Gernby

iTrader: (1)

They may have modelled some of their smog laws after Cali's older laws, but they still don't do sniffer testing on OBD-II cars even in big cities. Here in Dallas, they just plug into the OBD-II port to see if everything check out. My last instpection in my S2000 was without a cat (just a simulator).

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

That's from the law. It may well not be enforced, but the law very clearly states you need documentation to prove the cat was damaged or not working.

From here.

That's for the shop. They have similar requirments for individuals, but as I said, they only enforce this when they are looking for something to hang a shop or an individual.

l1tech

Don't take this the wrong way lobuxracer as it is not meant in any negative form, but what is your actual experience with the state smog laws. Are you just quoting them or do you have actual intimate experience with them as either a smog technician or a shop owner who is answering to the state. I have been the smog tech many a time that has had to answer to the state as to why I did a certain procedure the way I did it, and believe me I know just how far the rules can be..shall we say bent. In California all automotive repair facilities are required to keep work orders a minimum of 2 years if memory serves me correctly regardless of the type of repair, and on that work order you clearly have to state why any repair was performed. Granted the smog laws are tough, and there is good reason for it but they aren't as bad as many people make them out to be

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Neither tech nor owner. There's no money in working on cars or bikes. I did that part time for awhile. Built a lot of engines, did a lot of cylinder head work and saw too many broke check bouncers for my taste.

My actual experience has been smogging the cars I've owned, smogging friends cars, and tuning them to pass smog. My Supra has been required to test at test only stations for the last three times because the Supra has a "high emitter" profile. Not me, not anyone I know, but because DMV has determined Supras need to be inspected more carefully. IMHO it's just another TAX I pay especially when I still see oil smoke belching cars driving down the road daily.

Not meant in a negative way, but the law I quoted is Federal, not State. It applies to all 50 states, but it is not enforced well as you have alluded. It's entirely up to the shop owner how strictly or loosely the laws are followed. But it was pretty distressing when the police raided a smog shop with full SWAT gear, and had a TV news crew shooting the whole thing. They wanted to be sure they made an example of the guy. Right here in Sacramento. They made a huge deal about him passing cars that did not meet standards. I suspect it was for shock value, but if you lived here, you'd have a different perspective of the whole situation. Car enthusiasts who live in Fremont know exactly what I mean too.

ChrisChow

They are called "shorty" headers. Mustangs, LS1/LT1/LS6 Camaros/Firebirds and Corvettes have been using this option for years. Longer primaries would be better but it can be done.