hey guys. sorry if this topic has been beaten to death but i can't seem to find a solid answer.

i'm just starting to mod my 03 mcs. i've installed my h-sport rear sway bar and now i'm looking into the 15% pulley and CAI. now, the smog guy who works next door to my job says i might run into complications with CARB and smog which got me scratching my head.

from what i've gathered so far, i have 2 options for the CAI. JCW or dinan. i like the sound that the alta produces but not sure if thats ok to have around here. am i really limited to those 2 choices when it comes to the CAI? hope you guys can help! thanks.

 

If I remember correctly a pre 2004 can use a K&N CARB certified system.
All first generation cars can use the Dinan or JCW.

Hope this helps...

 

Alta isn't carb legal, Dinan and JCW should be.

 

Put on whatever CAI you want, just keep the stock one for smog days. It is only a 20 minute changeout. Last year I had to do mine. It passed no problem with a 15% pulley and cat back exhaust. I just swapped out the stock intake for my CAI and switched back after the test.

Good Luck,
Mike

 

This is a bit old, but AFE intakes are also smog legal as they have an EO exemption number. You can check parts on the California state smog website main page (link on the left, search by manufacturer, ctrl+f for mini).

 

The CAI must have a CARB sticker to pass - I found out the hard way.