Bringing modded car into SoCal, issues?

Nomad

Member
Contributor
I know the CARB can be strict and so can the local ordinances.

Anyone think I'd have to worry about de-modding the following to register etc in CALI once I move?

Mazda Protege 5 with 17" rims, racing beat axel back and (future) Eibach pro kit springs?

Maxda Miata with Hard Dog double diagonal rollbar, JR cat-back exhaust, Flyin Miata springs (2" drop, much stiffer), KYB adjustable shocks, K&N cone on AFM, Konig helium rims and all emissions stuff untouched?

The real thing I'm thinking about is the lowered cars. I'd hate to have to undo that just to register and then re-do it.
I think the JR exhaust is CARB butit's really old and has no actual tags(could probably get JR to send me a CARB cert.)
 
i doubt you'll have any problems with those mods...i think that with lowering, your car must be at least a can of soda high off the ground, and the center of your headlights must be at a certain height off the ground (i forget how high, probably between 16"-30"). as long as you still have your OEM emissions control equipment, you'll be fine.
 
Hmmm, can of soda surely won't fit under the Miata. I'll check.
Good thing the headlights are pop-ups.
 
No need to worry about any of your mods, there is no visual inspection here at all, at least for suspension and such. You'll have to pass visual for the smog check so you might need the C.A.R.B. cert. for the headers, but that's it. As long as you pass the sniffer test you are fine. Just remember it's not done at idle it's done on a dyno under load.
As for the rims you only have to worry about that with the cops and as long as your rim is the first thing to touch the ground when you get a flat you are fine.
 
Cat backs are fine. Headers require the carb eo#. You need to put the stock airbox back on unless you have an intake with the eo#.
I don't think you would have any issues with the suspension as long as you can drive up on the rollers!
 
just be careful if you have a loud exhaust and some dark tint...for the most part the cops don't really care, but theres always a few out there that think otherwise...
 
look up appendix K on the CARB s website.
it will show ALL modifacations illegal.

If you have any specific questions,just PM me,I can answer any thing you need to know about Cali smog laws
 
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