i was wondering what kind of setup would make decent HP, but still pass CA visual inspection (and tail pipe for that matter, but thats alot easyier) would 99+ turbos be the way to go with a piggy back computer, catback and a hi flow cat or what?, also how much HP could one make?

 

The best way to run your car in Cali, if you don't want to swap out parts every 2 years or bribe, is:

*cat-back
*downpipe -- technically should fail visual but most smog techs will not realize this
*hi-flow cat
*cheap bastard stock air box mod
*Greddy SMIC or HKS FMIC (CARB certified)
*M2 ecu

In reality, you can usually pass with an aftermarket intake and IC. Most smog inspectors aren't super **** about mods like that. You can also run the PFC and swap the stock ecu back in for the test -- pretty quick and easy swap.

 

Has anyone with a PFC failed the California smog tests?

My understanding is that there is a potential for failing the visual inspection because with the PFC the "check engine light" does not illuminate when the ignition switch is first turned on.

I just want to know if anyone has actually failed for this reason alone.