CA smog for out-of-state grey-market carrera

valenciacarrera · 11-10-2004, 09:50 AM

Hello,

I live in California and I just purchased a 1985 carrera from out-of-state. The car is grey-market vehicle that was brought up to US spec. in 1985. When I got the car, I smogged it right away and it passed without any problem. I went to DMV afterward thinking it's all down hill from here. However, CA DMV didn't quite know what to do with my situation and sent the paperwork up to Sacramento for a decision. Could anyone tell me what can I expect from DMV on the final decision? Is it going to be a simple matter of going to a referee station to get a bar code sticker or am I going to be raped by CARB/BAR?

scottb · 11-10-2004, 10:16 AM

Welcome to the board! Based on your name, I'm guessing you live in Valencia. I'm close by. You should get to know the guys at TRE for your maintenance.

As to your question, the first thing that comes to mind is whether the car has a catalytic converter. Does it...?

Hugh R · 11-10-2004, 10:22 AM

I'm in Newhall, so is another guy on the board. You need a cat, and a carbon canister at minimum. I have a grey market as well, and it passed smog, but was already registered in CA. What is the DMVs issue, that its from out of state? If that's all, it should be fine.

valenciacarrera · 11-10-2004, 10:45 AM

I am glad, I live among other Porsche folks. I would like to get to know all of you once my car become 'CA state legal'. I will make sure I'll get to know TRE folks. Aren't they in north hollywood area?

In any case, I guess, I wasn't clear on my problem. The car was brought up to FED standard when it was imported into US which means it has cat, carbon canister,etc. As matter of fact it passed smog test already with 'flying colors'. The problem is our frinedly CA DMV. When they entered VIN (with 'zzz') into their database, the computer pretty much gave up and said just send it up to Sacramento. As I study this forum, it seems like I need the car checked out by BAR or referee smog station. I want to know if anyone suffer though a similar problem and give me some pointers on cost, location of test etc.

scottb · 11-10-2004, 10:55 AM

TRE is in North Hollywood. Dave and the gang are a great bunch of guys.

Welcome!

Hugh R · 11-10-2004, 06:25 PM

I have a ZZZ car, but it was already registered with the State when I got it. You may need a visual inspection. Look into getting a Steve Wong chip. He brought my car pretty much back to ROW horsepower, it had a U.S. DME unit and a US car chip. Made a big, big improvement. Your welcome to try driving my car and comparing it to yours.

Hugh R · 11-10-2004, 06:34 PM

Hey Scott:

I got the subcooler in and it doesn't leak. Have to wait for the hot weather to see how it works.

rrpjr · 11-10-2004, 06:39 PM

I'm in LA and recently bought a ZZZ 84 Cab, also from California. As it had been titled and smogged for 20 years here, there was no problem in transfer. Only difference from US Porsches is that my title reads "Non-USA" , as yours will I presume. DMV should be very familiar with this, and as it passed smog there should be no problem.

valenciacarrera · 11-10-2004, 07:25 PM

Thank you for the support. Hugh, once my car becomes state legal, I would like to know more about all the improvements you've made. I would be most interested in knowing any cooling imporvements you've made since we live in such a hot climate.

Hugh R · 08:43 PM

Just put in an a/c system, it had an aftermarket piece of junk. New barrier hoses, four (count them 4) condensors, a real 911 evaporator and fan (had some Italian Opel thing), a subcooler and a month ago I was getting 38 degree air on the 5 freeway when it was 95 out. Also converted from R-12 to R134a.

Having said all that, if your a/c is working, but not cold, I know a guy here in Santa Clarita who charged a pound or two of 134a into his SC which runs R12 and he got very acceptable cool temps. You can buy cans of 134 at Walmart for $6.00 each.

PM me if you want to get together, but I'll be out of town until next weekend on business.