ZO6_Dom

Hey guys like the title states, my fiance and I will be moving to the Avondale Arizona area next month.

First off I'd like to ask any locals what areas do you recommend renting in? Any neighborhoods to stay away from? I'll be going to school in Avondale, she will be working in Scottsdale so we're fairly open as far as where to live.

​​​Next, I've started the paperwork to get my AZ driver's license, ready to go into the DMV next week and complete that as i'm already living part time at a family friend's house outside of Phoenix while I look for work. I saw today they do have smog checks in AZ? Thought anything goes here as I follow a few Vette guys that literally have turbos sticking out of their hoods registered in AZ driving on the street as well as Skylines and other imports, but then I saw that I will in fact have to smog and that they do check for catalytic converters? Anyone have some smog shop recommendations? Feel free to PM me, much appreciated.

NorthBay

Depends on a lot of things. There are smog checks for those with cars registered in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. Some people register at county addresses that don't require the checks, and it's also possible to get collector car insurance which then exempts you from smog.

For OBD2 cars like yours, its just a diagnostic port plug in to check for fault codes, so as long as you aren't throwing any, you should pass without problem as long as you aren't on a standalone.

SixAddict

ZO6_Dom

Ahh okay, so nothing compared to the SMOG checks we have here in Cali, thats a relief.
Have similar mods to you and no CEL so should be good to go! ill look into the shop on Deer Valley Rd, thank you for the reccomendation!
Will absolutely be joining that club, assuming its a group on Facebook? sounds awesome!! Cant wait to meet up and cruise with you guys!

ZO6_Dom

Okay that makes more sense, and what a relief sounds like I should be in the clear then! thanks for the reply!

SixAddict

SingleTrackMinded

Early welcome to Arizona...If you were to stick to the central phoenix area (arts district), maybe even the Arcadia neighborhood, you'd be pretty much in the center of both your work and school locations. The Phoenix Metro area is huge, I'd try and stay near one of the interstates (10, 101, 51, 202) to ease your commutes.

Sweet Z!

WICKEDFRC

Registration in AZ is expensive. So keep your old plates as long as possible.

My last renewal for my 2013 Z06 was $600 for ONE YEAR!!

Check out Scottsdale Pavillions for Car Shows on weekends.

That's all I can add.

Avoid Mexico.

Welcome to AZ!!!

BlindSpot

Ditto on the cost for yearly registration in AZ....shameful! You should see what it costs on a Bentley. I'm embarrassed to put it in writing. I've some friends with exotics who own homes in other states and all of them register there, not in AZ.

Emissions is nothing more than an OBDII plug in and check for systems ready. So, as long as you're not showing any CELs and the ECU is in closed loop, you'll pass (any open drive cycles have to be completed). There are NO "inspections" like CA, and emissions only needs to be performed every other year.

If you're renting and looking for nice areas, West side in any of the communities along the 101 probably what you're looking for. Scottsdale will be ridiculously expensive for the same size apartment. Also, lots of the ACE Corvette guys are West siders. Mesa is reasonable, along Main street. Some of Tempe is OK, but a lot of parts are not.

CA-Legal-Vette

Nokones

How about OBD I cars? My 89 no longer uses the OBD computer. I'm using the Holley HP EFI computer and no cats with a Lingenfelter SBC 427. Will I have a problem registering my 89 Autocross car in Arizona insofar no smog stuff on the car? I live in a non-smog bennial smog inspection county in Northern California and I will be moving to Arizona in the very near future and I am wondering if I will have a problem with the inspection?

BlindSpot

If you're older than OBDII, then they do an old fashioned tailpipe reading. So, you're probably SOL w/o cats. I built an "old school" Factory Five Cobra w/carb, no cats, and I was exempt ONLY because it was registered as a 1965 replicar. If the vehicle is newer than 65, it needs emissions testing.

Then, the only testing done (required) is in high population areas - Phoenix and Tucson. If you live in a remote area, no emissions required. If you're talking about an autocross car that might not be registered to drive on the streets, then I don't think there is a requirement, but if you get a license plate for it, then yes.

Best of my knowledge....

Nokones

For an example, if I try to register the car for the first time in Arizona, let's say in Sedona, will I be required to have an initial smog inspection just like in California or will I be exempt since I would be outside of Maricopa County?

BlindSpot

Exempt and no initial test or any test in Sedona....far as I know.

Nokones

Thanks, I appreciate the information.

Cordes Performance Racing

it's super easy here. if the tuner set it up right you'll go through no problem. If need be pm me.

Nokones

I remember chatting with you on the AZ Solo forum last year asking for recommendations on a shop that can do alignments and mount tires on my 18" Forgelines for my super zoomy go-fast autocross car when I move to Arizona.