LUVTruck.com

Ok, so I have been thinking(way too much) about Ca's idiotic smog laws and standards. I'm sure they won't be changing anytime soon unless someone knows someone who knows someone...?

Anyway, everything I have read about newer/better carbs, E~ignitions, headers and anything else that make vehicles run better, smoother and cleaner. All these aftermarket parts are "Illegal" in Ca if your vechial is 1976 or newer. Ca used to have the 30+ yr smog/inspect exempt. I believe it was 07 when they changed it but don't quote me.

I know, "Just get a '75.." but I don't want a 75...,

Ok, so what are the reasons these aftermarket upgrades are "Illegal"?
Aftermarket upgrades do not have smog hookups?
Because it is not stock?
Anything else?

My rant has a point if you bare with me for a few more min's~

Theory~
Weber 32/36 carb has smog ports and other various ports for idle cutoff solonid. So I think the weber can pass a smog test.
Offy has smog ports and such so that shouldn't be a problem. So I think the Offy intake can pass a smog test.
But the headers usually do not have any type of smog port/fitting. Couldn't you tap/thread into, let's say, the collector and run a steel tube to the the EGR under the intake? Making that connection is really the only thing I see as a pain to get it to pass a test/inspect...
Ok I haven't mentioned the other half of a smog test/inspect and that's the visual part of the test. Where the tech looks to see if it's stock or not. Obviously, it's not going to look very stock. Yet it runs better, smoother and much much cleaner. Basically, the vehicle can pass a smog test with flying colors but fail the visual. What a bunch of horse shin.

So either find a cool smog tech that might "see" a stock carb and exhaust... I don't want to get anyone into trouble mind you...
Or show the the smog tech a pic of your engine bay before all the upgrades when he questions/mentions the obvious....,

Food for thought~

Find your local referee, and talk with him/her. They will tell you what can and can't be done. And when your done, if the ref likes it, he can put a special sticker under the hood that tells the smog check people that it's not stock but all good anyway.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

That's a great idea RonDog, I hadn't though about that. I have heard about it, thought it was mainly for engine swaps not part swaps.I'll give them a call Monday and see what could be done and how much will it cost. I have heard it can be pricey but I'm sure that depends on what your trying to do...

Maybe the the ref is the best idea. I was thinking do what ever upgrades you can and if it passes. the chances of a tech knowing what a stock LUV should have are nil.

Some of the aftermarket parts might even be better then the stock parts as far as emissions go BUT if the aftermarket parts company did not spend a ton of money to prove to the state that they are as good or better emissions they dont get a C.A.R.B. number, thus making them non smog legal parts. If you think this is bad dont even get me started on airplane parts.

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Certified pilots, looking down on people since 1903.