What mods needed to pass California emissions?

[93Leg-c]

I may have a temporary job in California that may become permanent and I have a few questions for those of you who live in CA (or if anyone who knows FOR SURE) regarding the emission standards there.

1--I wanted to take my '94 TW with me to CA. Stock from the manufacturer, was it manufactured to pass CA emission standards? One of my friends in CA has a mechanic friend that said that Subaru has made ALL Subarus CA-smog legal since the early 1990's. Can anyone confirm this?

2--If the '94 TW is NOT smog legal in CA, what will need to be done to it to make it LEGALLY pass the emissions there?

3--What aftermarket parts can be installed and still pass the CA emissions? (I've got a feeling that the answer is "nothing" but no harm in asking.)

4--Specifically, can the Revtronics or Rob-tuned ecu set up be used there legally (along with TMIC and non-OEM exhaust)?

Thanks for your help, guys.

[Alphius]

1. It'll be fine.
3. Any modification to a vehicle registered in California needs a CARB EO exemption plate or sticker. However, if it looks stock to the inspector and he doesn't know the car very well it could possibly pass anyway.
4. Not legally, but see above. You might get away with it. Probably not the exhaust and TMIC, but anything they can't see at a glance is probably good to pass visual. You still have to pass by the numbers too, but my RevTronix'ed and de-catted SS passes WA emissions by a mile so if you have cats and a stock looking intake/exhaust you will probably be fine.

This is all from the viewpoint of someone who has never lived in CA, so someone who actually lives there may have a better insight into what you can legally do.

[Legacy777]

A lot depends on the inspector and what he or she feels is "stock". Since these cars are relatively old, they probably don't see a lot of them, so if your mods are done well, they may not be able to tell it's not stock.

[PhyrraM]

An exhaust AFTER the LAST catalytic convertor is legal. Basically nothing else without a CARB E.O. number.

Realistically, at a regular smog place it should pass as long as everything looks stock and everything is hooked up.

On a pre-OBDII car, like our Legacies, they will take a quick gander at the engine compartment and run down easy things that the computer says it needs (EGR, EVAP), they will likely peek under the car and look for a catalytic convertor, and they will test the gas cap and tank for leaks. As long as the check-engine light is off it's all up to the sniffer after that. Virtually all cars that are running well and getting reasonable gas mileage will pass a sniffer (some without cats even).

If you get sent to a referee (rare, but possible for an out-of-state car), all bets are off.

I have had my Legacy pass with a full EJ20G conversion complete with slanty intecooler and Apexi Power FC for management. I've also had an old Dodge Raider (OEM carburated) pass with a complete Mitsubishi Starion (turbo fuel injected) motor swap. Both looked completely stock with everything hooked up and working (EGR, etc.). I'm sure that went a long way towards passing the visual inspections. Sniffer test rarely fails on a good running motor.

[ciper]

1 and 2: The sticker under your hood will say if it was built for Federal or California emissions. Either one can be tested and passed in California because during the smog test this is a question the machine asks. You can convert your car to California spec by grounding one pin on the ECU.

3. Anything after the cat on the exhaust is legal assuming its not leaking. The type of parts that are allowed on the engine varies. If you have a specific list post it and I'll help. Having an executive order for a part helps.

4. What is legal and what can pass are two very different things. Assuming the car doesnt miss at idle and has some type of cat you should have NO problem passing. Subaru's run incredibly well even when they aren't maintained.

Dont waste your time registering it in California. The amount of fees will not be worth it. If you have family in AZ just use that address. Register it in your moms name (or whoever) if you are afraid to get pulled over. If not find a small PO box rental place that will package up your mail once in a while and forward to your address in CA. Then put the address on your AZ registration as "123 main street apartment 10" instead of saying po box.
If you REALLY insist on registering here I know a few people you can pay to overlook many things...

I have a lot of experience with California Smog, BAR and helping California residents register their car in AZ to bypass smog checks.

