified parts in their car?
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 03:31 PM
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Depends where you live. I don't have to smog test a car here to get it tagged.

I know some people will leave the smog equipment on the car for the test, and remove it after. Then reinstall it for the next test.

Also, some states that DO require smog, don't require it past a certain year.

It really just depends on where you live and you local laws.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 03:36 PM
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Some modification parts are also 50 states legal. Edelbrock has a number of these. It is possible to do mods with these parts and remain smog legal as long as the emissions aren't out of range as a result.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 05:24 PM
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My daughters boyfriend has a fart can accura that is a DD and occasionally goes to the track. He replaces the orginal engine every 2 years. You can do some mods as stated and get away with it. Myself I plan to go with aluminum heads, ZZ4 intake manifold and a cam fron a 327 rated at 350 hp. Hi-flow cat and good mufflers. Fortunately mine is 49 federal smog car and doesnt have an A.I.R pump. Should get me about to about 300 HP and pass.

Last edited by rayluka; Dec 23, 2008 at 02:37 PM.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 10:08 PM
  #5  
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How well do you know your mechanic? Mine does even touch my vette, He make me go through the lights and flashers. puts it on the lift makes a visual inspection and puts the inspection sticker in the window. On newer cars here in NY they hook car to computer not exhaust. So if you put on sensor plug that prevent the check engine light to come on and your mechanic ignores the visual part. You will pass.
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Old Dec 22, 2008 | 10:14 PM
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The key is nitrous oxide, turn it on while the test is being done. It wigs out the computer here in AZ and you pass, simple
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 12:05 PM
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Simple. If you plan to modify a vehicle, make sure it is one that is old enough so it is exempt. If you have one that must pass smog, leave it stock. I don't know how many people here in So Cal are pulling their hair out because they own a modified '76 or '77 and can't get it to pass. Look at late models. The old cars are the only ones worth keeping. The newer cars will be up for sale sooner or later. Modify a late model and you never get that money back. Check the ads for used C5's. The cheapest ones are the ones people screw with. The ones that are worth anything are the ones that were left alone.
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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Well, My plan now has changed for the car, I just want to restore it but have a little bit more ooomph and more aggressive sound. thanks guys! i'll be leaking for 50 state carb exempt parts now!
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Find out the rules in your state that apply to your car. Go from there. It might be easier than you think, or maybe really a pain. Arm yourself with the facts.
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Old Dec 23, 2008 | 08:11 PM
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Originally Posted by lowbuck72
Simple. If you plan to modify a vehicle, make sure it is one that is old enough so it is exempt. If you have one that must pass smog, leave it stock. I don't know how many people here in So Cal are pulling their hair out because they own a modified '76 or '77 and can't get it to pass. Look at late models. The old cars are the only ones worth keeping. The newer cars will be up for sale sooner or later. Modify a late model and you never get that money back. Check the ads for used C5's. The cheapest ones are the ones people screw with. The ones that are worth anything are the ones that were left alone.
i sincerely hope that anyone modifying a car doesnt plan on recouping the investment. modified cars are almost universally a losing venture.
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