Passing the CA smog test

[mejulihn]

As many owners of a later-model 914 can attest, getting these cars to pass smog requirements can be a challenge! In California '74-76 model years are still not exempt. I have a stock '76 with all factory emissions equipment that was originally a "49-state" car. In the early days of emissions control, California's standard was more restrictive than the Federal (or so-called "49-state") standard. For the 914, that meant no catalytic converter was required for new 914's sold outside California. Two years ago my car passed the biennial smog test with some careful tuning and a little voodoo magic, but not this time. My Porsche mechanic suggested that we add a "cat" and the tailpipe emissions were cleaned up immediately. Now DMV is happy and I am glad to be driving a cleaner air car.

[pbanders]

I'm surprised - are you saying that CA holds you to the CA '76 smog standard on a 49 state car (non-cat)? If so, like plenty of other smog laws, it's unfair. Non-cat cars can't get the CO down to the required level and be in runnable condition (yes, of course, you can for the purpose of the test lean it out, but it won't be very drivable).

[mejulihn]

Yes -- I believe the double standard in place when the car was manufactured no longer applies. Someone on this BB (maybe Mikez) is knowledgeable about the CA smog laws. Maybe he will weigh in on this discussion.