California Smog rules

[guspech750]

So I would like to know.

How come an Eaton swapped or Trilogized Merc is super difficult to get passed in Cali?

How come I see all sorts of LS motored RX-7's or Miatas and other highly modded cars with Cali plates?

What's the deal with that?


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DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[fastblackmerc]

The vehicle has to meet CA smog rules.

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29.htm

If the manufacturer of a FA induction system doesn't get the state of CA to test & certify the system it can't legally be driven in Ca.

Link to the certification process:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onroad/cert/cert.php

[RF Overlord]

Because uncertified blowers may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

:shake:

[loud2004marquis]

Are those other hi powered vehicles that way from the factory?

[gdsqdcr]

You can modify and then have a smog referre sign you off the first time. They give you a sticker and then you smog regularly every two years after that.

[88LTDCV351]

I always heard it was more like places like Trilogy simply didn't want to spend the extra time and effort to buy a Cali EO number to allow it to pass smog. Not so much that the kit creates more smog than allowed.

[guspech750]

I understand the cerifications and high fees/taxes paid to the state for a product of kit to be accepted in Cali.

But what about LS motor swapped cars and trucks like Miatas, S-10's or Rangers with V-8 swaps. They all have Cali plates and are street driven.



If they can skirt through or legally do it. Why can't a Trilogy or Eatonized Merc do it? Even if it means greeting a plate that limits your milage?


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DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[bill64]

I was wondering about all of this because I live in massachusetts and we have cali emissions, Im thinking about keeping the merc stock and maybe getting a late model used shelby..if I can afford one. But I know guys that have to remove their tune before going for a inspection then re installing it after. pita!!

[DS650]

Just move to Fl we have no inspection or emissions test you can spew all the CO2 you want!:banana2:

[bill64]

Just move to Fl we have no inspection or emissions test you can spew all the CO2 you want!:banana2:
damm you guy's have it good !! :beer:

[RF Overlord]

But I know guys that have to remove their tune before going for a inspection then re installing it after. pita!!Only if their tune has the I/M monitors shut off. A tune with them left on is fine.

[Shaijack]

In LA all you need is $10.00 and tip the guy $5.00. The last 5 tags I got, the guy did not even look at the cars.

[ARodmarauder]

It's all about clean emissions. You can do an engine swap but it has to be the same year or newer. With that also you would need to apply all the smog parts that came stock with the year you did the swap with. It also depends on the referee that does the certification. Hopefully you don't get one that's an a**hole. I have one in my area who is really cool and he'll help you with getting what you need.

[HBTMD]

Here in The People's Republic of Kalifornia it is all about the money.

Just like guns. The manufacturer has to pay a large fee for Bureaucrats to test it and put it on a list.

Cars have to pass an emission test. :help:

Guns have to be dropped off of a 14 foot ladder and not accidently discharge. If you sell the same gun, but in a different color (ie blue steel and stainless steel) the manufacturer must pay two separate fees so both guns can be approved for sale. :mad2:

Common sense means nothing. It is really about the MONEY!! California is broke and the state government puts their hand into your pocket every chance they get. :eek:

[Granddaddy Marq]

Common sense means nothing.




"Common Sense" aint so common any more.

[Panther dude]

Is there a California approved super charger? Strange an Eaton wouldn't be acceptable, I'm in the market for one.

[Motorhead350]

Like life and like the alternative lyrics to the Dead Kennedys version of I Fought The Law... "The don't mean shtt if you have the right friends."

[ARodmarauder]

Is there a California approved super charger? Strange an Eaton wouldn't be acceptable, I'm in the market for one.


Vortech makes a carb e/o approved supercharger for the marauder. But for the price it seems like a last resort for us Californians.

[HBTMD]

There are no supercharger makers that have properly greased the palms of the CARB (California Air Resources Board) with enough cash to get their product approved for the Marauder. :bs:

Even if the exact same supercharger is approved for another vehicle (like a Mustang) it has to be tested on a Marauder by CARB and again paid for to be approved :puke:

California CARB laws suck big time!!!! :argue:

[guspech750]

But how do other guys get their rides licensed after building, modding and even engine swaps? I've seen late model cars with LSx motor swaps in all makes and models and they have California plates.