[93Leg-c]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, guys! I really appreciate it! (A side note: funny how I didn't get any notification of posts made in my email Inbox.)

1 and 2: The sticker under your hood will say if it was built for Federal or California emissions. Either one can be tested and passed in California because during the smog test this is a question the machine asks. You can convert your car to California spec by grounding one pin on the ECU.

ciper, the sticker under my hood says: "THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO U.S. EPA REGUALTIONS APPLICABLE TO 1994 MODEL YEAR NEW MOTOR VEHICLES." So, does that include California? My '98 Legacy wagon says the same (except, obviously, it has the year 1998 in place of 1994).

If my TW needs to be converted to CA emissions, which pin do I ground in the ecu and how do I do it? And, if the conversion is made but there is no "CA sticker," is the car still subject to not passing the emissions testing?

I talked to a friend of mine who used to work for a state facility that repaired vehicles that did not pass emissions in CA. They were only concerned that the vehicles met the CA emission standards when being repaired. They NEVER concerned themselves whether or not an aftermarket part was C.A.R.B.- certified or not. I thought that was interesting and revealing.

3. If you have a specific list post it and I'll help. Having an executive order for a part helps.

This is what I wanted to do to my TW. I already have most of the parts:
1--Revtronics chip or Rob-tuned ecu
2--JECS maf
3--td04
4--yellow side feed injectors
5--06 wrx TMIC
6--Bosal divorced down pipe
7--metallic substrate cat
8--2.5" exhaust piping
9--msd ignition
10--I think I'm missing something but can't think of it right now.

ciper, what do you mean by "executive order" for parts?

Dont waste your time registering it in California. The amount of fees will not be worth it.

What kind of fees are assessed and how much do they amount to?

I have a lot of experience with California Smog, BAR and helping California residents register their car in AZ to bypass smog checks.

What BAR are you referring to?


Another question came to mind: If a smog facility refuses to pass a vehicle because the initial visual inspection indicates the car is "not stock," can the vehicle be taken to another facility to get the emissions checked or are you locked in to that first facility since it's already entered into the computer as an attempt to smog it?

[Legacy777]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, guys! I really appreciate it! (A side note: funny how I didn't get any notification of posts made in my email Inbox.)

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=49178

Nobody seems to pay any attention to my announcements

[93Leg-c]

If you get sent to a referee (rare, but possible for an out-of-state car), all bets are off.

I have had my Legacy pass with a full EJ20G conversion complete with slanty intecooler and Apexi Power FC for management.

Phyrra, what's a "referee"?

And, it's good to know your conversion posed no problem in passing emissions.

[93Leg-c]

Thanks for all the input and suggestions, guys! I really appreciate it! (A side note: funny how I didn't get any notification of posts made in my email Inbox.)

http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=49178

Nobody seems to pay any attention to my announcements

Sorry, Josh, I never saw your announcement. Thanks for notifying me of it. I was in California for a while and it was a struggle just to get internet connection so I wasn't sure if the emails couldn't "find" me or it was due to other difficulties.

[Legacy777]

Is the announcement at the top of every forum? It should be.

[PhyrraM]

A referee is a specialist to inspect a car at a more detailed level. Things the average smog guy isn't expected to know or be trained for. They do things like the initial certification of kit cars, or legal engine swaps. I'm not sure what exactly triggers the need to go to one, but once it's triggered don't plan on anything not 100% legal getting past.

For a normal car, getting tagged as a gross polluter is likely the worst that can happen. A good running motor will not be a gross polluter. Sometimes a gross polluter can only be passed by a referee.

AFAIK, they will not make you 'convert' to California specs. Those really only apply to new cars sold in California. Once a car is considered used, you only have to comply with the regulations that car was built to. On newer cars it's only programming anyways.

Once your smogged, you get 2 years before you have to bring it back. It's not as big of a deal as many make it sound. As far as fees? ~$60 a year is all my Legacies cost me to keep registered. I spend more on a fill-up.

