Smog check help, so cal
 

so if, hypothetically, there were some alterations done on my SC (so post 1976), is there a shop in the LA area that might just look at the read outs as this car can pass the test itself. thanks (of course, this is a hypothetical question)

Depending on what has been removed/modified, it's quite possible that nearly any tech won't know what is missing. Obvious things like a CAT and EGR valves missing, or carbs instead of FI would get you, however. If the engine compartment looks stock and the exhaust system looks stock, you have a good chance of not being discovered. Visually, your engine needs to look unmodified.

Someone with an SC in Ca. needs to chime in here though. If they do catch you, you face a major obstacle in ever getting it legally certified. You need to be very specific in what alterations have been made so others can offer opinions on the likelihood you can pass the visual inspection.

Any smog shop should be able to test it without uploading the results. I did that on my mercedes before actually smogging it. They will charge you the same as a real test though.

It doesn't sound like it's an issue of it will pass or not, it's an issue of will a smog shop not do the test because of alterations to the motor.

Ask the shop to CHECK only, they can tell right away if it will pass or not.

OP, what hypothetical mods were made?

Yup, every two years I pay my shop extra to do a pre test to make she she passes.

40 pounds in the rear tires, change the oil, get her super hot with a ten mile run.

yes there is a place. its on lincoln in santa monica
the guy didnt even look under my car, very cool.
find it on yelp search SM for smog and its the one with tons of positive feedback
its in a car mini-mall of sorts. pm me if you need additional info on how to pass an SC

thx everyone…and yes running it hard beforehand helps….getting the pre test is fine, but it's more about the visual…hypothetically if it were missing a cat and air pump

My advice, and I'm probably in the minority here, is to fix it. You should talk to Marc Bixen at Red Line Service, 310-280-0700, and find out how big the problem really is. BTW; any shop in SoCal who might pass an illegal car is subject to loss of license, and a fine.

smogtips.com writes:

Fines and penalties associated with smog check fraud include:

For the consumer - A civil penalty of at least $150, but no more than $1,000, may be assessed to anyone who attempts to fraudulently obtain a smog check or inspection. This also applies to anyone who attempts to fraudulently obtain a vehicle repair or hardship waiver, or CAP assistance.

For the station owner - Fines and penalties for station owners can range between $5,000 to $250,000 depending on the amount of investigation time required by the Bureau of Automotive Repairs in order to bring up charges. Fines are almost always accompanied by the loss of the smog station's and smog technician's licenses. For less serious offenses, usually due to negligence or improper training, the first fine is $1000.00. Subsequent offenses double to $2000 and triple to $3000; and the requirement to attend training classes apply in each case.

In order for the Bureau of Automotive Repairs to ensure the best interest of the public, several times through out the year smog check stations are visited by undercover BAR agents.

I have a problem with the entire California smog program. 1976 and earlier Porsche cars are far dirtier than say the 3.2 cars yet they get a free pass. Just not a fair system. I have also talked to the BAR folks on the phone and they hate our cars. The guy gave me a lecture on how terrible and filthy our old P cars were!

+1 There is a reason for cats and I personally would feel $h1tty about not having it installed on my 86 in Los Angeles.