[NorCalLT1]

hello everyone, i've been lurking around here a while. this is my first post and i was wondering if anyone has cammed their car and actually smogged it in CA? is a mild cam possible? i'm so limited in what i can do here and was just wondering if anyone has accomplished this feat or am i just being crazy here. thanks

[JDP Motorsports]

Originally Posted by NorCalLT1

hello everyone, i've been lurking around here a while. this is my first post and i was wondering if anyone has cammed their car and actually smogged it in CA? is a mild cam possible? i'm so limited in what i can do here and was just wondering if anyone has accomplished this feat or am i just being crazy here. thanks

Hi NorCalLT1,

Emissions testing is a slippery slope, and in a strict state like California it is definitely difficult to modify a vehicle, however it can still be done. If the car still has all of the factory components, manifolds, catalytic converters, etc. and none of the tuning has disabled any of the emissions system, the car should technically pass.

If the car does have aftermarket parts installed, they must have a CARB certification to go along with it. As an example, there are many aftermarket supercharger systems that will include tuning that are CARB certified as well.

With a mild camshaft you are not changing the location or operation of any emission components. As long as the car is properly tuned and all of your emissions monitors are complete you should be ok. At the end of the day, the smog technician still has the final say when it comes to passing or denying the car for any reason. So if you do plan on modifying your car you have to keep this in mind.

Kind regards,

Stephen Komlos
JDP Motorsports

[kropscamaro16]

i dont have a cam and my car is already illegal even with basic mods

[CrazyCatGuy]

I believe Edelbrock, Magnuson, Whipple and Procharger offer 50 state legal systems if you're looking for a decent bump in power legally. Personally I think I'm going with the Huron Speed TT kit, but that is not legal. Car won't need to be smogged until 2026 any way.

[ThirstyDave]

Just make some friends with the local car guys/clubs. They'll point you in the right direction when it's smog time.

[NorCalLT1]

thanks for responses guys. the possible cam swap would be the only thing i would do that isnt carb legal. everything else i would keep smog legal like exhaust and what not. but i figured theres no real way to tell if theres a cam swap, minus possibly more emissions and a choppy idle.