Cali smog & title problems!

[K5owner]

Originally Posted by Irish1941

CA smog laws aren't bad either. It is checked at vehicle model yr. '87 is checked at '87 levels. If in tune it will pass. It ain't hard...
You just need need to know how to beat them at their own game.
It's clowns that figure they can stuff a '72 BBC into a '87 K10 and get away with it. Or it was a diesel and now gas and you NEVER have to do smog again.

I agree that they aren't that bad put the problem I have found is many smog techs don't know how to properly inspect or test a vehicle. For example my 1986 K10 is a federal emissions vehicle that I replaced the original tired 350 with a GM goodwrench replacement engine. The smog tech failed me on the visual because the timing was at 14 degres instead of 4. However he didn't read the core support decal (which clearly states it is a federal emission vehicle so held to a different emissions standard then a CA emissions vehicle) and disconnect and plug the vacuum advance before he tested the timing. Also I have some edelbrock TES CARB legal headers on it (couldnt locate an uncracked set of factory manifolds) and he said they weren't legal. I showed him the CARB EO number stamped on the headers, the CARB EO decal with the exemption number on it and he still said no. I contested and took it to another shop where the older gentleman knew exactly how to test it correctly and it passed with flying colors. Also he said the headers were legal. I am a firm believer that once you find someone who knows what they are doing to stick with them as they will only not get to know you but more importantly know your vehicle.