A Corvette service shop here in San Diego just told me the Vararam does not need stickers to be smog legal, nor does any C.A.I., because the C.A.I. sytem is in front ot the MAF. That sounds like music to my ears, but is this true?

Thanks in advance.
RJ

 

Hmmmm
I just don't know about that Rita.
The smog check consists of a visual inspection as well, and I am pretty sure that any modification with the intake would not pass the visual.
As far as I know, any modification has to be C.A.R.B legal, and the number has to be displayed next to it. For example, the C.A.R.B. sticker I got when I purchased the Honker.

Ask the shop if this is the case, than why would Vararam go to the trouble, and time to apply for the C.A.R.B exempt sticker?

I could be wrong, but still a little leary of that statement.

Hopefully someone else here will have the answer.

 

Rita
I googled CALIFORNIA CARB EXEMPT, and found the following.

Can I legally replace an emissions sensitive part on my car with an aftermarket product?

In the state of California, it is not legal to replace an emissions sensitive device without the replacement part having an exemption from CARB. Although replacing a particular device might have no apparent effect on the emissions, and the car might even pass a tail pipe "smog-check", the replacement part is still not considered emissions legal. In many cases, the mandatory visual inspection of the vehicle prior to an official state required smog-check may result in immediate failure of the test if a non-exempt part is identified.

A part that has been issued a CARB exemption has been subjected to strict laboratory testing as required by CARB in order to demonstrate that the replacement part will not increase emissions. (These tests are NOT the same as the "smog check" test and often require "cold start" testing procedures in order to test the efficiency of the emissions system during the initial seconds of the start-up cycle.) A part that has successfully passed these tests will be appointed an Executive Order number and will be listed on the CARB website for reference. Every Executive Order part or modification has an assigned number that can be verified by Smog Check stations, BAR Referee stations, or by the ARB. This number should be displayed on or near the emissions sensitive part for reference by a smog check technician.

For a database listing of current exempt parts, visit:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php


What does it mean when an aftermarket product is advertised as "CARB Exempt" or "50 State Legal"?

Although a part may be advertised as "50 State Legal", this may be more of a marketing statement than reality. Unless an emissions sensitive part has been issued an Executive Order number by CARB, or an EPA exemption, the part is NOT legal for street use. Parts that are typically appointed CARB exemptions include: headers, air filter/intakes, turbo kits, and supercharger kits. Parts that are typically not eligible for a CARB exemption include, but are not limited to: OBD II replacement catalytic converters (as of early 2005, only a few 1997 and later OBD II catalytic converters have been granted an exemption), downpipes or headers that remove or relocate a catalytic converter, and performance carburetor kits. Contact the manufacturer of a product that you are considering purchasing for details regarding that specific component.

An exhaust system that is installed AFTER the catalytic converter is considered a "cat-back" system and is considered emissions legal. (Sound level restrictions may be an issue in your state, check with the exhaust manufacturer or you local authorities for more information.)

 

Golly, Rich!
Thank you so much. That is exactly what I need to know and am embarrassed that I didn't think to Google it first. I am not even going to get into a debate with this mechanic over this topic because he is obviously wrong.

Thanks so much for taking the time to look into this and reply. I will definitely continue to wait for my c.a.i. and will let everyone know when Vararam gets their stickers.

Again, thank you so, so much. Hope I can help you sometime.
Rita

 

You are very welcome Rita
Glad I could help out here in the forum once in awhile.

 

I know what you mean about helping out - I just posted something on Warranty Direct; you might want to check it out if you were considering them for an extended warranty.

Take care, Rita