In California its becoming very difficult to pass emissions unless your vehicle is completely stock or only has California Air Resource Board approval parts.
Smog stations are having us remove the exhaust covers so they can document the catalyst PN or CARB approval number. Starting last month
they are are checking to see if engine controllers have been tuned or “chipped” during the plug in test.
Its very discouraging for us in the aftermarket as most all the performance changes will still pass all the emissions monitors and tailpipe emissions.
The Bureau of Automotive repair is pulling smog station licenses and taking legal action against technicians who don’t do it by the book.
Many technicians that have done illegal emissions testing are arrested.
Pre 1974 cars, which are the worst polluters are completely exempt and can be modified to the point they are gross emitters, without any
regulations whatsoever. It just does not make sense.
My advice is to always keep any original parts that are changed, this will increase the value of your car.