[ciper]

ciper, the sticker under my hood says: "THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO U.S. EPA REGUALTIONS APPLICABLE TO 1994 MODEL YEAR NEW MOTOR VEHICLES." So, does that include California?
If my TW needs to be converted to CA emissions, which pin do I ground in the ecu and how do I do it? And, if the conversion is made but there is no "CA sticker," is the car still subject to not passing the emissions testing?

No that is not a California car. You don't have to convert it, I was just mentioning it to show that there really isn't any difference except for some ECU parameters.

I talked to a friend of mine who used to work for a state facility that repaired vehicles that did not pass emissions in CA. They were only concerned that the vehicles met the CA emission standards when being repaired. They NEVER concerned themselves whether or not an aftermarket part was C.A.R.B.- certified or not. I thought that was interesting and revealing.

I think you are talking about the places that do emissions repairs for people who can't afford to get their car fixed. 99% of people don't go to one of these places.
Its unfortunate but in California there is a unspoken rule that if your failure rate is not high enough you will not get Gold Shield status. This means as a repair shop you can only do regular smog tests and not the "Test Only" smog tests
These guys weren't doing their job properly.

6--Bosal divorced down pipe
7--metallic substrate cat
9--msd ignition*
ciper, what do you mean by "executive order" for parts?

An executive order is a special certification that the parts company gets from the state. With that sticker/paper you can pass smog. Those three are the only likely source of problems. Luckily the MSD ignition will have an EO AFAIK. The Bosal down pipe might have one but the replacement cat is an issue if you get a particularly picky smog tech.

What kind of fees are assessed and how much do they amount to?

I would imagine 150-250 for all the fees, on top of the 60$ smog test

What BAR are you referring to?

I meant to say CARB and BAR meaning California Air Resoruces Board and bureau of automotive repair

If a smog facility refuses to pass a vehicle because the initial visual inspection indicates the car is "not stock," can the vehicle be taken to another facility to get the emissions checked or are you locked in to that first facility since it's already entered into the computer as an attempt to smog it?

You can go whereever you like, as many times as you like. If it fails visual I'd wait a few days before going to the next guy so you don't screw him over (because it looks like repairs were done before the next test)

As far as fees? ~$60 a year is all my Legacies cost me to keep registered. I spend more on a fill-up.

The initial registration in the state is what will kill you, not the renewals. I bet he would have to pay 150-250. On top of that your insurance is automatically tied to the registration so any hickups will cancel your registration.

[PhyrraM]

The initial registration in the state is what will kill you, not the renewals. I bet he would have to pay 150-250. On top of that your insurance is automatically tied to the registration so any hickups will cancel your registration.

That's true. If you don't do your homework and buy a car with back tags due, you can get stung. I've never done an out of state car, so I don't know there.

I like the insurance tied to the DMV rule. I would think that every "honest" person would. While I don't particularly agree with state mandated anything, if we are gonna require it, make damn sure everyone actually has it. The last two collisions I've had were not my fault, yet - IN A STATE WITH MANDITORY INSURANCE - my insurance still paid the bill. I theroetically shouldn't even need unisured motorist coverage. Sucks balls.

Sorry for the soapbox.

[ciper]

It's bullshit for two reasons -
Your insurance company can screw up the amounts due and the cancellation notice sent to the dmv is instant. Even if its not your fault (or was because you were out of the country or in the hospital) you then have to go back to the DMV and pay a fee to reinstate it.

What if the car is registered in my name but I don't want to drive it? I shouldn't have to pay fricken insurance on it when its parked on my PRIVATE PROPERTY or go through the trouble of changing the registration to non operational status (a fee) then back to active later (another fee)

This crap is one of the main reasons I just sold three cars. It was a mess to deal with making sure each one was insured or non op. For example many years back I had a truck that I would drive maybe 4 times a year. I used to call the insurance company and add it on, use it, and then call to remove it.

