Will A Twin-Plug Conversion Pass CA Visual Smog?
 

Reading about some experiences with California emissions testing makes me wonder - when it's time for my '89 3.2L to be rebuilt, will I be able to get away with doing a 3.4/3.5 twin-plug, if I keep the Motronic and stock HEs/cat/muffler?

I've always assumed the testers wouldn't detect the displacement change, and that if appropriately chipped the car would run clean enough to pass the tailpipe test, but of course you can't hide the extra distributor . . . would that alone fail the visual?

I spent an hour searching the CARB site but couldn't find anything saying how the ignition system was regulated.

If worst came to worst, could you replace the double distributor with the stock single, just to get through the test?

Call Andial in Santa Ana, CA they are experts on doing twin-plug conversions that pass smog

Re: Will A Twin-Plug Conversion Pass CA Visual Smog?
 

Ignition components are part of the visual inspection. I don't know to what extent, but I know Thom had to go to a ref for his 3.6 conversion because of the distributor. There was also a thread a few weeks ago about a guy failing because of a Permatune ignition (and the fact that the ref was a clueless ass-monkey).

Quote:

If worst came to worst, could you replace the double distributor with the stock single, just to get through the test?

Sure. You will have the plugs out to tune it up anyway, so swapping it is no big deal. Just baby it to and from the test. For an added level of security, you could buy an extra set of lower valve covers to hide the plugs.;)

Tom

I bet the twin plug mod would pass. Your car is new enough it is less likely to get diverted to a test only station. If all the appropriate emmissions gear is still in place then it will pass. If emissions gear is removed, like if I removed my exhaust gas recircualtion pump from the engine compartment, then they will catch it.

My sad story started with getting sent to a Test Only Station where they use a fine tooth comb and ended at a referee station where they can site chapter and verse from memory. A lot of my hassle came from having a non-original motor and no BAR sticker telling the emmissions tester about it, so the first test was done looking for a stock timing setting for a 2.7L which actually is 5deg ATDC. I have the sticker now, which clearly states that I need the EGR, pump, and cat to pass. If the rolling exemption gets terminated by the government, then it is very likely that I will be sent to a test only station every year! So sorry Wayne, I won't be buying those SSIs anytime soon.
Though I bet that the megasquirt would go unnoticed if everything else were left in place... hmmm...

John, ask around about a smog guy and find one you like and trust. That's not an oxymoron, so don't flame me!! I've been going to the same guy for years. He makes a lot of money off me, so before I do something to one of my vehicles, ie headers, duals, diff carb, I ask him if this will keep the car legal. He's got the books and the knowledge, and he tells me straight up. Try this approach and pretty soon most of your questions are easily answered.

Good luck, Brian