82SC with SSI -How to pass CA smog test

[911SPete]

I’ve installed SSI heat exchanges on my 82SC, I’m due for smog. How do I pass the visual chk? Any input would be appreciated.

[Solamar]

Either get lucky with an inexperienced tech, or swap back the stock exhaust.

I doubt you will pass the emissions test without a cat however...

[Reiver]

You prob won't pass either with that set up...

[Cory M]

Remove SSI's, install stock exhaust system with cat. Or move to a rural county that doesn't require testing...

[Rodney Nelson]

I had an SC with the exact same setup in AZ and I would reinstall the factory setup every 2 years. So I would buy two years worth of tags. However, in AZ now I guess if you get collector car insurance you can bypass testing now?

[kltarga72]

California collector car guys, you might want to think about finding another hobby soon...

https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/ecu-tunes-are-now-a-problem-in-california-and-may-fail-smog-tests/

https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/sema-working-with-california-to-make-sure-legal-tunes-dont-fail-smog-tests/

[Solamar]

Originally Posted by kltarga72

California collector car guys, you might want to think about finding another hobby soon...

https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/ecu-tunes-are-now-a-problem-in-california-and-may-fail-smog-tests/

https://www.musclecarsandtrucks.com/sema-working-with-california-to-make-sure-legal-tunes-dont-fail-smog-tests/

I believe most, maybe all, air cooled 911s are pre OBD. I don't see how they would have any idea what tune/chip we are running.

[FloydPink]

I love my ‘86, but all these smog rules make me want something pre-1976. But even then, who knows where we’ll be in 20 years.

[colingreene]

Originally Posted by Solamar

I believe most, maybe all, air cooled 911s are pre OBD. I don't see how they would have any idea what tune/chip we are running.

OBD2 happened in 1996
Obd1 was somewhere before
That in the 90s

[targa72e]

We have emissions testing in CO as well. I had a 78 SC with SSI's. For the 78 SC it is a two speed test. They test at idle and at a elevated RPM ( around 2K i think). I would us a wideband O2 meter and adjust the mixture a little leaner for emissions test and pass pretty easily (they give you a print out of test results and limits). There is so much stainless under the car that they just assumed there were cats. I also had a fake airpump (78's had airpump as well) that had a hose that disappeared into the engine bay so I would not fail visual from above.

john

[RarlyL8]

To be visually compliant in CA the OE heat exchangers must be retained as well as the cat. Also the cat must have the correct CARB numbers stamped into the body. To get SSI to pass visual would require they either not actually look at the system or not be thorough and also not check the CARB number.

[Jonny H]

Originally Posted by RarlyL8

To be visually compliant in CA the OE heat exchangers must be retained as well as the cat. Also the cat must have the correct CARB numbers stamped into the body. To get SSI to pass visual would require they either not actually look at the system or not be thorough and also not check the CARB number.

Is an aftermarket cat acceptable?

[917_Langheck]

You should be able to pass the Cat test with an original 49 state cat if the car was not originally an M03 California delivery vehicle - in other words, a federally recognized car.

You may have a sticker like this: https://teamspeed.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=135867&d=1501280065

I brought in a Federal emission car to CA with OEM cat without issue at smog check or DMV.

[996AE]

Originally Posted by Cory M

Remove SSI's, install stock exhaust system with cat. Or move to a rural county that doesn't require testing...

every two years in our socialist green new deal CA thats what i do.

Love the beach and the weather so I am still here.

All my buds have left. two to texas, one to fl and one to Id. I am the hold out not sure for how much longer though

[Quicksilver]

My take on the CA smog check was that it was a good opportunity to make sure that the exhaust nuts/studs never get locked up. Every 2 years the exhaust nuts get "exercised".

To make the swap truly easy you need the Elephant Racing Universal Crossover Pipe so you don't need to change any oil lines. It really makes the swap a quick "on and off".

[kltarga72]

I may be incorrect but when dealing with CA mandates and individuals involved with interpreting and inspecting different models and manufacturers, how many times do you have to return to the inspection station in order to comply with these stringent laws?

[lifeonmars]

There is no limit on attempts to pass smog

[87maniac]

I'd like to see what they provide to smog techs
to visually confirm original cats.

How does a young smog tech know what to look for?

I chuckle when they first open the engine lid,
and are amazed at the open engine and fan,
no plastic cladding to hide the engine.

[RarlyL8]

Is an aftermarket cat acceptable?

Technically no, that is why you have 48-state cats and CARB cats along with all those disclaimers saying "not legal for sale in CA". We spent a lot of time and money jumping through hoops to produce a performance cat that was legal to use in CA.

[Cory M]

Originally Posted by 87maniac

I'd like to see what they provide to smog techs
to visually confirm original cats.

How does a young smog tech know what to look for?

I chuckle when they first open the engine lid,
and are amazed at the open engine and fan,
no plastic cladding to hide the engine.

Typically they have images of the original smog equipment, evap system, etc. You aren't going to roll into a random smog station without a cat and pass the test.