Cam = smog test failure

[Kevin T.]

I am about to order a cam and some valves springs/retainers and my dad is trying to convince me that with the cam, I wouldn't pass a smog test whenever I get my vehicle inspected. I have friends that do inspections and can get me a sticker without them inspecting it. Here in NC, I think cops are about to start carrying like a smog tester that goes on your exhaust and can tell if you are illegal. If that happens and they write you a ticket for "improper exhaust componets" is there anyway to keep them making you return your car to stock? I know a lot of parts claim the "50 state legal" thing but isn't it illegal in states like california to do anything to your car?

[AllTheGoodNamesAreGone]

tough one..

alot depends on how they test in your area.. with a 2000 car (or any 97+ car) here in MD they cehck it via error codes set by your pcm..

if they still use rollers/sniffers in your area you will probably still pas if the car is tuned well.. and you have a cat.. however.. there are no gaurentees..

"legal" and passing emmisions are two different things..

[Kevin T.]

Yeah, I remember someone talking about the error code thing around here too. I think as long as you don't have the dreaded "SES" light they can't hook up the sniffer. I know a lot of ricers around here get pulled and one cavalier with full exhaust had to take his exhaust off but he had it back on in like a month.

[AZ3.8Camaro]

Hey good news... I just went through emissions with my cam.
I had no SES light on, but I had just replaced an o2 sensor, so I had reset it right before going down the the test place, so it said I had to be put on the rollers.

Passed with FLYING colors, with no tuning or anything.

[Seppo Kaitainen]

I've never had a problem. ;)

I have a cam and not much for an exhaust. :D