What would make an SR20DET fail emissions? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

Killer Kane · 11-13-2002, 12:55 PM

I've read that the SR20DET has difficulty passing emissions tests (or that it won't).  Why is this so?  Besides a cat, what would help it to pass?

kazuo · 11-13-2002, 01:19 PM

Anything you do to it to "help it pass emissions" is totally irrelevant, because the engine is illegal to have in your car in the first place.

Please use the "Search" function; I'm sure this topic has been covered many many times.

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

Killer Kane · 11-13-2002, 04:06 PM

Thanks for the helpful insight and constructive outlook, shithead.

I'm not in CA, so it doesn't have to be CARB approved.  Maybe I should rephrase my question:
What will they do in a VA emissions inspection that might make my car fail?
Would 2 cats work better than one for beating a sniffer?

Thanks for looking at this post even though it has been asked in many different ways before.

Chew Slice · 11-13-2002, 04:33 PM

Hey Killer Kane, calm down, take a deep breath...No need to get so hostile.  The guy was directing you to use the search engine like many other will do also.  No one at Zilvia wants to see such negative attitudes.  Take it elsewhere but not here.  Try the search and if it doesnt work...then ask.  Im also wondering this except theres no visual inspection.  The only thing i need to know is if the SR's are DOT approved.

wpayne · 11-13-2002, 04:39 PM

Killer kane, Kazuo was simply telling you that the engine itself is illegal. You cannot help it pass smog because it's not a KA24 under your hood. You should be happy that he even replied to you, not call him a shithead.

Also, like he said, USE THE SEARCH. Seeing that you are new to this forum, I can understand that you may be unfamiliar with the search option. It might also be a good idea to try and be polite.

As for you question, the easiest thing you can do, and I'm sure many people will tell you this, is to find a place where you can get "hooked up".

Dousan_PG · 11-13-2002, 04:39 PM

the sr is not and wll not (most likely) be ever DOT appproved. the sr is an illegal engine in the united states.

as far as passing emmision. if you properly install/set up a sr20det in california using your cats and all, then you will pass emmissions. i've called around on this (such as mckinney) and foudn that.

modifications may be bringing trouble smog wise.

but the engine is illegal, in every state.

wpayne · 11-13-2002, 04:41 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The only thing i need to know is if the SR's are DOT approved. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Simply, no, not an SR20DET in a 240sx.

Chew Slice · 11-13-2002, 07:08 PM

If an SR isnt DOT approved and would be hard to pass emissions tests, than would a turboed KA pass??  I live in Vancouver so there's no visual inspection except to see if theres a Cat.

mbmbmb23 · 11-13-2002, 08:16 PM

Because when you turbo the KA, you most likely reprogram the fuel map in the car's computer...and this will make you use more gas.....thus throwing off your emissions.

Also...in Calif. , they do visual inspections as part of the emissions inspections.....so....thats the main reason you will fail.  To my knowledge, the KA-T isnt even legal in CA, because you have to have a turbo thats CARB approved...and I dont know if there are any that are (that people would consider using in their cars).

-m

Black Apple · 11-13-2002, 09:45 PM

ok if the sr20det isn't dot approved, what about the fd sr20, is it not aswell, just curious, please don't bite my head off

DarkRaptor42 · 11-13-2002, 11:55 PM

Stand back and watch a pro. There are ways of getting just about anything done. In cali I know you can just get refered to a rufferee. They will allow your car exemptions and let it pass, be registered, ect. Only thing is that you wont be able to use your car a a everyday grocery getter.

mixedwell · 11-14-2002, 03:11 AM

hey i dont get that refree part. i know you can go somewhere in cali, like sacramento (?) (i live closer to LA...  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>)  and have a refree look at your SR20DET and let it pass smog but what i dont get is why we cant use the car everyday? i mean it makes almost no sense. if the refree says the car passes SMOG (and SR20s do.. just not vissually  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>) but you cant use it everyday? what? makes no sense to me... hmm you know if you guys just go down all of valley road and some parts in city of industry ... hehe   i say lets just get smog illegally. then again this is my iggnorant side speaking. thanks for listening.

Silvia... my love <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

Steeles · 11-14-2002, 07:06 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Black Apple @ Nov. 13 2002,10:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ok if the sr20det isn't dot approved, what about the fd sr20, is it not aswell, just curious, please don't bite my head off</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
The FWD SR20DE is completely legal the FWD SR20DET is still not legal.  teh DE is legal because Nissan put it in the 91 sentras and went through all the legal issues when they introduced the car.  no car in america has ever been equipped with the DET version thus no DET has ever been sent through the legal red tape that makes up our government.  That is why no DET should ever pass any kind of visual inspection.  of course the bone head that did my last inspection noticed that it wasnt the original motor and asked me about it.  I told him nope its an SR he asked was it legal or had it been in a US sold car and I said yeah its a built sentra motor he went oh...cool and closed the hood.   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'>

AKADriver · 11-14-2002, 07:28 AM

hahaha, built Sentra motor <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

To answer the original poster's question, you'll have trouble passing VA's limited visual check.  Two scenarios I can see:

Most? people disconnect the Air Injection Valve when installing SR20DETs.  I believe there's some sort of steering system clearance problem with where it connects to the turbo outlet.  This is a required part for S13s for VA emissions.

