California Smog -vs- JE Pistons

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

Looking to see if anyone using JE pistons in their 3.0 has had any problems passing smog. Before I pull trigger and get new P&C's I want to make sure the smog gods will smile once more upon me! Building a 80 3.0 possible going to a
3.2ss

jimbauman · 04-19-2010, 01:48 PM

FWIW, just upgraded a friend's 3.2 to 3.4 with JEs and Nickies - no problem at all with smog....

JB

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

Did he upgrade the cams? That's the next thing to look into...

jimbauman · 04-19-2010, 03:02 PM

Yes, 964 cams from Camgrinder....
Jim

kenikh · 04-20-2010, 02:10 PM

I don't see the CARB guys tearing down your motor to check what brand of pistons you run...

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

Correct, but if the dome design isn't as efficient as the stock design, then they will "see" it on the sniffer

kenikh · 04-20-2010, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cudabnu

Correct, but if the dome design isn't as efficient as the stock design, then they will "see" it on the sniffer

I'd be curious to see if that is possible.

fumanchu · 04-20-2010, 05:09 PM

I thought JE optioned a CIS dome too. Can anyone confirm that? EBS maybe?

I was curious if they offered the CIS dome on their new piston style casting.

boxermania · 04-21-2010, 09:50 AM

Not living in California, I need to ask:

Are there any emission exemptions for cars older than 25 years or for that matter older than a specific year?

jimbauman · 04-21-2010, 09:51 AM

1974 and earlier are exempt. They eliminated the rolling exemption years ago.... :-(

JP911 · JP911's Garage

It's actually 75 and earlier.

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

I believe there is a classic car exemption still available. Somewhat restrictive on when you can drive the car.

89turbocabmike · 04-22-2010, 10:47 AM

Cam specs would be more of a factor in passing smog than piston design I should think. Smog specs for that 30 yr old engine are going to be fairly lenient and a fresh engine should be much cleaner than a friend's stock 3.0 with 200k that just past smog.

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

I took my parts to Aaron at Rennwerks with the 3.2SS in mind, and just send the cams to Camgrinder to be ground to the 964 profile

Once I build up my cash reserves again, then I'll get the Supertech head studs and find some used 3.2 cylinders to send out for the 98mm bore and re-plate for the JE pistons.

If it doesn't pass smog, I always have family in Oregon!

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

efhughes3 · efhughes3's Garage

No leniency in Calif for smog.

Quote:

Cam specs would be more of a factor in passing smog than piston design I should think. Smog specs for that 30 yr old engine are going to be fairly lenient and a fresh engine should be much cleaner than a friend's stock 3.0 with 200k that just past smog.