California Emissions Question

[GotToGo]

I recently learned that mileage is not stored in the PCM.

Its in the cluster.

[myckee]

Originally Posted by GotToGo

I recently learned that mileage is not stored in the PCM.

Its in the cluster.

You mean the mileage shown in the odometer is independent to, and unaffected by, whatever mileage is stored in the PCM. The PCM does have a mileage counter, but on these old cars it is virtually meaningless and whatever the reading is, it's never shown on the odometer.

Here in Ontario, Canada, I forgot my Stage 1 installed and went to get my e-test. As soon as the guy plugged in the OBD2, it came up on the screen that the car was modified and not testable. I went home, got my stock computer, plugged it in, and it did eventually pass after that. I had 2 'not readys' and only allowed one. I came back after a couple of days and passed.

So at least around these parts, a Stage 1 will not pass.

[GotToGo]

Well, seeing as it was you that told me, what he said.

[SpaceMouse]

Originally Posted by mjb457

Ok that stinks---how are all those hot rods driving the streets of California...in PA a car driven under 5k miles exempt from Emissions ...hmmmm

Either pre-1970 (or did they change that to simply "more than 30 years old?), or the owner puts everything back to OEM before taking it in. They're incredibly strict about everything being as it came from the factory. Doesn't matter if it passes the tailpipe sniffer; it also has to be unmodified (or modified with CARB approved equipment). So some wiggle room for a handful of certain turbo or supercharger kits, etc.
I had a '99 Miata (the first year they were equipped with a heavy, restrictive, cast iron pre-cat). Turns out you could essentially bolt up the earlier tubular headers (factory equipment) and gain about 6 horsepower and have a smoother running, quicker revving engine. And since all the parts were factory pieces, the smog technician would open the hood and see stuff that looked OEM and check off the visual inspection. I got away with doing this, until they changed the system so that the smog technician puts in the vehicle's VIN number, and the computer displays a diagram of what's supposed to be under the hood. No more semi-legal fun!