SR20DETs also do not support OBD-II which is an instant fail for '96 and later cars.

The SR20DET is not inherently a 'dirty' engine, it was just never EPA tested.  It's illegal by the letter of the law, but if you have no visual inspection to contend with then don't worry about it.  It'll blow clean.

RedlineRacer · 11-14-2002, 08:19 AM

What happens when your car doesn't pass emmisions? I like in a state that has no emmision laws. So I never have had to go through an inspection.

AKADriver · 11-14-2002, 12:24 PM

California has specific laws about it, a whole system of testing centers, "referees", "non-op" registrations, etc.  Basically in most cases you're not allowed to drive the car after the testing deadline until it passes.

Here in Maryland they have an exemption you can get if your car requires over a certain dollar amount in repairs to pass.

Killer Kane · 11-14-2002, 12:39 PM

I'm sorry for being rude in my last response, I just took what he had to say the wrong way.  
When it says "newbie" it means new to this board, not new to bulletin boards or new to the topic.  I used the search function, but didn't find what I was looking for.  I was wondering about things like an EGR valve, does it have or need one, etc.
If you guys think it will pass the sniffer with a cat, then I don't think I'll have any problems.

I know the car should be warmed up beforehand, but I was also wondering if a higher octane gas will produce lower emissions?

Thanks for everyone's input.

Benjaminaco · 11-14-2002, 02:54 PM

Kane,
Like everyone said the SR is illegal to put into a car in the Stares. Actually I think it is illegal to put any engine in any car that it wouldn't normaly have from the factory....but Im not sure on that. ANYWAYS.... SRs can pass emissions if there is only the sniffer. Make sure you cat is warmed up, which is different from you car being warmed up. The cat will take a good 15-20 minutes of driving to warm up to operational temp. Try some high reving lower gear driving to speed this up. Also I have read that some people on the RX-7 Forum use high octane fuel in combination with Methal Hydrate (some form of alcohol i'll put the link up later) to pass, They say they have had pretty good results with it..those cars have a harder time passing than we ever will... Also they make a fuel additive for passing emissions that is sold in stores called "pass emissions" or some generic name, you'll know it when you see it. Another thing that was brought up was running a low boost or no boost map on your ECU. Don't have any experience doing this but I am sure it would be worth you time to investigate.
Point is an SR is not made to comply with US regulations... But it can be done. No doubt.  I'd say the cat is one of you main things.. and do the fuel/alochol mix, the FD guys swear by it..

                          Hope this helps
                               -Ben

Benjaminaco · 11-14-2002, 03:04 PM

here is the link to the FD forum that discusses the use of Fuel/Alochol mixture...check it out

http://www.rx7club.com/forum....=103436

                                  -Ben

Potatoskins02 · 11-14-2002, 04:33 PM

well you could go take your emissions test with your KA and then have 2 years and not worry about it till you need another one.... in that time you could find a friend who will do it for you no questions asked or get certified and work part time at a gas station.......

Black Apple · 11-14-2002, 08:58 PM

i like the built sentra thing, here in ontario we have this hot rod and grey market clause, they go easyier on the etest if the car is imported from another country (other than the us) and go really easy if you got i different motor in it that "doesn't" belong.  Like dropping a 350 into a s-10 4 banger.

I don't think i'll be able to get the rb25 to pass when i get it installed (still have to order it)  i'll just keep the ka around.

chokudoriS13 · 11-17-2002, 06:09 AM

Can somebody please explain the whole California referee thing?  Can the car actually be certified as legal with an SR if it passes the sniffer if a referee signs off on it?  What does not being able to use it as a "grocery getter" mean?  Does it take on a new status with limited allowance of miles per year like an out-of-county temporary import? I'm really confused, as this is the first I've heard about it.

Bald Tires · 11-17-2002, 05:21 PM

the term "grocery getter" basically means daily driver. so what he's saying is that if the referee passes it, your car will pass smog, but can't be driven on the street. (which we all know is a load of bullshit).

