California legal supercharger kits?

[plan-b]

So I've spent the past hour researching supercharger kits that are CARB legal. I've managed to locate EO numbers for 3 kits so far: Magnuson, Whipple and Edelbrock. I've found a bunch of blogs & forum postings saying that Kenne Bell's kit passed CARB cert as of January 2011 but can't find the EO for it. I know this is California but even this state can't really take 8 months to issue an EO number. Or can it?

Anyone know if Vortech or Procharger ever submitted to testing for our cars?

EO: D-215-73
EO Date: 10/1/2010
Manufacturer Name: Edelbrock Corporation
Device: E-Force Supercharger Kit
Part Number: 1597 and 1598

EO: D-231-32
EO Date: 5/20/2010
Manufacturer Name: Whipple Industries, Inc.
Device: Whipple Supercharger

EO: D-488-15
EO Date: 8/26/2009*
Manufacturer Name: Magnuson Products, Inc.
Device: I.F.D Supercharger Kit
(* EO assigned in '09 but Exhibit A for vehicles list the 5th gen Camaro)

[2010SSRSM6]

Turbonetics single turbo system is C.A.R.B approved. Not positive on the vortec, maybe matt or one of the guys can comment on that one.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by 2010SSRSM6

Turbonetics single turbo system is C.A.R.B approved. Not positive on the vortec, maybe matt or one of the guys can comment on that one.

None of the centrifugals, unless there's a kit I haven't seen (which is possible), will obtain CARB-exemption because they don't use the OEM airbox. That is one of the main problems is the compressors are placed in near the same location as the airbox. That would be fine if they relocate them, like the Turbonetics and KB kits do, however, the carbon trap in the OEM airbox must still serve the same functionality as it does in the OEM configuration. Unless any of the centrifugals start using the OEM airbox, relocated or not, they will not acquire exemption.

I know I've seen the number for KB somewhere, however, if it's not on CARB's website, and you get pulled over and get a ticket for non-CARB-expempt parts, the CARB-inspector will always go to their list, and if it's not listed, you don't pass the visual.

[Revolution]

Originally Posted by radz28

None of the centrifugals, unless there's a kit I haven't seen (which is possible), will obtain CARB-exemption because they don't use the OEM airbox. That is one of the main problems is the compressors are placed in near the same location as the airbox. That would be fine if they relocate them, like the Turbonetics and KB kits do, however, the carbon trap in the OEM airbox must still serve the same functionality as it does in the OEM configuration. Unless any of the centrifugals start using the OEM airbox, relocated or not, they will not acquire exemption.

I know I've seen the number for KB somewhere, however, if it's not on CARB's website, and you get pulled over and get a ticket for non-CARB-expempt parts, the CARB-inspector will always go to their list, and if it's not listed, you don't pass the visual.

You beat me to it. There are ways to make the kit's re route to the factory air box only issue is both centrifugal companies abandoned it. Fortunately I don't live in California personally but I know it's a concern.

[yonson]

Originally Posted by plan-b

So I've spent the past hour researching supercharger kits that are CARB legal. I've managed to locate EO numbers for 3 kits so far: Magnuson, Whipple and Edelbrock. I've found a bunch of blogs & forum postings saying that Kenne Bell's kit passed CARB cert as of January 2011 but can't find the EO for it. I know this is California but even this state can't really take 8 months to issue an EO number. Or can it?

Anyone know if Vortech or Procharger ever submitted to testing for our cars?

EO: D-215-73
EO Date: 10/1/2010
Manufacturer Name: Edelbrock Corporation
Device: E-Force Supercharger Kit
Part Number: 1597 and 1598

EO: D-231-32
EO Date: 5/20/2010
Manufacturer Name: Whipple Industries, Inc.
Device: Whipple Supercharger

EO: D-488-15
EO Date: 8/26/2009*
Manufacturer Name: Magnuson Products, Inc.
Device: I.F.D Supercharger Kit
(* EO assigned in '09 but Exhibit A for vehicles list the 5th gen Camaro)

It most definitely can, such a PITA...

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Revolution

You beat me to it. There are ways to make the kit's re route to the factory air box only issue is both centrifugal companies abandoned it. Fortunately I don't live in California personally but I know it's a concern.

It's really unfortunate... I can understand saving some money or whatever, but I think there's a market they can't tap into, and as regulations get tighter, and the word spreads about how expensive these tickets for non-exempt parts can be, people are going to consider these solutions more and more. It's no worry but for a couple states for now...

