98 S70 N/A: What does California Emissions mean?

[theWIFES_S70]

First of all, keep the "nocturnal emissions" jokes to a minimum!

But in all seriousness, what does this mean?

I know you can't buy non-California catalytic converters and have them shipped to NY, but are you allowed to install a non-California catalytic converter in a car that is registered in, say, NJ? I've never seen an inspector here in NYC even look at the catalytic converter... How would the computer know what catalytic converter you're using? The only way the car "communicates" with the exhaust is through the 02 sensors...

The Bosal Catalytic converter that fits my car is a whole $100 more if it's California-compliant...

[abscate]

Short version.

In CA they do " smog checks" which is a 2 year inspection on top of the annual inspection where the car emissions are actually tested at idle and at low speed. The first part of the inspection is a visual inspection for non-approved parts.

And, that is where your question is answered. If you Put a non-approved part on, you automatically fail smog.

[theWIFES_S70]

If you Put a non-approved part on, you automatically fail smog.

So, the smog reader, say in California or in NYC, will read more "smog" coming from my car and I'll fail?

Man, there really is no way to win at these things... Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it. This is my "big" project come late spring/summer. Was hoping to save a few bucks... (Especially since I can have parts shipped to NJ...)

On the plus side, at least this stuff doesn't mess with our engines...

[abscate]

Not quite. Your car will pass the smog test ( i.e., the actual reading of emissions values put out the pipe ) just fine.

But in CA , at least, the inspector first visually inspects your car for non-conforming parts and the cat is on the most wanted list for inspection.

I don't think we emission test here in NY any more..we don't upstate for certain. Do you " tailpipe sniff" down there Marco?