California, Upgrades and such Options

[Random_Stranger]

I know nothing of what will pass for smog and what will not. Is there anyone here off the top of their head that knows what performance upgrades you can do with your car, including exhaust etc, that will still pass for smog in the sucky state of California? I know this is asking a lot but since this state smogs and I am not willing to find a way around ($$$ *Wink *Wink) unless I had some Heavy engine swap done. Anyone? I appreciate any replies. Even if you say something like "Vinyl!". Already said it! LOL

[j0e_p3t]

you can get away with modding your exhaust, as long as its not too loud. and you can do your intake, as long as its a carb legal brand. injen is the only one i know of. that's all i know. performance header won't pass. turbo definitely won't. if you want, you can put on a cai and header (or even turbo) and just take it all off once every 2 years for smog.

This post has been edited by j0e_p3t: Jan 22, 2008 - 3:25 AM

[MaskedMan]

I agree with Joe as far as everything I have heard about CA smog laws.

[94GT]

If you're lucky enough to find a mechanic who knows their way through the smog ref process, you can put a "95 MR2" 3SGTE in your car and it would be legal. Motor swaps in California have to be from the same year or newer, which makes the 94-95 celica the only model that can legally have a 3s in this state. After the swap is complete, the vehicle is inspected and signed off, assuming everything is good. It is probably the costliest way to swap a motor.

[Random_Stranger]

That does sound pretty good. I am going to have to find specs on the mr2 motor and see. So does that mr2 engine fit right in? Or am I going to have to do any conversion regarding how it drives? Since MR2 is a Mid engine?

[Random_Stranger]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention I have a 95 Celica. Anything else you can add?

[mneal2_92788]

That does sound pretty good. I am going to have to find specs on the mr2 motor and see. So does that mr2 engine fit right in? Or am I going to have to do any conversion regarding how it drives? Since MR2 is a Mid engine?

still needs mods, as any actual engine swap would

[tomazws]

If you're lucky enough to find a mechanic who knows their way through the smog ref process, you can put a "95 MR2" 3SGTE in your car and it would be legal. Motor swaps in California have to be from the same year or newer, which makes the 94-95 celica the only model that can legally have a 3s in this state. After the swap is complete, the vehicle is inspected and signed off, assuming everything is good. It is probably the costliest way to swap a motor.

Isn't it same year or newer, AND the same car?

[j0e_p3t]

if you do go the 94-95 mr2 swap route... you have to find a usdm 3s. jdm engines aren't legal in cali.

[94GT]

[/quote]

Isn't it same year or newer, AND the same car?
[/quote]
No. Same year or newer and it's legal regardless of the model.

Must be USDM motor and the 3SGTE that is in the MR2 will work just fine. I'm sure there will be modifications (as with any 3S swap) but as far as motor mounts go, it will drop right in since you've got the 5sfe in your car right now (they share the same mounts). If you research engine swaps on here, you'll find all the info you could need. It won't be cheap, and it won't be easy, so if you're going to do it, make sure you find a reputable mechanic who knows their way around this process.

[Random_Stranger]

I remember seeing someone has some B16 Engine in a Honda that got reff'd here in town. I was wondering how that happened and how to go about see.... nevermind. Okay. So another words in California with this car I am screwed unless I have a lot of money to throw and someone to pay. Oh well. I'll just stick to the minor upgrades and see what happens from there. Next car is going to be a 93-95 Rx7 anyways. Whenever that is. LOL

[Random_Stranger]

Oh yeah guys, as you can tell I don't know much about cars and trying to learn (Yeah, I feel better being truthful). So I can do the whole 2.5" catback custom exhaust and it will NOT affect me getting my car smogged?

[punkuup5150]

it shouldnt. it might take a little longer to get it smoged i knwo it takes mine a little while to warm up for them to smog it and im fully smog legal with just an exaust and intake carb legal of course but ive never had ne problems

[Kwanza26]

Oh yeah guys, as you can tell I don't know much about cars and trying to learn (Yeah, I feel better being truthful). So I can do the whole 2.5" catback custom exhaust and it will NOT affect me getting my car smogged?

Exhaust modifications (excluding header) that do not modify the cat will NOT affect smog. There you have it.

[CelicaST_CALI]

so ur saying its legal to swap a 3sgte into a 94 st coupe in cali??

[CaliJeff]

you guys are close to the subject, but not entirely. engine swaps have to be of the same yr or newer. they also have to be of the same make, not necessarily same model. also, if u have a cali spec vehicle, the engine also has to be a cali spec. for exhaust, it has to be carb approved as well. all existings cat's and sensors must be in place, along with carb approved replacement cat's. u can have custom piping tho. also, techinically, the db rating of the exhaust is supposed to be 96db or under. which many are not, but they will igonore that law most of the time. any replacement headers have to be carb approved, or off of another engine of same make. intake must be carb approved. head swaps are not allowed unless same yr or newer.

This post has been edited by CaliJeff: Jan 24, 2008 - 3:23 PM

[CaliJeff]

btw. here is a brief summary from the actual carb website. www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/aftermkt.htm

This post has been edited by CaliJeff: Jan 24, 2008 - 3:49 PM

[hongkongnerdboy]

go to a asian place for inspection, if you were a bit closer here i would recommend westminister/bolsa to get your inspection done, they'll pass you

greedy asians lol

[Random_Stranger]

go to a asian place for inspection, if you were a bit closer here i would recommend westminister/bolsa to get your inspection done, they'll pass you

greedy asians lol

Dude, I seriously wouldn't mind the drive. Message me with how much they charge. Supposedly someone who is a "Ghost" might pass me for... (message me for price). Just not sure if that is good or not. I seen this turbo kit that is much cheaper than getting a super charger for this car and was considering that. Supposedly it said 310HP. Anyone know anything of this? Is it a pain to put together and remove every other year for smog? I envy anyone who is outside of california who can do something with their cars. I just want atleast 260-300HP for this daily driver. Otherwise I might just opt for patience regarding an 93-95 mazda rx7. I know I could do more with that here.

[DEATH]

Houston has the same laws - we just don't care
I'm sure you can find someone to pass you for $100.