I was hoping someone might chime in with experience on the subject. Currently looking at a FD (out of state) to bring to So California. Not concerned with mods as this one has only a DP which I have an OE ready to install.

I guess my question is how difficult was it to pass smog when you brought yours to CA? Thanks

 

I bought mine in CA, but from what I've read make sure the title is 100% clean. I've read that the DMV will not register rebuilt or salvaged title cars here without significant paperwork from the original accident and repair shop, which may not be available considering these things change hands all the time.

Other than that you will need all emissions equipment on the vehicle, including the air pump, which is almost always removed by out of state cars, and obviously it will need the catalytic converter.

Contact DNA Garage in Santa Ana. They can help you out.

 

if the car is Federal they do the two parts of the test for a Federal car, if that's what you're asking.

how hard the test is depends on what county you live in. there are 3 levels. there is the enhanced with the dyno test that is easy, everything passes. the middle one where its just a stationary test at idle and 2500rpm which is really really really hard, and the counties where you have no smog testing at all.

there is also the visual, which is the same everywhere they do a test. and then they test the gas cap. they try to do an evap test, but i'm not sure they can with the FD, its not easy to get at

 

Depends on the year. If its pre-95 and has an EGR there is a difference between 49 and 50 state cars, unfortunately its just a switch that sits on top of the EGR that tells the smog tech that the EGR diaphragm is moving. I'm not certain but there may be a different ECU for California cars that is linked to this though I may be mistaken.

You may get lucky with your tech when bringing it into compliance, you may not.

 

I shipped mine from Florida to CA in '00/01. Book your DMV appt and complete appropriate paperwork. Familiarize yourself beforehand to what is required in your state, etc. I'd say the most important thing is acquiring a clean/complete vehicle (ideally stock that's been meticulously maintained). Takes an afternoon. GL

 

Great information. It's a 93, there should be the 50/49 state emissions tag on the car correct?

50/49 emissions tag

 

Its from a dealer, clean title with a carfax guarantee (whatever that's worth). Motor is original but it has a downpipe which would fail a visual but some techs won't notice from what I understand, also im sure can pose issues with smog. Nonetheless, I can source an OE DP. Does the DP effect the air pump? Only mods other than the DP, is coilovers. No intake or even a catback. Freakin CA emissions... awesome

 

some techs don't like the DP some don't notice it. if its not shiny, i would leave it.

 

yep, there is also a bar code they scan in the door jamb

 

what state are you getting it from, and does that state have sniffer tests? Any previous emission test result from the past couple years could give you a clue as to whether it will pass or not.

 

What do you mean by hire a truck?

 

I purchased a 1994 Rx-7 from Arizona (originally from Wisconsin) and trailered her back into CA. I made an initial DMV inspection appointment and had her smogged. That is all that I had to do.

 

Was your FD modded?

 

Was your FD Modded?

 

to some degree yes. Upgraded intercoolers are fine if with stock turbos I believe. The intake portion I believe is supposed to be stock or have a CARB sticker. Cat-back exhaust systems are ok I believe. The closer your car is to stock the better unless your smog shop let’s things go. From what I remember the DMV check was mostly to match VINs so the car that is supposed to be the car is the car.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/06/htvr9.pdf
if you want to read
https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/2017_Smog_Check_Manual.pdf
https://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/Consume...formation.aspx

 

Great info, thank you.. this car only has the downpipe. I understand that can cause issues with passing smog/emissions. No big deal i can address that beforehand.