mg350ZR

Which engine (intake/exhaust) modifications will pass smog in CA?

It is my understanding that the Z should be able to pass smog inspection in CA with the pop charger installed (is this correct?). It is also obvious that turbos, supercharging, and headers will not pass smog.

What about some of the other common mods (Motordyne 5/16 spacer, MREV, exhaust, etc.)? Will these or any other intake/exhaust modifications pass smog check in CA?

Thanks.

yobigd

iTrader: (2)

Vortech Supercharger with 8lbs of boost is absolutely CA SMOG LEGAL! They come with an EOD number on the unit. This mod netted me around 400 RWHP.

Paul350Z

iTrader: (1)

Stillen superchargers I and II are CARB approved.

It's not so much that the turbos or superchargers won't pass it's the expense of getting them CARB approved.

Paul350Z

iTrader: (1)

PS: On the Motordyne spacer in four more years when I have to test my Z I'll find out.

charlie_rdstr_Z

iTrader: (2)

This needs a sticky.

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

I just had moved back into CA and my car passed with a popcharger and Borla TD exhaust. Most intakes and exhaust are fine. It's when you remove your cats that you get into trouble.

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

my dream mod right now... CARB Legal S/C...

buffmanjeff

iTrader: (9)

coming from a vortech owner.....wish TN was legal

dvo

iTrader: (26)

a lot of you guys have mods like test pipes and/or FI. what do you guys do when it comes time for a smog check? test pipes are easy because you can put your stock cats back on for the test but what about major mods that aren't "bolt on?" do you guys slip the tester some cash to pass you? just wondering what some of you guys do out there.

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

Good question but I doubt you'll get a straight answer. A lot of people claim to "know a guy" ...


That's why for most ppl it's a wiser decision just to stick to legal F/I like vortech if you live in CA.

Or if you have test pipes, just put the stock cats on for the test as you mentioned.

mg350ZR

I am guessing that the smog emissions reading with the Motordyne spacer (and Pop Charger) installed will not be any different than without it, and the only way that the car may not pass the smog will be based on the visual inspection by the tech who may or may not notice the spacer. Is this correct?

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

When I had my smog done they looked under the hood but it was more to verify the VIN and what-not. There was no scrutiny of my intake or any real investigation. I doubt they'd even notice the spacer.

I don't recall them having a sniffer either. Just a dyno and computer hooked up to the car.

Cannysage

iTrader: (29)

everything but testpipes.. just get a 2nd popcharger.

blackznismo

iTrader: (4)

i just got my import tuner and i read that this red Z has a vortech supercharger with 9lbs boost (smaller pulley) and motordyne 5/16, with tuning...is SMOG LEGAL...can anyone 2nd this

charlie_rdstr_Z

iTrader: (2)

Motordyne and smaller pulley are both not legal.

Motordyne is just too miniscule to pick up unless you're an idiot and tell them you have it for performance or they have another stock Z to look at and you painted the spacer neon pink or append a Post it on it.

Vortech gained the certificate with the 8lb boost so there is modification to that as well and everything I stated above.

The magazine is a bit misleading but 99.99 percent of the place you take a modded Z like that you will pass unless they know what to look for specifically.