Tonytheturbo

Hello 993 owners,
Newbie here for the first time and contemplating the purchase of a 1996 993 Cab. I've been away from Porsche's for awhile and I'm itching to get back in. Anyway, the car I'm looking at is in Texas and I'm unsure about the car passing the CA smog test. Does anyone have and experience with this issue? Thanks in advance for your help.

FisterD

I don't think anyone makes a CARB compliant supercharger.........so, I don't think you can get it to pass smog in Cali.

FLYT993

The "stock" cars were 50 state certified. But if you modify it (super or turbo charged) you run the risk of it failing. It's a calculated risk. I suppose you could research the CA emissions thresholds and smog the car in TX and see what values it produces and compare those to CA requirements. Just my .03. Good luck!

Joe S.

Even if it passes the emissions test, it won't pass the visual.

993_Pilot

... Just another reason to hate California !

mac993

993_Pilot- What does NV do for smog?

993_Pilot

It depends where you live. When I lived in Incline Village (at the Lake) No smog is required. Down in Reno, it's a different story... same county too, go figure. It isn't much better here than California, I just had to rant.

mac993

Thanks. Just courious as my famliy lives just outside Tahoe and I might make that move in the coming year. I'd always heard that NV was very loose in how it deals with smog.

David in LA

If you spend a bit of time searching you will find that this has been discussed many, many times (I had previously looked at doing this mod). Basically what Joe S. says is right on point...for a mod to technically pass California smog it has to be CARB compliant, which means it has to have a CARB sticker - no sticker, no pass. But that doesn't mean that a non-CARB compliant mod cannot pass the emissions test, and as long as you are not flagged during the visual inspection you can "pass" smog. For example, if you change the air filter to a K&N-type (or even run an open or drilled box) you can fail the visual inspection and hence fail smog, even if the filter had no impact on your emission levels. IMHO, if you are really set on doing this mod find a friendly smog shop or one who is unfamiliar with Porsche motors and you can probably "pass" the visual part of the inspection.

993_Pilot

In my experience, the visual inspection is very basic, and the "thoroughness" varies by station. HERE is some more info, HERE is a map for areas requiring smog testing, and HERE is a new resident guide. Give me a shout if you get out this way.

mac993

Jeff- Wow great info. Thanks.

Tonytheturbo

To everyone thank you for all the great feedback. I'm still on the fence as far as purchasing the car. I like the car so much I'm looking into the cost of converting it back. You guys are great and maybe if all goes well I might be able to join your exclusive (993) club.

America

A supercharged car will not pass the smog or visual test, but I found out not too many smog center know very much about Porsches. If they ask "is the engine a 12 cylinder" its a good bet you will pass with a supercharger. I believe they looking for aftermarket exhausts and to see if the cats are still installed. You don't want a loud exhaust is Cali.

Joe S.

When went for my smog check the guy asked if my Supercups were stock. I said it was a factory option.

FisterD

I had No Problem passing with Supercups , either. The guys don't know sh*t about Porsches. You should see them looking around the engine compartment for the proper smog goodies.....what a joke!