I just got off the phone with a dealer near me who said to make sure that "California Emissions" was NOT on the car I ordered.

I don't think it is, but why does this make a difference? Engine sound, horsepower?

 

That's up to the dealer ordering the car to make sure it is ordered correctly.

 

My question was: What effect does California Emissions have on car performance, if any? The responses I've found so far online say anything from 8 horsepower to none, not sure about torque.

 

I'm pretty sure it makes it WAY easier to sell in CA down the road.

 

There is no "California Only" power rating so technically there should be no power difference.

I guess until you get one of each and dyno test them back to back then we won't know for sure.

 

All cars sold in the USA made by the big 3 will pass California emissions BUT after you mod your car it may not. California does a visual, tailpipe and OBII port testing.

 

Yes
In the old days there was a difference.
The new Mustangs will all pass CA emissions, but if you don't get the cert you can't resell to most states.
There is no difference in the cars, only in the paperwork.
Don't screw yourself by getting a non-CA car.
There is no performance or sound difference.

 

thanks for the info!

 

Like Karman said, CA cars had 5 to 10 less horsepower (same car) in the old days. Now they don't lose any horsepower with CA emissions. There is a difference but i don't know what it is. I've noticed some 'Window Stickers' have CA emissions 'No Cost'. Some states require CA emissions, some don't. My state doesn't. The town i live in (Tennessee), we don't even have pollution smog test for our cars. In the past i've deleted my catalytic converters.