Stage 1 Did not Pass California Smog Test

[nitrouspt]

I have a 2003 Turbo, with Stage 1. It did not pass the California smog test. I think it must be because of the Stage 1 computer, and now have to put back the original ECU and try it again and hope it does not fail a second time. This is the first time I have had to have a smog certificate, as in California, you are exempt from the Smog for first six years of ownership. I was wondering if anyone else has failed California Smog test with a Stage 1?

[soonercruiser]

(Not enough smog for LA?)
Never heard of such a thing. Must be another CAL trick like increasing taxes on breathing!

[PT_Cuda]

Originally Posted by nitrouspt

I have a 2003 Turbo, with Stage 1. It did not pass the California smog test. I think it must be because of the Stage 1 computer, and now have to put back the original ECU and try it again and hope it does not fail a second time. This is the first time I have had to have a smog certificate, as in California, you are exempt from the Smog for first six years of ownership. I was wondering if anyone else has failed California Smog test with a Stage 1?

Nope I did it with an S1+ a bunch of other visual stuff.. You need to find a mod friendly shop not a Quicky smog place they don't have room for anything "not exaclty OEM"..

Mine was an 03GT 5-speed bought in Oregon and had to be tested to register it in CA.. Passed with flying colors, guys did look and pick out everything not stock but since everything was hooked up and not bypassing anything they let on the sniffer = passed. This would have not worked at a "quicky smog" place..

They have no way of knowing you have an S1 computer on the car the stickers are on the back and you can't even find the computer for all the stuff in front of it..

[Turbo Tommy]

what was the reason for failure? was it the emmissions numbers or the kit on visual? smog nazi's suck. I had a truck fail once because although the emissions side was fine, the harmonic balancer slipped and made the timing appear off...

[slartyblarfast]

GOD I am glad I live in a non emissions county in Texas! I would be a clock tower sniper if I had to put up with all that crap! In my opinion the only thing that should matter is what comes out of the tailpipe! Back when I worked for Hyundai one of the tech people told me that on a dirty day in LA that the exhaust coming out of the car was actually cleaner than the air going in! That's what you get for living in a HOLE!

[Chromenut]

If you do go back to your original PCM, make sure you idle the car for a few minutes and drive it at least for 15 before going for the test, to let it relearn and make adjustments.