Just wondering... haven't been able to find anything about this.

 

It would most likely be considered a replacement part and not subject to CARB certification since it has no effect on emissions. Same thing with axleback exhaust. Back in the dark ages of carburetors, air cleaners had thermostatically-controlled inlets so that they would inhale hot air at part throttle to aid in emissions control via improved fuel vaporization. Most performance air cleaners at that time were illegal. Then God gave us fuel injection and HAI (hot air induction) was banished.

 

Well installing a C&L cold air kit requires a tune for your car. If you modify your PCM in California you are not in compliance with emissions standards. The dealer won't even change your PCM for putting in 4:10 gears because of this. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Intakes need to be california air regulations board (C.A.R.B.) exempt. C&L as far as I know isn't. The few that are legal do not require a re-tune/flash, although I have heard the FFRP intake w/ reflash has been given CARB exempt status.

I would have preffered to get the JLT, which would have been cheaper too, but it's not legal either.

It's really stupid, as far as I know, and logically, I don't see how an intake itself would effect your emissions at all. But thats life in California.

 

I have the C&L Performance CAI on my '05 Mustang GT - it is not smog legal in CA because C&L didn't put it through the testing to obtain the CARB #. They didn't want to pay the cost. C&L will tell you if you ask them. It is probably not smog legal due to the fact the C&L CAI requires the PCM to be reflashed with new tuning parameters. I put it on my car anyway because I am betting that if I keep my car properly tuned with the proper A/F ratio it will likely pass the "sniff" test. The C&L makes an awesome performance improvement, BTW!!

 

I don't think that a K&N cold air kit or any other one that doesn't require a tune would be illegal. By illegal I mean not being able to pass a smog inspection.

 

Well all of this is good to know and interesting as well. Thanks for the replies everyone. There are many reasons I like living in California... and there are many reasons I don't

I have the C&L and just assumed it was good to go. I also have my stock airbox still so I guess if I ever do need to get it checked I could always go back to the stock tune and box.

C&L really should put this on their website... although I can see why they don't... it certainly would have given me pause.

 

If I read this correctly 2005 and newer cars in CA do not need a smog inspection until they are sold.

 

No, you just get a four-year exemption from the date of purchase. After that it's every two years.

I have a C&L and Xcal2, all I did was toss the stock air box into a garage cabinet - that way I can pull the CAI and reflash back to stock if/when needed. It's not that hard to re-mount the stock stuff.

Even if you get busted by the "sniffer" test all you do is replace your stock air box and tune and then go to a referee station to get clearance.

No big deal.

 

That is correct.


And although it is not CARB legal i would be willing to bet that it will pass the Sniffer Test. You would simply fail the visual and the OBDII Scan. The Smog Machine actually plugs into the OBDII port during the test and this may even pass not sure on that..

I myself went with the C&L and SCT and will simply swap the stock air ox in when the time comes for my first smog check. which will be in like 5-6 years.

Richard

 

What I read is that 05 and newer cars are treated like pre-1974 cars, ie. they are only inspected at time of sale. In any case switching back to the stock airbox and tune is so simple, that shouldn't dissuade anyone from getting whatever CAI they want. In my case my car is leased and the simple mods I've done are easily reversible and sellable. My lease will expire just in time for the next generation Mustang.

 

I wish that were true! I'd toss my catalytic converters in favor of straight exhaust in a heartbeat.

Not so in the People's Republic of California.

 

Not entirely true.
In some counties it is only change of ownership, Humboldt being one of them.
Since I don't plan on giving up my Stang I'm good.
And if the unforeseen happens, and I do get rid of it, I'll replace the stock intake, no problem.