I already know most of the answers, but I want to get others responses.

If it were up to me, we should keep the current emissions standards in California, but I would junk the visual modifcation statutes. You could put any parts on that you want, but it would have to pass out the tailpipe.

That said, the sad reality is that the visuals are looked at. If anything isn't stock or doesn't have a CARB E.O. number, then it will visually fail, and you can't register the car in California.

The $64,000 question is...........how do many of these guys with the show cars and magazine cars with the big turbos, nitrous, etc. able to register thier car in California? Many show and magazine cars always seem to have up to date California plates. I see earlier Hondas with K20 swaps all the time. Unless they are also transferring ALL the smog equipment and OBD components from thier particular K20 over, there is no way that any California smog ref will ever allow it to pass. With the Nissan and Toyota drift cars, the mods needed to make 300-400 WHP could never pass visual smog rules.

The best answer I can come up with is that people have access to hookups, corrupt smog shops, or corrupt DMV workers. Any other answers are welcome.

 

that about sums it up nicely right there. there are legal ways to make any swap pass, but you have to know someone.

the ironic thing is, to legally swap a k20 into an eg hatch or similar and getting a state BAR sticker using the proper channels, you have to do so much cutting to the interior of the car it's no longer street legal. :run:

 

These show guys have a list of sponsors from here to heaven that have their own smog techs. It the most obvious crime out there, but can be so very private w/regards to access to get a smog done that law enforcement has a hard time nailing it down.