Headers
Sep 8, 2011, 08:25 PM
#16
The emissions system that met the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards at the date of manufacture is the only thing approved for street use. The emissions system has to remain in a form that is either equal to or better than the original system as it was developed by Mitsubishi. The vehicle owner doesn't make that judgement call, it's up to the part developer to go through the CARB testing process.
An exemption from Vehicle Code Section 27156 (VC 27156), California's anti-tampering law, is required before any add-on or modified part can be sold in California. Manufacturers interested in obtaining a VC 27156 exemption for an add-on or a modified part should fill-out and submit an application form to the ARB for evaluation. Detailed information on how to do this can be obtained from the document, "Procedures for Exemption of Add-On and Modified Parts," amended June 1, 1990.
Aftermarket parts go through a lengthy and intensive testing process (aka bureaucracy) to see how the part alters the emissions of the vehicle. If the emissions of the vehicle are unchanged or even improved, the part gets approved and given a CARB Executive Order number.
Welcome to California!
Sep 8, 2011, 08:44 PM
#17
so it's a money grab, and most people who aren't HKS or AEM or whatever couldn't be bothered with it, cause they can sell their product to the rest of the world...
that's really retarded, cause here in Ontario, Canada (not california) as long as your emissions are below the limit, they couldn't care less what's done to the car, and what parts are used to do it.
what about turbos? you have to get a CARB approved turbo charger, and CARB approved turbo manifold and downpipe...where do they draw the line? is it only exhaust components? or just stuff they can see?
that's really retarded, cause here in Ontario, Canada (not california) as long as your emissions are below the limit, they couldn't care less what's done to the car, and what parts are used to do it.
what about turbos? you have to get a CARB approved turbo charger, and CARB approved turbo manifold and downpipe...where do they draw the line? is it only exhaust components? or just stuff they can see?
Sep 9, 2011, 03:06 PM
#20
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this is turned out to be a really good info pool. See that was my concern that it would fail visual inspection. I guess i could always just swap the stock headers in there.
Sep 10, 2011, 12:14 AM
#23
It's just that simple.
If your car happens to have a high flow cat and a decent tune, you might be able to pass the sniffer. You might also be able to pass the visual if you take your modified car to your local Mom & Pop test only station since they might be lazy or just plain dumb.
The real problem is when Mr. Highway Patrol pulls your monkey **** over and sees something that doesn't look stock or asks you to pop your hood because he believes you maybe running illegal parts.
That's when the real games begin.
So, the majority of law enforcement doesn't know what comes stock on what specific cars, but can usually tell if something isn't OEM. If they aren't sure, they can just cite you for 'modified exhaust' and let the state referee sort it out. At that point, you're no longer allowed to drive your vehicle on the street legally with the exception of either to work or to school. I speak from experience here, I've been cited for modified exhaust and was sent to the ref so I understand the procedure. The CHP officer thought my car was running a stolen motor, when in fact it was the original motor that came with the car. It's not his job to have a catalog of cars, parts and motors in his brain, that's the referee's job. He had never seen the red valve cover that is standard on the B18C motor in the Integra Type-R, so he opted to send me to the ref.
The state referee is well versed in smog systems, aftermarket parts and engine swaps:
A Referee Center is a state-contracted vehicle emissions test facility that provides certain Smog Check services for motorists. A Referee Center is authorized to offer specialized inspection services that are beyond the scope of California's licensed Smog Check stations. Referee Centers are located primarily at California Community Colleges throughout the state.
These guys are the gatekeepers that stand between you and that updated vehicle registration license tag. Until you clear your car with the ref, the DMV will not issue you new tags and as such, you'll not be able to drive your vehicle. At that point, you run the risk of having your car impounded.
Motorists whose vehicles fail a Smog Check because of missing or modified emission-related parts, must replace those parts. The BAR's Emissions Parts Locator service helps motorists locate difficult to find emissions parts or if the parts cannot be found, a Limited Parts Exemption is issued. When a Limited Parts Exemption is issued, the motorist must take his or her vehicle to a Referee Center for inspection. If it passes all other aspects of the Smog Check inspection, the vehicle will be certified. If the parts are available in time for the next required smog inspection, they must be installed before the vehicle can be certified.
Hope this helps.
Last edited by golgo13; Nov 25, 2011 at 02:46 PM.
Sep 13, 2011, 11:18 AM
#24
Thank you for the California law clarifications. Man, that really sucks - it's so stupid I'm sure our politicians will eventually enact that stuff. I didn't understand before because we see all the incredible custom machines being created down there so it appears in California anything still goes.
Cranswick: lots going on with me (mostly good), we'll catch up soon - missed Shannonville last weekend due to obligations out of my control but that won't happen again
Cranswick: lots going on with me (mostly good), we'll catch up soon - missed Shannonville last weekend due to obligations out of my control but that won't happen again
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