New smog laws for 2013
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 54
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From: Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by ericgrau
Anyone else notice the 300 fold decrease in smog in the newest cars? And it's still rapidly declining. They need to chillax. You can't go lower than zero, and all the old cars are defeating their improvements literally 100 times over. And those are the ones that pass smog.
Maybe that's why they're so pissy about those that don't pass smog. But really they need to just need to hold the smog limits steady and wait it out until people aren't driving the old cars anymore. If 99% of smog is gone, I'll be plenty happy with what I'm breathing. I don't need more man. This can't be good for the auto industry.
Go work on coal power plants or something instead. I want less mercury in my fish. Something tells me smog won't actually be 100 times lower because they're focusing too much attention on only 1 source. I could be wrong though, maybe like the auto industry I just need to wait 40 more years for the changes to be apparent. Still it can't be good to make car makers spend more and more for nothing.
Maybe that's why they're so pissy about those that don't pass smog. But really they need to just need to hold the smog limits steady and wait it out until people aren't driving the old cars anymore. If 99% of smog is gone, I'll be plenty happy with what I'm breathing. I don't need more man. This can't be good for the auto industry.
Go work on coal power plants or something instead. I want less mercury in my fish. Something tells me smog won't actually be 100 times lower because they're focusing too much attention on only 1 source. I could be wrong though, maybe like the auto industry I just need to wait 40 more years for the changes to be apparent. Still it can't be good to make car makers spend more and more for nothing.
Question though. What happens to all these Starbucks drinking, NY Times reading Prius drivers do with there batteries when they go bad and need replacements?
With all the new cars coming out squeaky clean, there is no way the small group of auto enthusiast are damaging the earth beyond what other similar groups are doing. Time to focus on a new area.
Anyway...sry if this post is misdirected or if I pigeon walked. At a meeting and doing a line here and there. =p
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
Likes: 28
From: Chino Hills, CA
Ah, but if they don't have to mess with the regulations any more, someone might take their rice bowl away. Don't need near as many people in that particular empire if they can say "we're good, work complete."
raysspl.com
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,508
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From: L.A.
This is unnecessary.
It's really simple. CARB needs to just create an addendum to the current laws which allows the hot rodding community to pay an additional fee. This way, you actually won't have people looping around smog laws. Like some of the man made laws, this one is subject to the highest standard of pure crap. This 'camera on smog' is purely annoyance and total waste of taxpayer money. The economics does not make sense for the hot rodding community and is a disincentive.
It's really simple. CARB needs to just create an addendum to the current laws which allows the hot rodding community to pay an additional fee. This way, you actually won't have people looping around smog laws. Like some of the man made laws, this one is subject to the highest standard of pure crap. This 'camera on smog' is purely annoyance and total waste of taxpayer money. The economics does not make sense for the hot rodding community and is a disincentive.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
Likes: 28
From: Chino Hills, CA
Ah, but you forget that there is a quasi-religious zealotry involved... and CARB does not care two ***** about the hot rodding community; they see us as heretics and blasphemers against their almighty green goddess Gaia.
Full Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 54
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From: Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by divindriver
ah, but you forget that there is a quasi-religious zealotry involved... And carb does not care two ***** about the hot rodding community; they see us as heretics and blasphemers against their almighty green goddess gaia.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 49
From: Norcal/Bay Area, CA
Any smog techs care to weigh in on new training or how things are about to change?
It seems like the only thing changing is profiling of cars and cameras, but I only spend about 2 hour every couple years working on smog stuff.
It seems like the only thing changing is profiling of cars and cameras, but I only spend about 2 hour every couple years working on smog stuff.
s4 GENERAL
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: san jose CA
man this really sucks....i just failed smog with my e30 and my old "buddy" is no longer around.... The Nox are threw the roof need a new cat perhaps.... I rather give a hard working man 300 bucks to smog then some ******* cat/mulffler shop.... 
I don't think this is as much about air pollution, but more of a way to crack down on racers.
The funny thing is there have been many tests done that prove these hybrids re worse for the environment than or gas cars. The place in Canada where they strip mine the nickel for the batters is so toxic nothing can live there, not even bacteria. NASA uses it to test there lunar rovers because it's the closes thing to the moon environment on Earth. Also since the majority of our electricity is still from coal burning, where do they think the electricity comes from that they plug their cars into. As you can tell I've had plenty of arguments with hybrid owners. Most just say "That can't be right I don't believe you" I then encourage them to google it...They never do.
The funny thing is there have been many tests done that prove these hybrids re worse for the environment than or gas cars. The place in Canada where they strip mine the nickel for the batters is so toxic nothing can live there, not even bacteria. NASA uses it to test there lunar rovers because it's the closes thing to the moon environment on Earth. Also since the majority of our electricity is still from coal burning, where do they think the electricity comes from that they plug their cars into. As you can tell I've had plenty of arguments with hybrid owners. Most just say "That can't be right I don't believe you" I then encourage them to google it...They never do.