If there is a process of modding a car and having it checked and approved in California. Then what's so hard about getting a Merc with an Eaton on it approved?

Is the process really that bad and difficult to do?

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DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[gdsqdcr]

There are no supercharger makers that have properly greased the palms of the CARB (California Air Resources Board) with enough cash to get their product approved for the Marauder. :bs:

Even if the exact same supercharger is approved for another vehicle (like a Mustang) it has to be tested on a Marauder by CARB and again paid for to be approved :puke:

California CARB laws suck big time!!!! :argue:

There is one ... Either Vortech or Trilogy. I just dont recall which one it is.

[ctrlraven]

The motor installed in target vehicle must be newer than year of target vehicle, and smog as though it is in the car the motor was originally intended.

Here are the CA engine swap rules dumbed down.
1.) Same year engine or newer
2.) Same Fuel delivery system or newer
3.) All smog equipment required for the year/make/model engine.
4.) Exhaust system retained in the exact configuration as original factory installed.
5.) All fuel tank sensors or tank from the same year/make/model vehicle as engine. The installation of a donor tank may require inspection by DOT (Department of transportation) safety division ONLY if Referee tech feels it is unsafe. Any aftermarket tank must have an EO (Executive Order) number that corresponds to the year/make/model vehicle and or year/make/model of engine.
6.) Engine must pass smog requirements from the year/make/model engine and have functioning service lights on dash with diagnostic plug and NO computer code alarms.

[ARodmarauder]

What he said ^^^^^

In reality it's not hard to do, it's need to run low emissions and pass a visual.

[guspech750]

The motor installed in target vehicle must be newer than year of target vehicle, and smog as though it is in the car the motor was originally intended.

Here are the CA engine swap rules dumbed down.
1.) Same year engine or newer
2.) Same Fuel delivery system or newer
3.) All smog equipment required for the year/make/model engine.
4.) Exhaust system retained in the exact configuration as original factory installed.
5.) All fuel tank sensors or tank from the same year/make/model vehicle as engine. The installation of a donor tank may require inspection by DOT (Department of transportation) safety division ONLY if Referee tech feels it is unsafe. Any aftermarket tank must have an EO (Executive Order) number that corresponds to the year/make/model vehicle and or year/make/model of engine.
6.) Engine must pass smog requirements from the year/make/model engine and have functioning service lights on dash with diagnostic plug and NO computer code alarms.

Interesting.


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DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[ctrlraven]

What he said ^^^^^

In reality it's not hard to do, it's need to run low emissions and pass a visual.

That info almost applies to any state as far as engine replacement. A dealership or lets say an insurance company paying for an engine replacement will not approve an older year engine than what the vehicle is to be installed.

Now what someone does on their own dime is another story.

[fastblackmerc]

There is one ... Either Vortech or Trilogy. I just dont recall which one it is.

I believe it was Vortech.

[dohc324ci]

Vortech has a CARB EO#; all smog equipment must be in place then assessed by a state referee to approve. I am restoring all cats, going with cobra manifolds and an eaton on top....eventually.

[88LTDCV351]

Vortech is the only CARB legal choice in Cali. For Mercury Marauder Vortech supercharger the California CARB E.O. numbers are D-213-20, D-213-25, D-213-26, and D-213-27. The exemption documenations from here http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/devices/amquery.php) http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

[rsdunphy]

So today I went to get my 2004 smogged, the computer came up with "referee" and the test could not continue, anybody gone through this? I have to go to a local college and have some referee look at my marauder?!?!?! I passed smog two years ago and pass visual. The first question the technician asked is this a police vehicle. I guess my 'rauder has a history.

