CA emmissions testing
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 631
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From: P-Town, CA
CA emmissions testing
Hey all, I was wondering how the CA emmisions testing works? Is it part visual? Or is it if you can pass the tail-pipe test, then it doesnt matter what it looks like? I ask this cuz I would like to rip all the emissions junk out of a 1983 Hurst/Olds cutlass and stick on 4 cats(2 on each side of the trueduals)+ a tuneup and see if it will pass. Also, can I have the test done even if I dont need it to see if it will work and make adjustments as needed for when I actually need to have the test done?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 946
Likes: 4
From: Orange
They are supposed to check it visually, but most don't. I changed my 87 Supra turbo from 2 stock cats to one high flow one and the shop didn't seem to care. Yet, my friend is restoring a late 70s Jaguar XJ6 that has a Chevy 350 and the DMV will not let him register is unless it has the stock emission equipment on it even though it passed smog. Whatever.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,043
Likes: 4
There is definately a visual check. Whether or not the local station skips it would depend on how busy they are and when their last fine was imposed for not doing it. In other words, I would be real careful about removing the emission contorl system components. The garage you depend on to go light on the emissions check could get shut down because they are going light on the emissions check. Then you end up with an undrivable car.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,172
Likes: 1
From: Oakdale,Ca.
I can't speak for the roller/dyno-testing being done in some places...but the "old" way always has to pass visual and functional..under the hood, 100% of the time.
I even had one place that used a mirror on a pole to check to see I had a cat installed.
The biggest issue I always have is that I don't stick the CARB/EDO stickers on for aftermarket stuff, but keep then in the console...usually takes 10 minutes of me explaining why I don't like stickers under the hood to get them to pass on it.
Then again, I have a buddy with a carb'ed BBC in a '92 Camaro...he always "passes"...
I even had one place that used a mirror on a pole to check to see I had a cat installed.
The biggest issue I always have is that I don't stick the CARB/EDO stickers on for aftermarket stuff, but keep then in the console...usually takes 10 minutes of me explaining why I don't like stickers under the hood to get them to pass on it.
Then again, I have a buddy with a carb'ed BBC in a '92 Camaro...he always "passes"...
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,517
Likes: 2,826
Cal is visual and pipe.
If you install a later motor, you have to pass based on the later motor standards.
I've seen an outfit converting melted motor jags to sbc's, and they claimed to make them smog.
My guy told me he'd pass my van if I put the EFI manifolds on...he said "as long as the part says "Ford", it's "OK" with him.
If you install a later motor, you have to pass based on the later motor standards.
I've seen an outfit converting melted motor jags to sbc's, and they claimed to make them smog.
My guy told me he'd pass my van if I put the EFI manifolds on...he said "as long as the part says "Ford", it's "OK" with him.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
It depends on how thorough they are.
EVERY BARREL OF apples, contains at least one jackanape - and they cannot be moved with anything short of an act of congress.
I have built machines that get way better marks than their own standards, but if it isn't what they saw in the books, they won't pass it..
That's why I bugged out of California.
~Wolf
EVERY BARREL OF apples, contains at least one jackanape - and they cannot be moved with anything short of an act of congress.
I have built machines that get way better marks than their own standards, but if it isn't what they saw in the books, they won't pass it..
That's why I bugged out of California.
~Wolf
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
The problem exists in this:
Some only look at results, others look for the details of every system they are familiar with to be connected and working.
If you have the slightest thing missing - YOU'RE BUSTED!
And they will absolutely insist on you replacing it all.
A lot depends on who you go to.
The majority of emission control takes place in your catalytic convertor, if you have a good one, then even if your system is not working right - the CAT's will clean it up.
Best move -
LEAN OUT your fuel system, for the duration of the test.
Thay aren't checking to see if your car or truck can "Get out of it's own way"...
"F" them anyhow...
~Wolf
Some only look at results, others look for the details of every system they are familiar with to be connected and working.
If you have the slightest thing missing - YOU'RE BUSTED!
And they will absolutely insist on you replacing it all.
A lot depends on who you go to.
The majority of emission control takes place in your catalytic convertor, if you have a good one, then even if your system is not working right - the CAT's will clean it up.
Best move -
LEAN OUT your fuel system, for the duration of the test.
Thay aren't checking to see if your car or truck can "Get out of it's own way"...
"F" them anyhow...
~Wolf
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