SSI's on Calif SC.

[Drdogface]

I'm told that I can't legally run SSI's on an SC in Kalif.. First, is this true and if so, why. Is it a matter of passing the 'visual' or not being able to install Cats.

Second, do SSI's really provide a noticable difference in performance assuming you change to a good muffler system as well?

I do seem to have a 'friendly' smog guy so what say about all this.

Same question on changing CIS to carbs...not legal? Why?

[Dan in Pasadena]

It's not legal to run SSI's nor carbs in any car 1976 model year and newer (ask me how I know!). Having said that some guys are and have "friendly" smog guys that do not fail them. Whether you can find one is, well...... a matter of how hard you look$!

Yes, SSI's will improve your performance; various HP/TQ numbers are bantied about. DO a search here. Carbs? Performance improvement and much greater tolerance of an aggressive cam (over CIS) but your mileage will go in the toilet.

[aigel]

The emission from a catless flat six is far beyond what smog II in CA will let go through. In other states you may be fine but not here in CA. There is no legal way to install SSI on a car that needs to pass smog. You may get away with swapping back and forth between stock and SSI exhaust or adding a cat/muffler combo to the SSI to pass smog, however this still is illegal. Most old cars now have to go to "smog only" stations. They are strictly monitored by the state and their computers dial the DMV while you are being tested. I doubt you'll be able to wing something and I would not advocate that either ...

George

[DW SD]

You could run SSi's with some form of cat and CIS and likely pass the visual, since most of the smog jockeys don't know Porsche OEM exhaust by sight. Doing a clean install with SSi's and cats is another story. Of course, the tailpipe would have to be putting out clean enough exhaust to meet the specs. However, new cat(s) doewonders to clean up exhaust emissions. I don't think carbs would pass the visual. They don't run as clean, typically, either.

[Drdogface]

As it stands now, I can pass smog easily with a Fab Speed pre-muff which Looks like a cat...well kinda... and w/o my smog pump even hooked up. Damn smog Nazis in Kalif...;-) It SHOULD be all about the sniff...

[Joe Bob]

I ran them until I went to a 3.6.....most generic smog techs think they are dual cats. The 3.0 will pass the tailpipe test w/o a cat if the 02 sensor is good and the mix is leaned out.

Best to do a pretest and do the adjustment PRIOR to your official test.

Now MY experience is on a STATIC test....not the roller so there MAY be some variables with the more stringent test....

[aigel]

Originally posted by Drdogface
As it stands now, I can pass smog easily with a Fab Speed pre-muff which Looks like a cat...

Do you have SMOG 2? That's the treadmill test at 15 and 25 mph?

George

[Drdogface]

Never had that done ??? I've been to 'my guy' for a few times now and all he does is stick the probe up the pipe and test....maybe different RPM...I can't really recall. Never looks at anything. But...word seems to be that older cars are being sent to 'Test Only' stations these days. Mine is always way clear of the limits...i.e. very clean.