Im contemplating a move to Los Angeles in the next year or two. One thing that concerns me is passing emissions test. How the hell do you guys out in Cali manage to pass with mods on? do you have to bend over backwards with alcohol and stuff like that? I mean is it really a pita to pass every year?

 

I put the car on my mom's name and left it registered in Florida... I mean how can I register a "borrowed" car in a state that the owner doesnt live in.

 

yeah it seems i will have to do something like that.

 

Biggest obstacle will be the visual inspection. If you've got tons of mods, that will be a problem. Ask around. You might find someone who can help you. If you're able to get past that, the other obstacle will be having someone who knows turbocharged vehicles doing the testing; in other words, someone who won't just stomp on the throttle to get it up to 45 mph for the second part of the test (the instant you get into boost, you'll fail emissions instantly).

 

i didnt know there was a visual test too. i suppose anyone who has exhaust mods has to take less than legal routes to get around this every year?

 

I had no problem with K&N, downpipe, & cat-back - running an M2 ECU, so it was more rich than it needed to be.

I'm sure if its heavily modded, you might have a problem, but the guys running the tests gat paid $8/hr & don't know a CARB certified part from a stock part from something billy bob made in his backyard garage.

 

I am about to pay $150 for an illegal (test only smog).I cant really see any way around it,since i have full exhaust and no smog equipment.Last year my fd passed with a cat-back and dp, but its the visual that would screw me this time around.

 

They only test once every two years in California. Technically, you will fail the visual with underhood mods but a lot of testers will overlook that (if they even know what they're seeing). People have passed the tests, even with running a streetport. Although, starting July 2003, more counties are going to the tougher smog tests. I hate this state.

 

thanks for you answers. if i do move out there, i think i will endeavor to keep the car registered elsewhere.

 

Better hope your mom's name is on the insurance policy then. If license, registration and proof of insurance all don't jive you could have problems if pulled over or in an accident, Waysho. And an FD with Florida tags is a juicy target for cops.