Overhaulin'

what are californias rules on modified cars?

hi their i bought a new car and want to start tuning my car. I want to do it right and safe so i want to know what the basic rules are for modifing my car in california. i plan on just adding a intake system, an exhaust system, a throttle body, and a ecu. I want to know whats legal and if so what are the reguirements. this would help me out so much. thank you

Public Comments

1. Most aftermarket part manufacturers have to deal with the California Air Research Board (CARB) to get their products approved for sale in California. All items that have been approved will have a CARB Executive Order # that basically says it is legal to have on your vehicle. Any product will specifically say whether or not it is smog legal. Adding an intake (I am assuming a Cold Air Intake), exhaust (as long as you don't alter the catalytic converters or any emissions-related sensors), and throttle body will, under most circumstances, be perfectly legal to do to any vehicle. Altering the computer, however, might not be. Once again, it depends. If there is a chip for the computer or some kind of tuner, it will explicitly say whether or not it is smog legal. Some are, and some aren't. However, keep this in mind: When you get a smog check in California, Smog Check stations are SUPPOSED to (they don't always but don't assume they won't) connect their machine to the diagnostic port of your vehicle to scan for any error codes or problems that could affect your vehicle's emissions system. If an ECU has been altered or is replaced and they try to scan the diagnostic port, you may run into trouble. The ECU sends identifying information to the Smog Station's computer, and if doesn't match what the car is supposed to be for that year/make/model, you will not pass.