From what i've heard from people on this forum, and from others, is that an sr20 will pass the emissions portion of the test. the hurdle is getting it to pass the visual inspection in california. unless you know someone who will turn their head the other way, or if you use the "sentra built motor" trick mentioned above, the sr will fail the visual, and thus, fail the inspection.

hope this clears things up a bit

11-13-2002, 12:55 PM	#1
Killer Kane Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I've read that the SR20DET has difficulty passing emissions tests (or that it won't).  Why is this so?  Besides a cat, what would help it to pass? __________________ ================= '90 Eclipse GS-T

11-13-2002, 04:06 PM	#3
Killer Kane Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks for the helpful insight and constructive outlook, shithead. I'm not in CA, so it doesn't have to be CARB approved.  Maybe I should rephrase my question: What will they do in a VA emissions inspection that might make my car fail? Would 2 cats work better than one for beating a sniffer? Thanks for looking at this post even though it has been asked in many different ways before. __________________ ================= '90 Eclipse GS-T

11-13-2002, 04:39 PM	#5
wpayne Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Okinawa, Japan + Azusa, CA Posts: 563 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Killer kane, Kazuo was simply telling you that the engine itself is illegal. You cannot help it pass smog because it's not a KA24 under your hood. You should be happy that he even replied to you, not call him a shithead. Also, like he said, USE THE SEARCH. Seeing that you are new to this forum, I can understand that you may be unfamiliar with the search option. It might also be a good idea to try and be polite. As for you question, the easiest thing you can do, and I'm sure many people will tell you this, is to find a place where you can get "hooked up". __________________ Too many people use cars as an extension of their PENIS and they make me sick. A car is to get you from point A to point B or for motorsports. Not revving around town at stop lights. Check out my mods!: 50,000watt super amp and JDM lights!! Yeah right... S13 Silvia K's I got for free (I'm in japan now)!! Woot woot! '99 25GT-T Skyline (I don't want to list all the parts) http://welcome.to/skylinegtr '92 240sx HB

11-13-2002, 04:39 PM	#6
Dousan_PG Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Orange County, California Age: 46 Posts: 16,640 Trader Rating: (23) Rides Gallery: Dousan_PG Feedback Score: 23 reviews	the sr is not and wll not (most likely) be ever DOT appproved. the sr is an illegal engine in the united states. as far as passing emmision. if you properly install/set up a sr20det in california using your cats and all, then you will pass emmissions. i've called around on this (such as mckinney) and foudn that. modifications may be bringing trouble smog wise. but the engine is illegal, in every state. __________________ Aaron Pink GodziRa www.geocities.com/pink_godzira

11-13-2002, 04:41 PM	#7
wpayne Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Okinawa, Japan + Azusa, CA Posts: 563 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The only thing i need to know is if the SR's are DOT approved. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Simply, no, not an SR20DET in a 240sx. __________________ Too many people use cars as an extension of their PENIS and they make me sick. A car is to get you from point A to point B or for motorsports. Not revving around town at stop lights. Check out my mods!: 50,000watt super amp and JDM lights!! Yeah right... S13 Silvia K's I got for free (I'm in japan now)!! Woot woot! '99 25GT-T Skyline (I don't want to list all the parts) http://welcome.to/skylinegtr '92 240sx HB

11-13-2002, 01:19 PM	#2
kazuo Post Whore! Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Posts: 2,762 Trader Rating: (3) Feedback Score: 3 reviews	Anything you do to it to "help it pass emissions" is totally irrelevant, because the engine is illegal to have in your car in the first place. Please use the "Search" function; I'm sure this topic has been covered many many times. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>

11-13-2002, 04:33 PM	#4
Chew Slice Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Age: 41 Posts: 215 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hey Killer Kane, calm down, take a deep breath...No need to get so hostile.  The guy was directing you to use the search engine like many other will do also.  No one at Zilvia wants to see such negative attitudes.  Take it elsewhere but not here.  Try the search and if it doesnt work...then ask.  Im also wondering this except theres no visual inspection.  The only thing i need to know is if the SR's are DOT approved.

11-13-2002, 07:08 PM	#8
Chew Slice Zilvia Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, BC Age: 41 Posts: 215 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If an SR isnt DOT approved and would be hard to pass emissions tests, than would a turboed KA pass??  I live in Vancouver so there's no visual inspection except to see if theres a Cat.

