Your suggestions on a California SMOG legal KA-T setup

[kimura]

Hello all,

I've tried to do my dudiligence on searching for this topic. But I believe that I can not just put together all the printed out forums I've done, since I'm looking to do a Smog-legal KA-T setup. No one has flat out said I have this set up and I passed my smog and I can put out this many WHP out. It's not out there, I've looked at other forums.

I'd like to keep it fairly simple in terms of theory or suggestions.

I'm trying to determine what are the possiblities for the KA while keeping it within the (strict) California standards of Smog control. Also, keep in mind that in respect of the lay persons mechanical ability or requirements should be mentioned. IE..person must remove turbo, Re- map ecu, take out fuel injectors ......

Basically setting up the KA-T and not having to due any extensive work to get it to pass. The Ideal senario would be to have a Daily driver/ Track or Drift car/ pass smog. I know this sounds pretty demanding, but within this community I'm positive that there is a solution to everyone here who needs to conform to this rules.

IF this topic has been covered please point me in the right direction. But remember I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for others like me who would venture in making this car the best possible car available for moddifications. Also please add any key words that you feel would make this a more search friendly topic.

Thank you.

[WDRacing]

Without a CARB certification number it won't be legal..no matter what the emmissions say.

WD

[kimura]

In terms of the turbo kit, this is what was on the Greddy website"CARB E.O. # D-397, D-397-3, D-397-7. Contact GReddy Performance Products, Inc. for details"

With that said would all parts need a CARB number? IE..cams or any other bolt on? I am assuming yes, but what about the motor? Is there some way to determine what piston to go with or how much over bore to go?

[virus77]

As fas as I know the greddy kit for the KA has still not been approved by CARB so there is currently no kit available that is legal. As far as pistons and such, they cant see inside your block anyways so it doesnt matter, as long as you can pass the sniffer and dont open your mouth and mention pistons you will be fine.

[fiznat]

I believe Greddy was working on getting their turbo kit CARB certified, but I havnt heard any news about it lately... Beyond an entire CARB-certified kit, I really dont think there is much you can do as far as putting together a CA legal KA-T. You may pass emissions in other states, but CARB is far too strict right now...

[turbo98_240sx]

is the car OBD2? that would make it alot harder to pass smog. I need to know the year of your car and also what kinda inspetion they have, Visual, do they put it on the rollers even if its OBD2. I guess what I need to know is the year of the car and the process that they put the car through to inspect it

[kimura]

Thank you all, these are all very great suggestions or questions. In terms of the Cars year, can you post something that is very broad or general. For example cars between the years 89-93 and so on? But to answer your question. I don't have one hear in the US. I did when I was stationed in Japan had a 94' Silvia but traded it for a 91' Skyline ( the Silvia was having too many problems and wouldn't pass inspection). I am however looking to purchase one, possibly the same year either a 94" or a 95".

Now for the inspection. To be honest I haven't had one in quite a while. I've had newer vehicles for some time now and I've always traded them in for a newer one. This time I'm looking to buy used and do some drifiting like in Japan.

[kimura]

I don't want to make this tread directed to me, but more so to those who will try and attempt this. I may not want to venture or tackle on making my car pass, If I could I'd just swap motors out as needed. But this isn't really about my needs but more so for those who like me could not find a post on the other forums to discuss or research this sernario.

Keep'em coming! I know there are more experienced members out there who could chime in.

[turbo98_240sx]

well a 94-95 would be OBD 1 and you would still have to pass the sniffer, Since I don't know anything about cali smog testing I wouldn't know if you get a visual inspection or something like that. You would need a CARB EO number if there is a visual inspection to the car. Without a Visual inspection you should be able to tune it down and pass, anyways I don't know enough to answer your question but I'm sure that someone out there can.

[mmatl16]

dude just pay under the table. its alot easier that way.

[kimura]

turbo98_240sx: Thanks for that info. I'm sure there is someone out there who does know.

So from my understanding if no visual is done, then you could maintain your setup, just have it "tuned" to meet or pass??? I guess this all would be possible if the setup wasn't too agressive to start with. I've read in other post that some would remove turbo's and what not's to get it to pass.

Also can someone tell us what their smog experience was like and in what area? I don't want to take away from this topic, but I feel as it is relevant.

[C-Kwik]

A visual is required in CA. A shop that fails to do this is breaking the law. I know of no CARB certified kits in CA, and based on how long the Greddy KA kit has been available with no word on CARB certs, I'd pretty much forget about it. Unless you are willing to deal out the cost of R&D, plus the testing fees to run it through the CARB certification program, there would be no other way to get it approved. And getting past this certification program is no easy task.

[kimura]

So in a nut shell, the only viable turbo kit out there is from Greddy, and it is probably not going to get CARB cert. At this point It seems to be a dead subject from my perspcetive. I realized that I don't have a large number of participants. So I assume that one no one has a set up or two they are and have no plans to attempt to pass legally.

So I guess the next question should be how do you prep your KA-T for smog? This of course should be a new topic.

[98s14inaz]

You are missing the point. The inspectors are trained to know what a stock engine bay looks like and what to look for. Even with a KA and a turbo bolted to it, there is no way it looks stock any longer and you will fail. No ands, ifs, or buts about it.

If it were me...I would do the KA-t and remove the turbo and $hit when emissions time comes around. Swap everything back to stock. Pass emissions, pay for two years, swap your turbo back in. Yeah it is a pain in the a$$ but that is the price you pay. CARB can suck it, suck it long and hard. Just look at my avatar...lol

[kimura]

98s14inaz: Thank you for clarifying that. It was my assumption that the visual was a look to determine the state of the car. If all parts were intact and that it is not a hazard.

Again I have not been to a smog test in a very long time, please forgive my ignorance.

mmatl16: I'm new to the Bay, so I don't obvious have the connections to do so. I'll have to hit you up later if you don't mind?