big emissions question (CA)

[Rolling_Thunder]

HELP!

Here's the question...

I have a customer who wants to put a wicked LS series engine in a new car... (think 800-1000hp) probably will be a twin turbo set up... my question is... how do i get something like this to pass an emission's test ? Do i just say it is an "off road" show vehicle or what ? how do guys with vettes and vipers get away with it ?

[bigvegan]

At the risk of starting a new series of hate for California, here's some info that may or may not be of use to you. Unfortunately, on a new car, you not only have to pass the emissions test, you also have to use ARB exempted parts, unless you're building a race only vehicle.

"Exempted parts are add-on or modified parts that have undergone an ARB engineering evaluation. If the part or modification is shown to not increase vehicle emissions, it is granted an exemption to emission control system anti-tampering laws. This exemption is called an Executive Order (EO) and allows the modification to be installed on specific emission controlled vehicles. Every Executive Order part or modification has an assigned number that can be verified by Smog Check stations, BAR Referee stations, or by the ARB."

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/aftermkt.htm
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php

For More Information, call the numbers below:
"To verify Executive Order numbers, or for questions about the replacement parts guidelines, please contact the California Air Resources Board Vehicle Hotline:
(800) 242-4450 California
(800) 322-9277 Nationwide"

These are the ARB rules. What the actual practice that builders follow is, I can't tell you.

[Rolling_Thunder]

hmmmmmm Well... What if I got my hands on a new LS9 and just boosted it a little more and added some nitrous... hmmmmm

[streetk14]

What kind of car are we talking about here? Something that already has an LSx series motor from the factory I assume? Keep in mind that new cars don't require any emissions testing for something like 6 or 7 years. Then it will be tested every other year like the rest of the cars on the road.

You could also go with CARB approved parts, and there are some forced induction systems, aftermarket heads, headers, etc. out there that are CARB approved. There are lots of things you could do that would leave no visual cues (stroker short block for example) but you will still need to pass the sniffer test, so watch the cam selection.

This is why I stay away from modifiying my new cars.

Andy

[CarlC]

Say a 2002 Z28 or a 1978 Dodge truck or any other emissions-tested car had an LS3 engine installed from a 'Vette. The car must then pass the same emissions test as the 'Vette, both visual and sniffer. That makes it a bunch harder.

[Blown353]

If it's a brand new car it is exempt from smog testing for 6 years... so at 6 years it's time to put it back to stock to pass the visual test or at least change enough outwardly visible stuff so it passes the visual test, and then it has to pass the sniffer too. Mods that are CARB approved and have an EO# can stay.

However, just because it is exempt from the visual/sniffer testing for 6 years doesn't mean you can't get popped for it at a roadside inspection station or during a traffic stop if the officer makes you open the hood.

Even pre-74 cars in California, which are exempt from the biannual smog testing, are still required to maintain all of the original emissions equipment. About the only way to get popped for this would be to get an underhood inspection during a traffic stop, but I doubt most officers will bother the older stuff. Still, it could happen.

Most guys I know around here with heavily modded late models have fun for the first 6 years, and then after that they either change enough stuff to get it to legally pass every 2 years or they find a "willing" shop to fudge it. With undercover BAR investigators and the substantial penalties associated with a shop that issues a fraudulent smog cert it's getting harder and harder to find shops to fudge a smog test so don't count on being able to go that route.

[Zed]

Register the car with an address in a rural county (Plumus ect.) which only requires smog checks when ownership of the vehicle is changed. Then put on the go fast parts. Not exactly legal, but it works untill you sell the car or CHP looks under your hood.