Noob Question: HKS parts and smog tests in California?

[onions]

Hey guys, i'm about to pull the trigger on some bolt ons: specifically the HKS Intercooler kit and the legamax exhaust. i also have my eye on a cold air intake later on down the line. Am I going to have any issues passing smog in California? This is my DD and I know i have a few more years before I have to worry about that, but I just want to know ift.

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[markie]

Hey guys, i'm about to pull the trigger on some bolt ons: specifically the HKS Intercooler kit and the legamax exhaust. i also have my eye on a cold air intake later on down the line. Am I going to have any issues passing smog in California? This is my DD and I know i have a few more years before I have to worry about that, but I just want to know ift.

Yes for the intake.
Intercooler does not need a SMOG verification I believe (someone can quote me if I’m wrong)
Exhaust you should pass, only have to worry about cops. Anything after the cutback doesn’t get smog. (Someone can quote me if I’m wrong on this too)

 

[onions]

that's a shame about the intake. a tune wouldn't help with that would it?

 

[Volksparts]

Yes for the intake.
Intercooler does not need a SMOG verification I believe (someone can quote me if I’m wrong)
Exhaust you should pass, only have to worry about cops. Anything after the cutback doesn’t get smog. (Someone can quote me if I’m wrong on this too)

You are correct, the only part that will have smog issues is the intake of those 3. I purposely run an intake with a carb sticker for that reason. Of course you could always just swap out the intake to stock when it's time to smog which is super easy. Now if a cop at some checkpoints ever does stop you to have you pop your hood that's another time you could have an issue with the intake. I know here in San Diego in the beach areas they would sometimes do that in the past on cars that appeared modified.

 

[markie]

You are correct, the only part that will have smog issues is the intake of those 3. I purposely run an intake with a carb sticker for that reason. Of course you could always just swap out the intake to stock when it's time to smog which is super easy. Now if a cop at some checkpoints ever does stop you to have you pop your hood that's another time you could have an issue with the intake. I know here in San Diego in the beach areas they would sometimes do that in the past on cars that appeared modified.

You could “kinda” get away with the PRL COBRA since the filter is super hidden haha

 

[san44]

GReddy’s intercoolers now come with CARB certification. I’m not sure either if it is needed, just wanted to add that information to this thread.

https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/devices/eo/d-397-12.pdf

 

[caLiCTR]

From my understanding, Smog on newer cars is all done via the OBDII port, some stations will do visuals while others solely rely on the data from the vehicle’s ECU. Another issue is that if you jailbreak your ECU, the data will show that it’s been modified and may be a cause not to pass.

 

[onions]

wait. another question that didn't occur to me until just now: with the intercooler and exhaust, i'm not going to need a tune or anything am i? i haven't pulled the trigger on a tuner yet.

 

[Josh May]

wait. another question that didn't occur to me until just now: with the intercooler and exhaust, i'm not going to need a tune or anything am i? i haven't pulled the trigger on a tuner yet.

You should either get a tune or Hondata for a base map with those parts

 

[san44]

wait. another question that didn't occur to me until just now: with the intercooler and exhaust, i'm not going to need a tune or anything am i? i haven't pulled the trigger on a tuner yet.

No, you won’t need a tune for the intercooler or catback exhausts to run correctly. Changes to the downpipe you’d need a tune to maximize gains and/or remove CEL’s.

 

[The Vyzitor]

Intercooler is subject to visual inspection in CA. Greddy has several intercoolers that are CARB legal.

Will the smog tech actually check the intercooler? Maybe, maybe not. But if he does, and it isn’t a CARB legal piece, it will fail inspection.

 

[DRUSA]

Intercooler changes do not need EO CARB certification on gasoline powered vehicles, intakes will need to be CARB legal as mentioned. Smogs model year 2000+ are performed using the OBD port AND with a visual inspection. Every vehicle gets a visual inspection, only difference is newer vehicle use the on-board diagnosis to evaluate the emissions vs. the old BAR97 drive on machines that take actual readings.

In all honesty, I've been looking closely at the TC and TCR series cars for inspiration. Factory race teams are not deviating much from stock, stock intercoolers, stock or near stock intakes. Most dyno comparisons I've seen show losses as well until you start going more heavily modded. Why make less power, cause more wear, and have to deal with smog/cops now?

 

[san44]

Why make less power, cause more wear, and have to deal with smog/cops now?

Because wooooshy sounds lol


On the real, I’m probably sticking to the stock intake for the reasons you stated, but boy those after market intakes produce such a loud satisfying sound. Definitely louder than an aftermarket panel filter.

 

[caLiCTR]

Based on Hondata’s intake test comparison, I’m sticking with my stock intake assembly, I only did a K&N drop-in filter. Plus I won’t have to worry if cops want to look under the hood.

 

[RBrackett]

maybe more in CA where you have to worry about it, deff not worth the headache with smog/cops.
i think the PRL intake was worth every penny for the spooly/whoooshy noises alone lol

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