Importing 96’ C4 from Germany to California smog question
 

I found a 96 C4 in Germany, what smog equipment would I need to get it registered in California, is it worth it?

thanks!

Hi Cosmos,

I don't have a list of what must be done or components that must be added, but my guess is that it will be long and expensive. Having lived in California for many years (but now relocated) I can attest that smog inspection, even of a Porsche originally registered in CA, can be an ordeal. Everything is computerized and locked online with the State authorities, so no way to fudge in any way. If the car flunks, you get detoured into a quicksand hell of red tape and bureaucracy unequaled outside of France. There are many excellent 993s already smog-certified that are for sale in the US--look on bringatrailer.com-- maybe one of those will satisfy.

CA has laws that are very strict and details can be found @ DMV.CA.Gov. Unfortunately, they really kick in for importing model years after 1995. Now, I personally think your car will likely pass the CA emissions if all emission equipment is in place and working. With a C4 (I own a C4S) they can't put the car on a rolling dyno. They just do a visual inspection, rev the motor (Tailpipe emissions) and check for all the readiness monitors. You may want to check with Canepa in Scotts Valley for more insight.

After '96 I believe all manufacturers have met the same emissions standards world wide even in California if all equipment is present and functioning you should pass , the problem may arise with bumpers , lights and glass but this also may not cause a safety fail after 25 yrs..
Bert

A RoW 993 won't have SAI which only works for a minute or so on cold starts, It will be obviously missing in a visual inspection

As long as the car is older than 25 years, it can be imported without updating to DOT standards (age is determined by date of manufacture). With regard to emissions, as Bill stated a German/ROW ‘96 car does not have SAI and I don’t know whether it can realistically be retrofitted.

The external parts could be added but the heads have ports(here carbon fouled) which can't be replicated w/o total replacement

993 head w/ carbon clogged SAI port, this is the source of all the OBD2 issues w/ state inspections
https://forums.pelicanparts.com/uplo...1657919065.jpg

I'm sure the rules have changed but when I imported my '76 C3 I got an EPA waiver but had to comply w/ all the NHST regs