Also, for you Californians - just because the manufacturer says it's legal, or uses the OEM airbox and trap, or doesn't move the cats' or anything, doesn't mean a smog ref' will pass it visually. Most of these guys are going to want visable, ATTACHED CARB-numbers for these parts and they have to match the make and model, so unless at least all of these conditions are met, you could be in for a little ride...

[S-eatin-grin]

No reason you couldn't make a tag for it in the engine bay so all the info is there. The e-force is warrantied with no headers or other mods so I'm thinking it would be the best one for folks in CA...you get around 500 rwhp, its legal and a warranty that you arn't tempted to void with other performance mods

[radz28]

Originally Posted by S-eatin-grin

No reason you couldn't make a tag for it in the engine bay so all the info is there. The e-force is warrantied with no headers or other mods so I'm thinking it would be the best one for folks in CA...you get around 500 rwhp, its legal and a warranty that you arn't tempted to void with other performance mods

As long as the ref' accepts it. From the few I've encountered through my legal issues, all have said unless it's affixed to the component, they won't accept it. These are CARB refs'. All these SC make about the same power at boost less than 9-10 psi if I remember correctly. I think the twin screws are making more because they were pushing 8-9 psi, constant, while the Maggy is a consistant 7 or-so. I thought I remembered the Edelbrocks starting around 7, too, but creeping to 8 or 9, but don't recall for sure. Magnuson has a warranty one can purchase, too. I'm not sure how comprehensive it is, but I'm sure it's similar. I haven't checked into Whipple or KB yet.

[Jon@MagnaCharger]

Our TVS2300 Supercharger has been consistently proven to be the most reliable supercharger on the market. Also, being that we are California-based we make sure that our systems have CARB numbers so that they can be legally enjoyed in all 50 states. We now also offer an incredible selection of powertrain warranties that cover $5000 on the engine, $1500 on the Trans, and $1500 on the rear end with no deductible. These warranties are offered in 3yr/36k mi, 5yr/60k mi, and 5yr/100k mi levels. Please feel free to give me a call at 805.642.8833 x255 if you have any questions and I'd be happy to refer you to your nearest Authorized Dealer.

[hypurone]

Originally Posted by Jon@MagnaCharger

Our TVS2300 Supercharger has been consistently proven to be the most reliable supercharger on the market. Also, being that we are California-based we make sure that our systems have CARB numbers so that they can be legally enjoyed in all 50 states. We now also offer an incredible selection of powertrain warranties that cover $5000 on the engine, $1500 on the Trans, and $1500 on the rear end with no deductible. These warranties are offered in 3yr/36k mi, 5yr/60k mi, and 5yr/100k mi levels. Please feel free to give me a call at 805.642.8833 x255 if you have any questions and I'd be happy to refer you to your nearest Authorized Dealer.

and is one of the primary reasons I bought one!

OP, you can look up the info on the CARB site and see it right there. So if any ?'s arise during a smog inspection you can have the guy look it up and match the CARB numbers on the decal with what is on the site... No-brainer at that point.

[radz28]

Originally Posted by hypurone

and is one of the primary reasons I bought one!

OP, you can look up the info on the CARB site and see it right there. So if any ?'s arise during a smog inspection you can have the guy look it up and match the CARB numbers on the decal with what is on the site... No-brainer at that point.

If you were talking to me, I'm telling you what BAR and local smog techs' told me. They want tags affixed to the products and stickers are not acceptable. I don't make the rules...

[Jon@MagnaCharger]

Originally Posted by radz28

If you were talking to me, I'm telling you what BAR and local smog techs' told me. They want tags affixed to the products and stickers are not acceptable. I don't make the rules...

You are exactly right , radz28. The CARB number must be affixed directly to the product. When you order our complete system your sticker is included with the tuner. You then remove the "For Off-Road Use Only" sticker from the bearing plate of the supercharger and replace it with your CARB#. Also if you ever encounter a smog shop that still has an issue with it you can always have them call us.

[plan-b]

The thing is I don't think there are many smog refs left, if any at all. My brother was doing some research on this and it seems like the budget crunch has axed that role. He drives a supercharged Miata (Jackson Racing blower that the two of us installed ourselves, it was a fun project). He looks into this every couple of years when his smog is due cause he worries that some smog tech out there won't accept his EO sticker and fail his visual. Without the refs, you're pretty screwed if that happens.

So I figured I'd start a thread gathering up all the blower kits that have assigned EO numbers but only managed to find the three. When I finally pull the trigger and do this, I wanna have as much backing on my side as I can to minimize smog headaches.

[plan-b]

Originally Posted by Jon@MagnaCharger

Also if you ever encounter a smog shop that still has an issue with it you can always have them call us.

Also, I was kind of leaning toward the Edelbrock, but this will probably change my mind.