There seems to a lot of questions regarding what is legal and illegal to do to our cars. Especially when turbocharging there seems to be a question on how much can we tamper with and still get an EO.

I went ahead a wrote ARB to get a definitive answer.

Here is the response from Rose Castro, a representative of the ARB.

Jay,
You can modify just about anything in your fuel delivery and air
intake system, provided no emission control device is removed or
tampered. This means you can recalibrate, change injectors, add extra
injectors, install an open-element air cleaner, etc. All of these of
course is contingent upon you providing information to ARB regarding all
the modifications that go along with the turbocharger installation and
for the system to pass the prescribed emissions and OBD II tests. No
relocation/modification to the catalytic converters is allowed, and if
the vehicle is equipped with a carbon adsorber in the intake system, this
device need to be retained in its original location.

Rose Castro




I hope this clears things up.

 

I'm not from Cali. so CARB doesn't really apply to me, but I am interested as to when exactly this means for modifying cars. So you DON'T need a CARB certification for every part, you just need to get your car emission tested after a modification and report it to stay legal. I am probably confused, but just hoping you could clarify

 

I forgot to preface the letter from ARB.

I stated in my original inquiry that I was designing a turbocharger system for a late model OBDII vehicle. I also stated that said system maybe a one-off but more likely it will be a mass-marketed kit and I needed information on what was legal to do the vehicle to get a CARB E.O.

 

Interesting that she states that you indeed CAN change the stock fuel injectors...I always heard that that was a no no....interesting.


I believe there is quite more to it otherwise there would be more CARB EO's and companies wouldn't have to put in 40k in order to achieve those goals...

 

I'm sure when it comes time for inspection they will put all your changes under the microscope so to speak.

I am not saying obtaining an E.O. is not a time consuming and expensive task because I am sure it is. That is probably why most companies CHOOSE not to do it. BUT I also think there are other companies which are more than willing to do so but are unaware of the rules and guidelines.

 

well the thing holding the tt setups up including jwt is the cold start emissions... thats killing everyone...

 

Where is the OBD test sixteen pin connector located on the Z? I looked under the dash so it must be behind something.

 

left side by the hood release lever

 

Thanks