[RubberCtyRauder]

So today I went to get my 2004 smogged, the computer came up with "referee" and the test could not continue, anybody gone through this? I have to go to a local college and have some referee look at my marauder?!?!?! I passed smog two years ago and pass visual. The first question the technician asked is this a police vehicle. I guess my 'rauder has a history.

Do you have mods?

[rsdunphy]

Do you have mods?

Just california cold air induction approved

[decipha]

referee is due to having an sct tune on there. Be sure to tell him yea it is a police packaged vehicle otherwise your going to need to go to a ford dealership and have a stock cal flashed back to her.

sct tunes cannot pass emissions only tunerpro tunes

[gdsqdcr]

I have had a 'Zack 2.0' tune on my Marauder for the past 9 years. Each time I come up for smog, there has been no issues for me. I know mine has some idle RPM changes because of the UPD's, and I have the K&N CAI.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Just california cold air induction approved

Do you have a tune of any kind or stock programming?

[rsdunphy]

Here is what i got back after setting up appointment:

Hi RANDALL,
Thank you for contacting the State of California Smog Referee. We look forward to seeing you at the appointment. Remember to bring all required documents and any associated fees discussed during the scheduling process to your appointment.
Details are provided below. Attached are instructions and directions to the Referee facility on the community college campus.
Appointment Date: 2/10/2020
Appointment Time: 8:50 AM
Appointment length: 50 minutes
Services scheduled: Near Low Income Visible Smoke Waiver
Station Address: 900 Rancho San Diego Prkwy El Cajon, CA 92019
For further questions or to cancel/ reschedule, please call: 1-800-622-7733.

[Lowndex]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Chris at www.ADTR.net

ADTR has the only CA emission legal blower available (https://adtr.net/product/mercury-marauder/superchargers-mercury-marauder/adtr-marauder-street-supercharger-system/). Said blower actually shows up in CA STAR test computer.

[88LTDCV351]

I am surprised no one has mentioned Chris at www.ADTR.net (http://www.adtr.net/)

ADTR has the only CA emission legal blower available (https://adtr.net/product/mercury-marauder/superchargers-mercury-marauder/adtr-marauder-street-supercharger-system/). Said blower actually shows up in CA STAR test computer.

Do you mean Chris has his own EO number? https://ww3.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/devices/amquery.php Or are you referring to Vortech already has some EO numbers that apply to Ford 2003 Crown Vic/Grand Marquis/Town Car/Marauder?


Vortech is the only CARB legal choice in Cali. For Mercury Marauder Vortech supercharger the California CARB E.O. numbers are D-213-20, D-213-25, D-213-26, and D-213-27. The exemption documenations from here http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/devices/amquery.php) http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

[Lowndex]

I am stating ADTR sells one, CA legal blower. Other details are unknown to me. Contact Chris and ask him.

[rsdunphy]

So here is how it worked out, went to the "referee" (expected striped shirt gut with whistle :)), he informed me that there was a reprogram of the CPU, I knew that but I had been cleared 3 times before...., also informed me that the EGR tubing had been "modified". My VIN has 666 in it so ... evil car. I took the the marauder to Ford and they are re-flashing the CPU and doing some "legal" rewiring of the EGR tubing. I am totally stoked now that I have "legal' CA car. And I HAVE ALL receipts for work performed, including engine rebuild. She is appreciating as I live along. Hagerty has announced that the Marauders are appreciating much quicker than anticipated. My love of my life!! YOU WILL PRY THIS MARAUDER OUT OF MY DEAD COLD HANDS. On a Funnier note, I mentioned to my sister (motor head) that I want to be buried under a freeway with my hand glued to the steering wheel........... she said OK!

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I change my SCT tune back to stock well before Smog test.


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[Mr. Man]

Get a tune from Mo's Speed shop, sponsor here. He can set you up with a tune that can pass or give you a tune and a return to stock for inspections. Ask for Marty. Tell him MercuryMarauder.net sent you. :)

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

Any tune installed in Ca will not pass SMOG as of 7/26/2021.


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