There is a reason you are able to purchase "Uninsured Motorist" coverage. Having the registration tied to the insurance just means the people now don't even transfer the car to their name when they buy it so when they hit you and escape on foot you cant even use the registered owners information to track them down!!
Giving the DMV any more control (or a way to generate more fees) is a bad thing

You know the strange thing? If you have a drivers only policy (insurance for someone who doesn't own a car) you can't buy uninsured motorist for some reason. What this meant is that even though my Legacy was totaled and undrivable I payed insurance on it for a YEAR before getting another car http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=49045

[93Leg-c]

Is the announcement at the top of every forum? It should be.

Well, what can I say, Josh? I need to pay more attention to what you want us to pay attention to.

[93Leg-c]

Phyrra and ciper, thank you for going into detail to answer my questions. I've got a better understanding of how things work now. I really appreciate it!

[georryan]

The downpipe will likely flag you. I know a guy that has a BPM diverced wastegate downpipe which is a copy of my downpipe, basically (CES). He was able to get his car smogged without incident. I was not. On the top of my downpipe is a plaque that got their attention that read: "CES Racing System". They took one look at that and asked if it was a CA legal aftermarket part. I had to put my stock exhaust back on in order to get it smogged even though it passed emissions.

Now I just change out my exhaust to stock every time I go to get it smogged. I do have an intercooler, but it looks stock and they never ask me about it (I don't think it matters much since the intercooler isn't really an emissions part).

You may get by with the downpipe, but if they see your downpipe cat is removed or believe it to be aftermarket, they might just complain about it. It's really a coin toss.

A lot of the newer subarus will have all kinds of aftermarket parts, but if I remember correctly, newer cars don't have to get smogged for the first 5 years or so. Someone else here can chime in if I'm wrong on that.

[93Leg-c]

Thanks for your post, georryan. It's good to know about the TMIC, that it's not an emission part. I didn't install one just to be sure I'd pass. And the exhaust was stock, too.

I paid $59 for the smog and $99 to get the TW registered. A few days ago I found a shop that will do the smog for $52.75. I'll probably go there next year. They seem to know what they're doing. The shop was recommended to me by a friend who used to work there.

[georryan]

Ah cool. Glad it was uneventful for ya.

[93Leg-c]

I meant to post back earlier but this is what happened at the smog station . . .

The smogging was almost uneventful. I told the tech ahead of time that the purge control solenoid valve had been replaced, relocated, and re-routed without the use of the stock metal tubing. I pointed it all out to him. He nodded and kept muttering, "Uh huh, uh huh."

About 40 minutes later, as he's finishing up his inspection, I wander into the shop and he tells me he cannot pass my car. I asked why. He pointed to a metal fitting that didn't have a hose on it and an electrical connector under the intake manifold that wasn't connected. He said since they weren't hooked up, obviously the car was modified and, therefore, cannot pass the smog test.

I kindly reminded him of what I had explained to him before he started his inspection and again showed him how it was from the factory and where all the connections were now. He took another look at it and took a minute or two to trace the tubing as far as he could, and touched the new and old solenoids along with the wiring. Then he exclaimed, 'This system has been modified from the original! It used to be down there where you can see the original connector. That metal tubing used to be connected but it's been modified and by-passed with this rubber hose which goes all the way from this cannister here into where it's hooked up on the other end which you cannot see. See this electrical connector here? It's been relocated from under the manifold to the top of the manifold. The system has just been re-routed. So, yes, the car does pass the smog inspection.'

I refrained from saying, "That's what I told you before, didn't I?" Instead, I said, "Oh, great! Thank you!"

He marched off triumphantly with his head high as though he just figured out the most complex puzzle of the day and that, if it wasn't for him, my car would not have passed the smog inspection anywhere else.

I smiled to myself. The objective was to pass the California smog test (and this was on the TW that I wasn't really familiar with) and it passed with flying colors! That's all that mattered to me.

[Someperson]

lol people....