I will soon be selling my 1990 IDI in order to get a 96 or 97 powerstroke. the IDI's run good but after learning so much abut the PSD's and watching you guys get more power than my IDI ever could, i want one.
Anyway, I've been looking all over and I keep finding conflicting info on what exactly CA's emmisions laws are. I'd love to totally gut the cat and all the other crap if i get a 96-97. Arent they smog exempt pre 1998? If so, then i should be able to do pretty much anything right? I hate this state.

 

1998 and newer need smog (given they are under a 14k GVWR) big trucks over that dont need smog either. so if your 1997 or older you dont have to worry about smog at all. i have 2 1997 powerstrokes that dont need smog and im in CA too

 

Yep, went through all this looking for an F450, bought a 97 F-Super so I could avoid all the smog. If in doubt call the DMV and give them the VIN# they will tell you if it needs smog or has a VIN stop on it, meaning it needs retrofit of a particulate trap.

 

Okay thanks. I thought it was 97 but there was an ad on CL for a 96 PSD and the guy said it had "passed smog just fine".

 

On a side note, how nice is it to have the OBD II? found a few nice 1995 PSDs but it seems like it would be nicer to have a scanner to see whats wrong.

 

I believe the new law is pre-1999s are exempt. I have a buddy who has a 99 7.3 and he now needs smog, he just missed the cut. 1997s do not need to be smogged in CA.

 

So I wonder what that guy on Craigslist is smoking. Unless he just had it smogged for no appearent reason?

 

I thought CA was the toughest on emmission laws...maybe not. I live in Nevada and I've had to have my 97 PSD smogged ever since I bought it 4 years ago.

Maybe do as 7DF250 suggested and call DMV, can't go wrong that way.