California smog laws and Euro '85 911

goofycarp · 11-01-2004, 12:37 PM

Hi, I am seriously considering a purchase of a "Euro" 1985 911 that was "Federalized" when brought into the country from Germany. Unfortunately, living in the great State of California causes grave concern about buying this one and the nature of the smog laws here. Any sage advise as to whether this car will meet muster with smog laws and legally register it , being "Federalized" or is it not in the cards? Thanks, as I don't want to buy a 911 that I can't drive.
Cort Chambers.

TerryH · TerryH's Garage

Where does the car reside now? If it's in Ca., the owner is required to pass smog with it before any sale. Does it have a cat and o2 sensor? These cars are pretty good if stock. Make a smog pretest part of your PPI is you think it's questionable.

Eagledriver · 11-01-2004, 02:43 PM

Just don't buy it! Get yourself a nice US Carrera instead. Euro cars tend to rust, you often can't tell the milage because the speedometer has been changed, and the engine has 10.3 compression ratio. In California you'll only be able to get 91 octane and so there is a good chance you'll damage your engine if you drive it hard.

-Andy

rrpjr · 11-01-2004, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Euro cars tend to rust, you often can't tell the milage because the speedometer has been changed, and the engine has 10.3 compression ratio. In California you'll only be able to get 91 octane and so there is a good chance you'll damage your engine if you drive it hard.

I don't agree. The body shell is the same and there is no special reason a Euro car will rust. As for mileage, this is not an issue pertaining to the car's manufacturing status or standards but, like every car, the seller's ability to prove bonafide car credentials. Octane concerns are the same for every Porsche. There are hundreds of Euro Porsches driven every day in California using 91 octane without any problem whatsoever. The Euro Carrera also features H4 headlights and approximately 20 more horsepower. If the car was legitimately "federalized" and has been driven, titled, registered and smogged in California and passes your PPI, I can see no reason not to purchase it.