CA Smog - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

damiiaaannn · 08-15-2011, 02:22 AM

I want to upgrade my 2012 Camaro SS when I get it, but I still want it to pass Smog in CA. Will adding a CAI make it not pass smog? Cat-back exhaust? Headers?

DarkObsession · 08-15-2011, 02:24 AM

Any sort of mod is supposed to fail smog in CA unless it has the CARB exemption which I heard they aren't giving out anymore. You might be able to find a shop that lets some stuff slide but that is rare and - obviously - illegal.

That said, you won't have to smog a brand new car for a few years upon purchase so you could mod immediately and be ok for a while. Of course, this would probably void your warranty so it's really up to you.

Obzen · 08-15-2011, 09:44 AM

You have 6 years (on a new car) before you have to start doing bi annual smogs. However if you get pulled over before that they can still send you to the smog ref. Its rare but it does happen. I know people it has happened to and I know tons that it hasnt.

As stated above any aftermarket part that effects emissions has to be CARB legal and have a CARB number on it. You'll have to find the right parts if you want to stay legal.

I personally wouldnt think twice about putting on a CAI. Even if you run into any issues, its a 10 minute swap to put the stock box back on.

GB EB · 08-15-2011, 09:58 AM

I'm pretty sure you'll pass smog with CAI and exhaust upgrade.... until you add LT headers.

JohnInSoCal · 08-15-2011, 10:53 AM

it won't pass visual inspection but since it's a new car you don't have to get it done for 5 years I think. It might void your warranty depending on what you do. Just keep all the original parts so you can switch back for the test. I live in CA and put on a supercharger, LT headers and CAI but kept all the original parts so I can put it back. I may sell it before I need the first smog.

08-15-2011, 02:22 AM	#1
damiiaaannn Drives: Range Rover Supercharged, TSX Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Fresno CA Posts: 406	CA Smog I want to upgrade my 2012 Camaro SS when I get it, but I still want it to pass Smog in CA. Will adding a CAI make it not pass smog? Cat-back exhaust? Headers?

08-15-2011, 02:24 AM	#2
DarkObsession Drives: 2011 Camaro SS2/LS3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Jose Posts: 329	Any sort of mod is supposed to fail smog in CA unless it has the CARB exemption which I heard they aren't giving out anymore. You might be able to find a shop that lets some stuff slide but that is rare and - obviously - illegal. That said, you won't have to smog a brand new car for a few years upon purchase so you could mod immediately and be ok for a while. Of course, this would probably void your warranty so it's really up to you. __________________ 2011 Chevrolet Camaro SS2/LS3 - Pretty much bone stock (SLP SkipShift Eliminator, GTO clutch fluid reservoir mod) - 13.025 @ 110.492 MPH (12s?? ) 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (retired) - Cam, exhaust, CAI, 12 PSI, tune - 13.465 @ 101.04 MPH

08-15-2011, 09:58 AM	#4
GB EB Drives: 2014 Stingray 2LT/Z51 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NAS PENSACOLA, FL Posts: 2,375 View My Garage	I'm pretty sure you'll pass smog with CAI and exhaust upgrade.... until you add LT headers. __________________ *CAMARO5 CAMARO OF THE WEEK 3/21/11* *1ST PLACE - NAVAL STATION SAN DIEGO CAR SHOW 4/17/11* *PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD - SAN DIEGO FREEDOM FESTIVAL CAR SHOW 7/4/11* *TROPHY RECIPIENT - GREATEST SHOW ON TURF 9/11/11* *1ST PLACE MODERN MUSCLE - CORONADO SPEED FESTIVAL 9/23/11* *AWARD OF EXCELLENCE - GOOD GUYS DEL MAR FALL NATIONALS 11/27/11* *1ST PLACE / '82&UP CAMARO/FIREBIRD- FORT WALTON BEACH FF SHOW 2/16/13* BUILD THREAD: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120353

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08-15-2011, 09:44 AM	#3
Obzen Pull up Cougar! Drives: 2016 2SS Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,875	You have 6 years (on a new car) before you have to start doing bi annual smogs. However if you get pulled over before that they can still send you to the smog ref. Its rare but it does happen. I know people it has happened to and I know tons that it hasnt. As stated above any aftermarket part that effects emissions has to be CARB legal and have a CARB number on it. You'll have to find the right parts if you want to stay legal. I personally wouldnt think twice about putting on a CAI. Even if you run into any issues, its a 10 minute swap to put the stock box back on.

08-15-2011, 10:53 AM	#5
JohnInSoCal Drives: RJT L99 500HP Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 535	it won't pass visual inspection but since it's a new car you don't have to get it done for 5 years I think. It might void your warranty depending on what you do. Just keep all the original parts so you can switch back for the test. I live in CA and put on a supercharger, LT headers and CAI but kept all the original parts so I can put it back. I may sell it before I need the first smog.