CA smog help PLZ!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
CA smog help PLZ!!!
I am looking at buying a car out of state (TX) and was wondering how it would do on emissions. As far as I know of the car is stock other than a KN filter. Do all C4s come equipped with the right equipment to pass CA smog tests?
Racer
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 454
Likes: 1
From: Lompoc CA
Be extra careful with this and actual require a dyno smog test in TX before you purchase the vehicle and cross check with CA emission requirements since they are super stringent. Do not leave this to chance since this could be a killer. It always depends on the car (tuning, health of engine, injectors, O2 sensor, vacuum system, etc). Very complex delicate balance to hold. Be sure it passes CA stds before you buy, otherwise bring the purchase price since you will have to work on it to get it to pass.
Richard
Richard
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Richard is on target, however, if all emissions are present and working, the car should pass.
You see, the only difference for CA emissions is an extra test at the end of the line, and, after bothering to read the documentation, a modified warrantee for emissions systems.
If this car has lost it's airpump, precats or any of that kind of equipment, I would pass. It will cost about $1000.00 to get the car back to smog legal (all the airpump plumbing, new precats, more then likely a new main cat).
If it passes the sniff and dyno tests in TX, it's ok, for the most part, that means the engine is healthy. However, the items listed above must be present for CA's visual inspection (the precats and air pump are only for startup, but must still be attached and functioning).
I hope this clarifies the possible problems you might encounter.
You see, the only difference for CA emissions is an extra test at the end of the line, and, after bothering to read the documentation, a modified warrantee for emissions systems.
If this car has lost it's airpump, precats or any of that kind of equipment, I would pass. It will cost about $1000.00 to get the car back to smog legal (all the airpump plumbing, new precats, more then likely a new main cat).
If it passes the sniff and dyno tests in TX, it's ok, for the most part, that means the engine is healthy. However, the items listed above must be present for CA's visual inspection (the precats and air pump are only for startup, but must still be attached and functioning).
I hope this clarifies the possible problems you might encounter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Actually no (at least for emissions) - nor do you have to have brakes or windshield or a steering wheel for that matter (again for emissions) - but a lot is going to depend on how the smog tech interprets the regs and there is some broad language about keeping the original OEM engine "equipment" as it was from the factory - or replacing it with something newer and better. For more, go the CA law page at www.ca.gov (you will have to click on the Legislation link once you get there). From there you can get to all of the CA codes. Do a search on smog and then spend a couple of days poring over CA emissions laws. And, since you asked about mufflers, search "automobile noise" too - there's a couple Codes you might want to know about if the local constables pull you over because your Vette is too loud.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
From: Fremont,CA
If the car has all smog equipment working you should be OK. I brought a low milage 67 Caddy Eldo from PA some years back and it passed fine. I noticed that Rogers Corvettes lists some cars "OK for sale in California" and I never understood what that was all about...Good luck
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