Are performance chips smog friendly?
 

I was wondering if any of you guys had been succesful passing smog in california with a performance chip.

I understand they are no meant to be, but I still would like to know if I should prepear to switch back before showing up at the smog station.

Thanks,

Ludovic

There are a couple of guys here with the SteveW chip who said they have passed the CA smog test. I guess you can do a search for "SteveW smog" and see what pops up.

I figure you just just have the CA 'Brown wire' connected when you get the smog check done though.


Here is a pic of underneath the drivers seat, with the mat flap pulled back. You can see the brown wires right up front. Some cars might have them pushed back behind those black cables, not sure.
http://mail.hudat.com/~moazam/CAJapanWires.jpg

My '86 has been chipped since 97 and never failed to pass a California smog check. In fact, it's cleaner than some newer vehicles I've smogged. It's a Weltmeister chip if I remember
correctly...

If you get a Steve W chip you get to keep your old chip, just in case. Although Steve W says his chips pass smog. I just had one of his chips installed and it runs great, don't need smog for another 18 months. Go to a pass or don't pay shop.

Not to change the subject, but my 88 was originally purchased new in CA by the PO. So I guess it was set up to meet CA smog requirements. So what is this "CA brown wire" and can/should I disconnect it living in Atlanta. I still have the stock chip.

Andrew

Does it really matter ... ;)

Not really, except when it's time to renew my registration!!!

Thanks for your feedback everyone.

Ludo I was just johin' ya - note the ;)

But really, living in California you should know that performance and smog legal should never be used in the same sentence.

Steve w chip brown wire disconected, passed with flying colors

No worries, Mr9146. I was also joking.

Pardon my ignorance, but what is this brown wire
again???

Welmiester chip, just passed last month with flying colors.

Yeah, but can you pass with a chip AND a pre-muff?

Even better, I passed with a chip and SSI's.

Get the hell outta here. Are you serious? Damn. I guess I will see what happens when I take it in this summer...if I fail, I will put the CAT back on and try again.