California Smog

[bdi_fc]

I've already posted two threads here, so you probably already know I'm researching my DOHC options. I've searched both here and the Yahoo! groups thread, but still haven't gotten a clear, 1st-person answer about California Smog.

I found this website about swaps in California Chevy's: http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Che..._V-8_Smog.html

The site above explains the referee process in detail with pictures.

Focus: Have you passed the California Smog Check with your S50 or S52 swap? How did it go? Was it legitimate or "friendly"? How much of the original Smog equipment did you have?

Thanks in advance!

[devonjordan]

I dont know much, but i was told...with my upcoming M50 swap, that there is someone you can take the car too and notify them that you changed the engine. They then write something that says, "if you pass smog your good to go."

Obviously this is dummed down, but thats what i have been told by my mech.

[trent]

I have done this process once, and am currently going through it again. Later tonight I can post what to do, but it is easy.

[trent]

I can post a little more. You have to run all the correct smog equiptment, which isn't much on an M5X. Basically just the charcol canister.

You must realize converting a OBDII engine to OBDI is technically illegal. You must tell the referee the engine is either a 2.5 or 3.0 when smog time comes.

Bascally, the process is simple. Install the engine, make sure you have a good cat, and charcol canister hooked up. Call up the Referee (800) 622-7733 and make an appointment at your local station.

Take the car, make sure the cat is good and hot, and they will smog it just like a normal smog. They will ask you what engine you used. Do not say 3.2/2.8 OBD1 conversion. If the car passes, you get the sticker that says you are legit. If you do not pass, you just repair what is needed (my car just failed with very high HC and NOX) and go back. They are always helpful as they like seeing newer, cleaner engines in older cars. Remember, this is a state funded program, they want cars to pass. If you have any other quesitons ask, if i remember anything else I can post.

Once you get the Referee sticker, you are free to get smogged at ANY smog place the next times around. :)

TTT

[hugh jass]

thanks for the write up. i'm going down this road and its helpful to hear that it isn't a big deal.

[trent]

thanks for the write up. i'm going down this road and its helpful to hear that it isn't a big deal.

It isn't that big of deal at all. I just consider it just a time consuming annoying smog. :)

[hugh jass]

It isn't that big of deal at all. I just consider it just a time consuming annoying smog. :)

what did you do for an intake? just a cone filter?

[bdi_fc]

Thanks for the responses guys, especially trent.

Now I feel much more comfortable doing the S52 OBDI swap.

[trent]

what did you do for an intake? just a cone filter?

Yes, there is a clause that says an open air intake is fine with a swap. In all stupidity for the state laws and "illegal intake systems", hot air is better for emissions (why do you think the E36 has that "heater" in the air box). So for them, this becomes a non-issue.

The S52 OBD1 is fine as long as you smog the car as a 95 M3 engine :)

I smog my engine as a 1995 M3. :)

[BimmerToad]

I smog my engine as a 1995 M3. :)

As did I, and I passed. My 2.8 M52 w/ S52 cams is a 3.0L 95 M3 engine to the state of California.

[cahomey]

Luckily my car was smogged this year with the m20.

It's nice to know It won't be a big deal next year.







Lets just hope I don't get pulled over before that.:giggle:

[Jason89i]

(why do you think the E36 has that "heater" in the air box). ........:)

actually, its not a heater. its a thermostat. when there is warm air in the air box, the thermostat is closed and does not heat the t-body. when there is very cold air in the air box, it opens and heats the t-body.

bmw tries to keep cold air entering the engine, but the t-body heating is to prevent frost from what i understand.

cheers, jason

[trent]

actually, its not a heater. its a thermostat. when there is warm air in the air box, the thermostat is closed and does not heat the t-body. when there is very cold air in the air box, it opens and heats the t-body.

bmw tries to keep cold air entering the engine, but the t-body heating is to prevent frost from what i understand.

cheers, jason

I think you are correct. Very smart on BMW's part. I just removed mine all together. Do not need one in my climate. :)

[trent]

I went again to the Referee today and failed again. Still high on HC. Not quite sure what the problem is, but will figure it out. They were very cool, ran the car 4 times to get it to pass since it was so close!!!!

[MR 325]

Very cool to know I can actually do a legit smog, even with an S50 swap. A bit different than the turbo car, eh? :)