The Gold Star stations are more on the business end of changes.
People still get smogged like normal and there will be the mod friendly $150 smogs still available...even with gold star.
People still get smogged like normal and there will be the mod friendly $150 smogs still available...even with gold star.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,376
Likes: 28
From: Chino Hills, CA
I don't think this is as much about air pollution, but more of a way to crack down on racers.
The funny thing is there have been many tests done that prove these hybrids re worse for the environment than or gas cars. The place in Canada where they strip mine the nickel for the batters is so toxic nothing can live there, not even bacteria. NASA uses it to test there lunar rovers because it's the closes thing to the moon environment on Earth. Also since the majority of our electricity is still from coal burning, where do they think the electricity comes from that they plug their cars into. As you can tell I've had plenty of arguments with hybrid owners. Most just say "That can't be right I don't believe you" I then encourage them to google it...They never do.
The funny thing is there have been many tests done that prove these hybrids re worse for the environment than or gas cars. The place in Canada where they strip mine the nickel for the batters is so toxic nothing can live there, not even bacteria. NASA uses it to test there lunar rovers because it's the closes thing to the moon environment on Earth. Also since the majority of our electricity is still from coal burning, where do they think the electricity comes from that they plug their cars into. As you can tell I've had plenty of arguments with hybrid owners. Most just say "That can't be right I don't believe you" I then encourage them to google it...They never do.
LMAO CAMERAS!!??? hahah just rumors fellas haha everything is still the same just TEST ONLY AND GOLD SHIELD LABELS BEING REPLACED BY STAR STATION LABELS if the station and Techs qualify by their performance records for the past years, its true that if a station or tech have been passing cars theyll have a harder time qualifying to be "STAR" but thats all based on their performance for the past 2 years. NO CAMERAS ON SMOG EQUIPMENT, the only change i see is that smog prices will RISE and be twice or three times as much.
LMAO CAMERAS!!??? hahah just rumors fellas haha everything is still the same just TEST ONLY AND GOLD SHIELD LABELS BEING REPLACED BY STAR STATION LABELS if the station and Techs qualify by their performance records for the past years, its true that if a station or tech have been passing cars theyll have a harder time qualifying to be "STAR" but thats all based on their performance for the past 2 years. NO CAMERAS ON SMOG EQUIPMENT, the only change i see is that smog prices will RISE and be twice or three times as much.
I take care of my car, love it to death and make sure it's happy and in tip top running shape, but these aren't things that CARB cares about, and I do NOT have a smog shop that I regularly go to, so maybe at least it'll be nice to know that some of us are in this together...The idea for star and the new smog system is that the cost of smog will lower... Despite the fact that they are spending a lot of money to replace their machines with updated ones. 15-30 off the original prices? That's crazy, but this is what they're trying to accomplish.
Before I continue here, please know I'm not looking for any "shady smog" and that any conversation regarding that sort of practice won't be tolerated here, I merely want to gather and share information here. Anyway...
They want: Gross polluters off the street, which I don't disagree with, but if you look at how the legislation's set up (similar to that of other states), you will see that it also in part penalizes enthusiasts and the like. I'm not trying to start a fire here or anything, but lately I've just been very concerned about how to get my FD to pass as my two years is coming up, visual is definitely a no-go, and who knows if my Bonez hi-flow cat is even up to the task of passing sniffer, let alone visual...
Anyway I'm curious has anyone had to get a smog in CA since the bill was introduced (specifically if you're a fairly modified car)? I know that a few shops in SoCal have already converted into the new star system and that they are installing those on-ramp emissions readers in a few places for testing (also I know there is supposed to be one in the test-phase up here in the bay area too.)
For reference my car has these definitely non-carb friendly pieces:
Greddy Type S BOV
Greddy 2 Row Front Mount Intercooler.
Bonez Hi-Flow Cat
Pettit Down Pipe
Koyo Radiator
Modified Pettit Intake
Sakebomb Garage "Street" Dual Oil Cooler Kit
Apexi Power FC w/ Commander ECU
Cooling Mist Water Injection System (AEM Controller)
RacingBeat Dual Tip Exhaust
This list even, is fairly mild relative to most FD owners I know.
Anyway--any sort of input would be fantastic!
Last edited by Norms; Jan 21, 2013 at 02:59 PM.
I mean no offense but "just rumors?" Come on, you should know that legislation often can take DECADES to pass, but doesn't mean it doesn't eventually pass... 22 other states have already the same smog requirements, so I'm not sure why you think nothing will changed. Do you know the "Star" station label entails and what is involved maintaining a "star status" shop? Do you know what CARB and BAR monitors when a smog is occuring? Do you know that they are going to have live updates to monitor RPM readings on a car to make sure that the smog tech is doing the smog correctly and up to date? Sure there may not be cameras on your smog equipment right now, but within a year or so, it sounds like there may be some form of monitoring system whether or not it's video or still frame. Either way, all of these things will make it harder to do your under-the-table smogs. Sure our people will find a way to game the system eventually, but there is still the immediate headaches to take care of and you know, not all of us have have that kind of insight into every aspect of the car world I take care of my car, love it to death and make sure it's happy and in tip top running shape, but these aren't things that CARB cares about, and I do NOT have a smog shop that I regularly go to, so maybe at least it'll be nice to know that some of us are in this together...
