996x50

Hello all,

How do the California-based tuner shops that build mega-HP Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Ford Mustangs, Porsches, etc, get their creations to pass the very strict California state smog check? Specifically, how do they get the cars to pass the *visual* portion of the check? Just pop open the hood or engine decklid of any of the modified cars mentioned above and it is *very* clear to the smog technician that they are not looking at a stock engine here; they're staring at shiny, full carbon fiber air intakes, blow-off valves, various vacuum lines that shouldn't be there, etc. How in the heck does a car like that get a *pass* on the visual inspection alone? Then with stuff like 200-cell high-flow catalytic converters and modified, high-flow mufflers, how do the cars pass the tailpipe emissions test?

Thank you in advance for any answers or insight into how they do it.

timothythewhite

It depends if its a new car, under 5 years old I believe, it doesn't need to be smogged so they can drive it around without to much hassle. You can still get tickets for excess unsafe modifications but only when pulled over. There are also HIGHLY expensive C.A.R.B. certified parts that pass the smog emissions, AKA how Saleen can produce 700hp "stock" mustangs here. After the 5 years most people do shady things which I do not recommend. Also any Pre-1975 car does not need to be smogged so Emory or other hot-rodders could put whatever he would like in their cars without to much trouble.

Byprodriver

Saleen is a manufacturer so every vehicle he makes and sells when new is stock & CARB certified.