I've never understood this. As long as it passes the numbers with flying colors it should be fine! I’m all for the environmental reasons but to exclude things that make the car more efficient just are not justifiable. I think the only reason they do this is to stop the rice rocket kids form racing, or at least giving them a reason to stop them.

 

I'm with you on the whole, why do they do this? part. But honestly i think its there to try ans stop people from modifying their cars too much, this way the cop cars can keep up more easily. Plus its sort of a bragging right thing they have, just like the recycling centers in the bay area, they automatically sort the recycling, even though we have separate cans, its just something for them to brag about.

 

I haven't had to smog my '05 yet, but I am already thinking about it. I have an AFE CAI with the CARB sticker, so its legal. However, I wonder if having it on the car at smog time will cause the tech to look for other mods that may not be legal (Pulley)? I'm thinking a change back to stock will be the smarter way to go.

 

I wouldn't go back to stock yet. It seems if differs slightly with some inspection sites. I'm in the same boat as you and my gas station smog guy didn't care since he saw the readings were okay. If you go to a place that's not known to you, yea, it's possible.

Ask for some references up there. But let's assume you can't find a referral, I would ask the inspector what if I don't pass for any reason? Do I get to re-do the inspection or test readings? It should be posted and in writing, most places in CA offer the "pass or get re-tested free".

If the inspector notices your mods, so be it....go home, remove them to go back stock, go back and get re-tested for free, pass then, put the mods back on for another two years you're golden.

 

IMO it's a classic example of bureaucracy run amok. Initial goal is righteous and good. Sniffers provide an objective pass/fail. Anything after that is corrupted power. Why require CARB approval? If it passes, it passes, and by definition doesn't cause the car to pollute above accepted standards. All the approval stuff just allows bureaucrats to build empires at the expense of the public.
I had a supercharger on my '91 miata that passed smog just fine for 15 years. Then suddenly it 'didn't pass visual' (in spite of an EO order) because the company that originally sold it changed ownership several times via acquisitions.

 

It really depends on the tech. Mine passed fine with a Madness intake, but on other cars I've had techs pull out the magnifying glass looking for something wrong.

 

It is not that easy to return to stock on the pulley and I don't want to have to deal with another trip to the smog guy, free or not.

 

I have an 05 r53s that will have to be smogged in southern California for the first time. I have a blue Alta silicone hose, a red Alta filter and an aftermarket open top carbon fiber airbox in which the filter sits. I just emailed Alta to ask if I can get a hold of some CARB stickers to place on the set up to help prevent any visual inspection issues. Unfortunately, after my garage was broken into last year, I think my OEM airbox was stolen along with everything else that ended gone that night.

I'd like to hear from other soCal owners who have open CAI's and have gone through the smog test re: any problems they've had.

 

Mach, I have an extra stock box top I can send you for $10 shipped if you want.

 

the entire box or just the top? lemme check my garage tonight and see if i still have the oem box. if not, i'll get back to you. thanks - (love the comradery around here it's what makes this forum and mini ownership unique)

 

it is only the top, nothing else

 

well, prompt reply, but not good news:

(copied from my email)...

I'm sorry, our ALTA intakes aren't CARB approved, so we don't have those stickers. To pass smog, you will have to install the stock intake, or an aftermarket CARB approved intake.



Chris Cone
Tech Services
ALTA Performance™
AIM: altaperrinsales5
1-503-693-1702
www.altaminiperformance.com
Follow ALTA on Twitter

 

has anyone passed smog with the Alta intake ver2 with cover?
I could not find any pics of this intake with cover. Anyone have to share?
Only intake I found that is carb legal for my05 is AFE. Anyone have anything else besides AFE and JCW? I'm stuck. I want to upgrade my intake but don't know which route to go.