Need to Pass CA Smog Help

[Omidh44]

I just purchased my first Viper GTS 1998 from Texas. Should arrive in CA next week. The previous owner has made modification that has passed TX Smog with no issues, but I have no idea if it will pass in CA. Is there a Smog Testing location in So Cal that anyone would suggest I visit for the Smog and Visual? If I don't pass, any suggestions on what I should do next?

[99RT10]

Depends on what is wrong, oh, Kalifornia. Nothing wrong with the car, but that damn state. :D

Try to find a Viper friendly Smog station. GLWS

[Camfab]

Based on what you’ve stated, it sounds like your likely not a wrench. If it were me and I took a gamble on an out of state car that you’re uncertain of, I would go directly to a qualified Viper mechanic. SPT would be an excellent choice, and you’re lucky enough to be close to them. The last thing you want to do is take an unknown quantity and fail the test. Nothing like opening up a nightmare of costs.

[harley56]

As you know, those of us that live in California have very few engine mods we can do. Would help if you could list the mods done. Going straight to get it smogged is an option. They should be able to tell you if it passes visual, and, if so,then do the smog.

[mitchdob]

Where in SoCal are you located?

I purchased an Arizona GenII ACR in 2012 that passed AZ smog but failed miserably here in SoCal.

Dan at SPT is the man. He has since sorted the entire car (front to back/top to bottom) and smog is no issue now.

[Vprbite]

California will require stock, correct? Because IIRC, only one brand if headers are CARB approved for California and don't they do a visual inspection? Catback you will be fine I assume. Can't see it anyway and you shouldn't throw codes.

[Omidh44]

I will take the car toe SPT before taking it for smog. I've been in communications with Dan and he will replace parts to make it CA Legal. Unfortunately, I will have to spend more money to remove upgraded parts for stock items. Very disappointed. It's my first sports car purchase and a Viper at that so this is all new to me. I guess I learned my lesson and I'll know what not to do on any future car purchases out of state.

[mitchdob]

Good choice to go to SPT, though not sure what you'd have to remove?

At least in my case I'm running Belanger's (headers) and in order to prep for smog it meant adding (not removing):
- some welding in order to relocate and upgrade the 02 sensors
- adding high flow cats (I was cat-less).

We also added header heat shields, Inconel side sill heat shields and side sill vents.... but that was to help sort any heat issues (especially for the added cats) and not for smog. Then got the PCM reprogrammed to deal with the mods.

But either way you're in great hands as Dan is the best there is, a great/honest guy and knows what needs to be done.

Hope the info helps.

[98RedGTS]

I will take the car toe SPT before taking it for smog. I've been in communications with Dan and he will replace parts to make it CA Legal. Unfortunately, I will have to spend more money to remove upgraded parts for stock items. Very disappointed. It's my first sports car purchase and a Viper at that so this is all new to me. I guess I learned my lesson and I'll know what not to do on any future car purchases out of state.

Why are you doing all this? If it passed TX smog why are you already assuming it wont pass CA? You never mentioned the mods done (which was asked several times) but unless it's completely catless then it could pass CA with a good tune.

[ellowviper]

So true story on visual inspection....completely stock GEN-II GTS. Factory heat shields removed...tech would not pass visual due to "headers" being on the car. Idiot didn't know that they were the factory exhaust manifolds and since they were "headers' without a CARB sticker, he denied they were OEM. Oh boy. Couldn't pass this a$$-hats inspection (San Clemente Ca). Fast forward to another inspection facility...reinstalled heat shields on factory headers and passed visual no problem...since the tech could not see the manifolds I assume. Fast forward a few years for another visual with my Bellanger headers on. With the factory heat shields installed (to the extent you can make them work on Bellangers) passed visual. Moral of the story...if they look like headers without heat shields (OEM or not) may not pass visual...if the tech is an idiot. You CAN get aftermarket headers to pass visual if the OEM heat shields are on since they mask the appearance of headers and you may be able to plead stupid saying it came from the factory with these OEM headers w/heat shields....my experience that is.

[Omidh44]

Add ons . Ron Davis Radiator Front bumper cooling duct, GTS Radiator Hoses Red Fan Module Hurst Roll Control B&M short Throw shifter Stop Tech SST Brake Lines Frt & Rear Hennessey Headers Jet Hot Coated Borla SST Cat Back, Ballast 70mm Throttle botties, Hennessey Carbon Fiber Air box, DCX Calibrator 2

[Omidh44]

Speaking with Dan from SPT, he feels that the headers, throttle bodies and airbox are not legal in CA and will not pass Smog. He has not seen the vehicle yet and we're just making the assumption based on the items I listed from the previous owner.

Should I at lest attempt to pass Smog first? If I don't pass Smog, will I put myself in a bigger problem to overcome? If I just lose out on $35, I'm okay with that. I just don't want the car to be tagged with not passing smog.

[harley56]

Making an attempt at smogging will not cause you a "bigger problem to overcome", but will most likely be a waste of time and $35.

[Camfab]

Making an attempt at smogging will not cause you a "bigger problem to overcome", but will most likely be a waste of time and $35.

Not trying to start an argument, but this is not smart............

[Viperenvy]

If it hasn't been said, MOVE!