The idea for star and the new smog system is that the cost of smog will lower... Despite the fact that they are spending a lot of money to replace their machines with updated ones. 15-30 off the original prices? That's crazy, but this is what they're trying to accomplish.
Before I continue here, please know I'm not looking for any "shady smog" and that any conversation regarding that sort of practice won't be tolerated here, I merely want to gather and share information here. Anyway...
They want: Gross polluters off the street, which I don't disagree with, but if you look at how the legislation's set up (similar to that of other states), you will see that it also in part penalizes enthusiasts and the like. I'm not trying to start a fire here or anything, but lately I've just been very concerned about how to get my FD to pass as my two years is coming up, visual is definitely a no-go, and who knows if my Bonez hi-flow cat is even up to the task of passing sniffer, let alone visual...
Anyway I'm curious has anyone had to get a smog in CA since the bill was introduced (specifically if you're a fairly modified car)? I know that a few shops in SoCal have already converted into the new star system and that they are installing those on-ramp emissions readers in a few places for testing (also I know there is supposed to be one in the test-phase up here in the bay area too.)
For reference my car has these definitely non-carb friendly pieces:
Greddy Type S BOV
Greddy 2 Row Front Mount Intercooler.
Bonez Hi-Flow Cat
Pettit Down Pipe
Koyo Radiator
Modified Pettit Intake
Sakebomb Garage "Street" Dual Oil Cooler Kit
Apexi Power FC w/ Commander ECU
Cooling Mist Water Injection System (AEM Controller)
RacingBeat Dual Tip Exhaust
This list even, is fairly mild relative to most FD owners I know.
Anyway--any sort of input would be fantastic!
I take care of my car, love it to death and make sure it's happy and in tip top running shape, but these aren't things that CARB cares about, and I do NOT have a smog shop that I regularly go to, so maybe at least it'll be nice to know that some of us are in this together...The idea for star and the new smog system is that the cost of smog will lower... Despite the fact that they are spending a lot of money to replace their machines with updated ones. 15-30 off the original prices? That's crazy, but this is what they're trying to accomplish.
Before I continue here, please know I'm not looking for any "shady smog" and that any conversation regarding that sort of practice won't be tolerated here, I merely want to gather and share information here. Anyway...
They want: Gross polluters off the street, which I don't disagree with, but if you look at how the legislation's set up (similar to that of other states), you will see that it also in part penalizes enthusiasts and the like. I'm not trying to start a fire here or anything, but lately I've just been very concerned about how to get my FD to pass as my two years is coming up, visual is definitely a no-go, and who knows if my Bonez hi-flow cat is even up to the task of passing sniffer, let alone visual...
Anyway I'm curious has anyone had to get a smog in CA since the bill was introduced (specifically if you're a fairly modified car)? I know that a few shops in SoCal have already converted into the new star system and that they are installing those on-ramp emissions readers in a few places for testing (also I know there is supposed to be one in the test-phase up here in the bay area too.)
For reference my car has these definitely non-carb friendly pieces:
Greddy Type S BOV
Greddy 2 Row Front Mount Intercooler.
Bonez Hi-Flow Cat
Pettit Down Pipe
Koyo Radiator
Modified Pettit Intake
Sakebomb Garage "Street" Dual Oil Cooler Kit
Apexi Power FC w/ Commander ECU
Cooling Mist Water Injection System (AEM Controller)
RacingBeat Dual Tip Exhaust
This list even, is fairly mild relative to most FD owners I know.
Anyway--any sort of input would be fantastic!
FWIW, nothing has changed when it comes to those fancy smogs some of us need to get.
Star Stations are already offering them since NOTHING has changed when it comes to actual vehicle requirements.
Ask me how I know?
Star Stations are already offering them since NOTHING has changed when it comes to actual vehicle requirements.
Ask me how I know?
That is correct^^^^^ as of now its just a bit difficult to find a station to do it but give it a couple months and more STAR Stations will begin to appear and yup i know some tht are already offering as well but a bit more expensive... lol
Whew okay well that is a relief! My apologies if I came off too aggressive there, I've just been bummed reading what I can about the smog business and worried no one will touch my car! So are these just things saying that there will be close monitoring is just to scare the public?
Whew okay well that is a relief! My apologies if I came off too aggressive there, I've just been bummed reading what I can about the smog business and worried no one will touch my car! So are these just things saying that there will be close monitoring is just to scare the public?
Stations are either Gold Shield by normal standards or Star Stations with higher standards.
This was never really created to deter fake smogs...