Rufus meets the smog man
05-19-2009, 07:04 PM
#1
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Rufus meets the smog man
I just got my Califonia DMV renewal, and this is the year for the smog certificate. I took Rufus to a local smog shop (recommended by a local Porsche shop), and 10 minutes later I was done... passed without a hiccup.
Of course, you don't put an AWD car on the rollers, but still, I am happy that this car is totally smog legal.
When I bought Rufus 4 years ago I had to go to a referee station because the readiness codes weren't set. By the time I drove there, they were set, and the car passed easily. Two years later, I had to take the car to a "Test Only Station", as Rufus was described as a "gross polluter". Again, he passed without a hitch. This time... a regular smog station. I still can't figure out that "gross polluter" designator.
Yehaw.
Of course, you don't put an AWD car on the rollers, but still, I am happy that this car is totally smog legal.
When I bought Rufus 4 years ago I had to go to a referee station because the readiness codes weren't set. By the time I drove there, they were set, and the car passed easily. Two years later, I had to take the car to a "Test Only Station", as Rufus was described as a "gross polluter". Again, he passed without a hitch. This time... a regular smog station. I still can't figure out that "gross polluter" designator.
Yehaw.
05-19-2009, 08:27 PM
#4
Race Car
Too funny Steve! I went to get my car inspected today too. I have to do it annually. Passed without drama. Ruf designs these cars to pass emissions all over the world!
05-20-2009, 07:43 AM
#5
Three Wheelin'
This was the thing I was most worried about when I brought my car back last year. No drama with the test then ... at least not with the NY version. Seem to remember Steve telling me that's the way it would be though. 
05-20-2009, 09:25 AM
#6
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Crystal Ball
Yet, but I see this in all of our futures.
And in some way, to get the clap traps off the road, I think the European approach to MOT inspections would be a good thing here in the US.
Because Gov involvement in things is always a good thing
for them.
And in some way, to get the clap traps off the road, I think the European approach to MOT inspections would be a good thing here in the US.
Because Gov involvement in things is always a good thing
for them.
05-20-2009, 11:00 AM
#7
Rennlist Member
I passed about a month ago. No problem. since it is awd they don't put it on a dyno and no obd2 hookup either....passed with flying colours
they are talking about abolishing the test here...waste of time and money
they are talking about abolishing the test here...waste of time and money
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05-20-2009, 12:59 PM
#10
Rennlist Member
Cool Steve.
I had to go to a "Test Only" deal this year also...
I got curious so I checked into it a bit. The gross polluter thing is tied to some Ca. legistlation that requires a certain % of cars to go through the process... which I SURE is tied to some kickbacks related to the industry that has the monopoly on manufacturing the test equipment that the "Test Only" stations must use... and the license fees for those "Test Only" stations... and so on.
Which all equates to a higher fee for Test Only certs... neat!
I had to go to a "Test Only" deal this year also...
I got curious so I checked into it a bit. The gross polluter thing is tied to some Ca. legistlation that requires a certain % of cars to go through the process... which I SURE is tied to some kickbacks related to the industry that has the monopoly on manufacturing the test equipment that the "Test Only" stations must use... and the license fees for those "Test Only" stations... and so on.
Which all equates to a higher fee for Test Only certs... neat!
05-20-2009, 01:22 PM
#11
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Does anyone know the criteria used to flag a vehicle for the Test Only designation? Is it vehicle age, past smog history, hp rating, zip code, tax bracket, car color?? I too was hit for Test Only when I renewed this past fall. Car passed with flying colors and from what I remember of the printout, the various amounts recorded during the sniff test were all way below the allowable limit in each category, both at idle and elevated RPM. Same as it has been on all previous tests.
Appears that the Test Only is designated to be every other test after the vehicle reaches a certain age.
Appears that the Test Only is designated to be every other test after the vehicle reaches a certain age.
05-20-2009, 01:29 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
05-20-2009, 10:38 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Does anyone know the criteria used to flag a vehicle for the Test Only designation? Is it vehicle age, past smog history, hp rating, zip code, tax bracket, car color?? I too was hit for Test Only when I renewed this past fall. Car passed with flying colors and from what I remember of the printout, the various amounts recorded during the sniff test were all way below the allowable limit in each category, both at idle and elevated RPM. Same as it has been on all previous tests.
Appears that the Test Only is designated to be every other test after the vehicle reaches a certain age.
Appears that the Test Only is designated to be every other test after the vehicle reaches a certain age.
Question: Why am I being sent to a Test-Only or Gold Shield station? My car has never failed Smog Check.
Answer: Your car was most likely selected by the High Emitter Profile. This means that even though it may never have failed before, it has been identified through a computer-based selection process as a vehicle which is more likely than others to be emitting unhealthy levels of harmful pollutants. Another possibility is that it was selected via a 2 % random selection for program evaluation purposes. In either case, your vehicle has been designated as a Directed Vehicle.
Taken from here:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResource...ns_Part_1.html
sure, rub it in...
05-21-2009, 03:20 PM
#15
I always wondered. I know mine rolls up and clears smog no prob w/130mm 100 cell cats...But Rufus has different cams and I was under the impression that's where the issue lies...apparently not! Steve, I'm guessing you don't have to do the new evap test? They plug some machine onto your gas tank for about 10 minutes...mine past that too....no prob...think it 95 & earlier cars...