[harley56]

Not trying to start an argument, but this is not smart............

Not taking it as an argument, but interested as to why? I just recently had one of my Mustangs fail, did not send any red flags to CA DMV.

[JayR]

I just purchased my first Viper GTS 1998 from Texas. Should arrive in CA next week. The previous owner has made modification that has passed TX Smog with no issues, but I have no idea if it will pass in CA. Is there a Smog Testing location in So Cal that anyone would suggest I visit for the Smog and Visual? If I don't pass, any suggestions on what I should do next?

Miramar Test Only Center
7645 Carroll Rd.
San Diego, CA 92121

Passed my '94 for years until I moved away. Ask for Tan. Good luck.

[fishnfool]

Not taking it as an argument, but interested as to why? I just recently had one of my Mustangs fail, did not send any red flags to CA DMV.

FYI. I believe if your vehicle has failed a smog check in the past, it's highly possible that you will need to take your vehicle to a STAR smog station in the future. Especially a Viper. Like others said, take it to Dan and he'll do what needs to be done. Cover your headers with the heat shields. Airbox may not pass visual. Also, it will need to pass the sniffer test which may cause you some issues. Good luck and hope all works out!

[Boosted Motorsports]

FYI. I believe if your vehicle has failed a smog check in the past, it's highly possible that you will need to take your vehicle to a STAR smog station in the future. Especially a Viper. Like others said, take it to Dan and he'll do what needs to be done. Cover your headers with the heat shields. Airbox may not pass visual. Also, it will need to pass the sniffer test which may cause you some issues. Good luck and hope all works out!

No sniffer test on my 2000 here in socal. Was all done through the OBD-ll port. Probably would be the same for his 1998

[fishnfool]

No sniffer test on my 2000 here in socal. Was all done through the OBD-ll port. Probably would be the same for his 1998

Hi, I think the OBDII/visual inspection is for 2000 or after vehicles. If I'm not mistaken, sniffer test is required for 1999 or before.

[Coloviper]

Anyone who has never had to deal with the EPA BS on these Vipers in a state where they really test should just not respond. What Dan C, Camfab and others have expressed is exactly right. And Colorado is as bad as Cali and don't ask me how I know. They have gone to a new system which is visual, then just a plug in the computer (everything ODB-II so 1996 and up) , and a gas cap pressure test. You pass/fail on those. However if it is like my car which has no CEL, it can set all the IMs but not catalytic IM no matter how hard you try. You have to beg them to put it on the rollers and then test it. Mine passed at only 1/10th the limit amounts. The whole thing and process is a money grab bunch of BS.

As far as the mods with your list, only the Edelbrock Headers and KN-Filtercharger Stage II kit have the CARB approval and associated numbers for mods to be accepted on those older cars. Anything else anyone says and they are completely FOS. So Dan and team are correct. Doubt the Hennessey headers and airbox, throttle bodies, etc. won't pass. The EPA aspect with these Viper's may and will ruin any collectability they have in the future. It killed the new car and will be why it will struggle with the old into the future.

[fishnfool]

Anyone who has never had to deal with the EPA BS on these Vipers in a state where they really test should just not respond. What Dan C, Camfab and others have expressed is exactly right. And Colorado is as bad as Cali and don't ask me how I know. They have gone to a new system which is visual, then just a plug in the computer (everything ODB-II so 1996 and up) , and a gas cap pressure test. You pass/fail on those. However if it is like my car which has no CEL, it can set all the IMs but not catalytic IM no matter how hard you try. You have to beg them to put it on the rollers and then test it. Mine passed at only 1/10th the limit amounts. The whole thing and process is a money grab bunch of BS.

As far as the mods with your list, only the Edelbrock Headers and KN-Filtercharger Stage II kit have the CARB approval and associated numbers for mods to be accepted on those older cars. Anything else anyone says and they are completely FOS. So Dan and team are correct. Doubt the Hennessey headers and airbox, throttle bodies, etc. won't pass. The EPA aspect with these Viper's may and will ruin any collectability they have in the future. It killed the new car and will be why it will struggle with the old into the future.

Hi, if you were referring to my posts, sorry I should have been more clear. I reside in CA and have to deal with the EPA BS here. My comments were related to CA smog checks only. Thanks!

[Coloviper]

I did catch that!

[Camfab]

Colo, just one correction, Borla actually made a CARB compliant header as well. If I’m not mistaken, Dan Craigin had a hand in that as well.

[Coloviper]

Sorry, you are correct, Borla did as well.

[99RT10]

As far as the mods with your list, only the Edelbrock Headers and KN-Filtercharger Stage II kit have the CARB approval and associated numbers for mods to be accepted on those older cars. Anything else anyone says and they are completely FOS. So Dan and team are correct. Doubt the Hennessey headers and airbox, throttle bodies, etc. won't pass. The EPA aspect with these Viper's may and will ruin any collectability they have in the future. It killed the new car and will be why it will struggle with the old into the future.

If you want a set of Edelbrock headers, PM me. I have a set, still in the box.

[Coloviper]

If you want a set of Edelbrock headers, PM me. I have a set, still in the box.

OP might want them. I already have Edelbrocks on my car. Bought NIB a couple of years ago from a member here. I love mine!