Good Morning,

As most of you know i will be moving to Camp Pendleton CA the beggining of Jan 2012, I am curious what is involved with the SMOG test for CA as i have heard that no matter where my vehicle is registered if i live there and to register on base i have to have it as well. I am trying to figure this out cause i have just installed a 4" turbo back straight pipe meaning no cat or muff, and dont know if i will be alright or not

 

law states you need everything stock from the cat forward and at least some sort of placebo muffler. some technicians are less picky so YMMV

 

I know of several service members in the local SoCal diesel clubs that maintain registration of their vehicles in their home state and aren't subject to Ca smog inspection. If you register it in California you'll have to have all of the emissions equipment that it came with from the factory, as Scott said.

The California test for diesels is pretty simple. Visually inspect for applicable equipment, check OBDII for codes, snap test (rev it up a couple of times) for smoke. No dyno involved.

 

don't forget he goes on base, federal rules are in play as well

 

well my truck will be registered in washington state but i think i have a fix for the cat at least for long enough to get it tested...i got some 3.5" to 4" adapters to put it in for the test hopefully i can get by without the muff, i heard that i have to have it to register the vehicle on base

 

they want to see the OEM or same size as stock diameter downpipe between the turbo and cat

 

Found this regarding the State Of Washington's emissions testing requirements:


Washington Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program - FAQ

Doesn't say anything about equipment, but it would probably be a good idea to look into it.

 

well i have a 3.5" downpipe and thats what i think is listed for stock. Also yeah i talked to a buddy up there in wa and he said all they do is put i white board up next to your pipe and look for smoke as you rev it up.

 

AFAIK, new CA residents have 10 days to register their vehicle(s), 30 days to pay the fees.

Dunno if US military personnel are exempt...or not.

Your 1976 is also subject to smog testing, 1975 and prior years are not.

 

If the truck did not come with a cat, then you dont need one.

You will NOT fail a SMOG test for not having a muffler. It is illegal (in most cases), but it is not a failure point for SMOG.

Some counties do NOT require SMOG. In San Diego county SMOG is only required in some zip codes. Go HERE to check your Zip Code.

California has two levels of SMOG checks, Basic and Enhanced (along with exempt and sale-only SMOGing). I live in an Enhanced area and the SMOG check consisted of the following

- CEL Check
- Visual inspection for obvious problems
- Smoke test

I was in and out in 10 mins. No tail pipe colonoscopy, no computers no gas cap check. Nothing like that. Dont be too worried. Even with tuners you can pass.

Much of it depends on where you go. Some places like to fail people for things that "aren't CARB approved" because they dont have a sticker, but if you show them the CARB list, the item they failed you for doesnt even NEED a sticker ..

Most places are reasonable, but I have heard of people being failed for a 6637. Even thought its perfectly CARB compliant.

 

I just saw that you registered in WA. The above is obviously applicable to CA only. But the information is there for you.

 

hey thanks for the info guys, yes i do have it reg in wa so im hoping that i wont even have to deal with it, and i know for a fact i dont have to change the reg because of being in the military....either way im taking the old Cat with me and have a couple adapters to throw it in if needed.