Performance additions and passing CA smog
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
From: Redding CA
Performance additions and passing CA smog
What all performance upgrades and tweaks can I get away with in CA
I can get past the visual inspection by a coworker
Can I pass with taking the AIR system out, long tube headers, high flow cats, a small cam?? Etc etc.
Thank you for any input
I can get past the visual inspection by a coworker
Can I pass with taking the AIR system out, long tube headers, high flow cats, a small cam?? Etc etc.
Thank you for any input
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Roseville California
Wouldn't advertise that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
243 heads, that cam, and the LS6 intake alone will put you in the 390-400whp range. And defiantly with the other mods mentioned. No need to do illegal stuff. Plenty of legal power to be made.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
From: California
I think the long tube headers relocate the cats, which is not legal in California. I just had a smog test and he actually did get a flashlight and look for exhaust mods. And my K&N cold air was ok because of the carb number in sticker. He told me starting next year 2000 and newer cars will no longer have to pass sniffer. All their going to do is plug into your computer.
Drifting
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 2
From: San Clemente CA
Yes, the California smog police have been given their marching orders: Fail more vehicles! This is a direct quote from more than one tech I've spoken with recently. Long tubes are strictly forbidden in California for the C5. Check the Cali smog check certificate site (google) for a complete and very specific list of what is legal for our cars. Not much is all I can say. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,163
Likes: 6
From: Oceanside California
High flow cats a are a marginal gain if any, especially on a stockish car. Long tube headers are great, but a sacrifice for living in CA. I have to deal with it too. But when you get into changing these two items, you mess with the legality of the car more than any other parts.
Like I said, you can still do heads, cam, intake, underdrive, p&p on several items, computer tuning, rear end upgrade, clutch or converter, etc. etc. etc.
You have so many powerful options. Why go for the only one that can get you into trouble down the road? If you want sound, get a set of Borla straight pipes, or remove your mufflers.
Like I said, you can still do heads, cam, intake, underdrive, p&p on several items, computer tuning, rear end upgrade, clutch or converter, etc. etc. etc.
You have so many powerful options. Why go for the only one that can get you into trouble down the road? If you want sound, get a set of Borla straight pipes, or remove your mufflers.
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Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
Suppercharger or twin turbos
Depending on how far you want to go there are Suppercharger and twin turbo setups that are 50 state (CARB) legal. I've done an STS setup and it passed smog with no problem as long as you have all the paperwork.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,451
Likes: 27
From: Bay Area CA
If you can get past the visual - you can do heads (TFS, AFR, PRC), mild cam (228/232 116 lsa), FAST intake and LT headers (with cats) and pass the sniffer portion with a good tune
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
Most won't see it but the FAST intake is not CARB legal. It all depends if you want to be 100% CARB compliant or risk being questioned about a modification. I had a Blackwing on my car before I added turbos, got called on it and had to change to the K&N with the CARB sticker. It is up to you and if you have a smog shop willing to look the other way on the visual so long as your numbers are good.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 2
From: Redding CA
Everyone else thank you for yours comments I have a good idea what to do now