11-13-2002, 08:16 PM	#9
mbmbmb23 Zilvia Contributor Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Charlotte, NC. Posts: 1,776 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: mbmbmb23 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Because when you turbo the KA, you most likely reprogram the fuel map in the car's computer...and this will make you use more gas.....thus throwing off your emissions. Also...in Calif. , they do visual inspections as part of the emissions inspections.....so....thats the main reason you will fail.  To my knowledge, the KA-T isnt even legal in CA, because you have to have a turbo thats CARB approved...and I dont know if there are any that are (that people would consider using in their cars). -m __________________ 400x200

11-13-2002, 09:45 PM	#10
Black Apple Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 19 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ok if the sr20det isn't dot approved, what about the fd sr20, is it not aswell, just curious, please don't bite my head off __________________ Drive it like you stole it

11-13-2002, 11:55 PM	#11
DarkRaptor42 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Lodi CA Age: 41 Posts: 542 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Stand back and watch a pro. There are ways of getting just about anything done. In cali I know you can just get refered to a rufferee. They will allow your car exemptions and let it pass, be registered, ect. Only thing is that you wont be able to use your car a a everyday grocery getter. __________________ 04 WRX STi 90 Sil- Camino R.I.P. AE86 20v MS R.I.P. KA-T www.209forums.com

11-14-2002, 03:11 AM	#12
mixedwell Zilvia Addict Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: SOuth Cali Posts: 892 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	hey i dont get that refree part. i know you can go somewhere in cali, like sacramento (?) (i live closer to LA...  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'>)  and have a refree look at your SR20DET and let it pass smog but what i dont get is why we cant use the car everyday? i mean it makes almost no sense. if the refree says the car passes SMOG (and SR20s do.. just not vissually  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>) but you cant use it everyday? what? makes no sense to me... hmm you know if you guys just go down all of valley road and some parts in city of industry ... hehe   i say lets just get smog illegally. then again this is my iggnorant side speaking. thanks for listening. Silvia... my love <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/inlove.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> __________________ silvia... my love ::

11-14-2002, 07:06 AM	#13
Steeles Post Whore! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 7th layer of hell, special pit of anger Age: 48 Posts: 3,785 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (Black Apple @ Nov. 13 2002,10:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">ok if the sr20det isn't dot approved, what about the fd sr20, is it not aswell, just curious, please don't bite my head off</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> The FWD SR20DE is completely legal the FWD SR20DET is still not legal.  teh DE is legal because Nissan put it in the 91 sentras and went through all the legal issues when they introduced the car.  no car in america has ever been equipped with the DET version thus no DET has ever been sent through the legal red tape that makes up our government.  That is why no DET should ever pass any kind of visual inspection.  of course the bone head that did my last inspection noticed that it wasnt the original motor and asked me about it.  I told him nope its an SR he asked was it legal or had it been in a US sold car and I said yeah its a built sentra motor he went oh...cool and closed the hood.   <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'> __________________ Keeping it Godzira bishes. So I murdered another turbo

11-14-2002, 07:28 AM	#14
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 43 Posts: 3,517 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	hahaha, built Sentra motor <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> To answer the original poster's question, you'll have trouble passing VA's limited visual check.  Two scenarios I can see: Most? people disconnect the Air Injection Valve when installing SR20DETs.  I believe there's some sort of steering system clearance problem with where it connects to the turbo outlet.  This is a required part for S13s for VA emissions. SR20DETs also do not support OBD-II which is an instant fail for '96 and later cars. The SR20DET is not inherently a 'dirty' engine, it was just never EPA tested.  It's illegal by the letter of the law, but if you have no visual inspection to contend with then don't worry about it.  It'll blow clean.

11-14-2002, 08:19 AM	#15
RedlineRacer Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Clemson, South Carolina Age: 40 Posts: 1,054 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What happens when your car doesn't pass emmisions? I like in a state that has no emmision laws. So I never have had to go through an inspection.

11-14-2002, 12:24 PM	#16
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 43 Posts: 3,517 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	California has specific laws about it, a whole system of testing centers, "referees", "non-op" registrations, etc.  Basically in most cases you're not allowed to drive the car after the testing deadline until it passes. Here in Maryland they have an exemption you can get if your car requires over a certain dollar amount in repairs to pass.

11-14-2002, 12:39 PM	#17
Killer Kane Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm sorry for being rude in my last response, I just took what he had to say the wrong way.   When it says "newbie" it means new to this board, not new to bulletin boards or new to the topic.  I used the search function, but didn't find what I was looking for.  I was wondering about things like an EGR valve, does it have or need one, etc. If you guys think it will pass the sniffer with a cat, then I don't think I'll have any problems. I know the car should be warmed up beforehand, but I was also wondering if a higher octane gas will produce lower emissions? Thanks for everyone's input. __________________ ================= '90 Eclipse GS-T

11-14-2002, 02:54 PM	#18
Benjaminaco Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 7 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Kane, Like everyone said the SR is illegal to put into a car in the Stares. Actually I think it is illegal to put any engine in any car that it wouldn't normaly have from the factory....but Im not sure on that. ANYWAYS.... SRs can pass emissions if there is only the sniffer. Make sure you cat is warmed up, which is different from you car being warmed up. The cat will take a good 15-20 minutes of driving to warm up to operational temp. Try some high reving lower gear driving to speed this up. Also I have read that some people on the RX-7 Forum use high octane fuel in combination with Methal Hydrate (some form of alcohol i'll put the link up later) to pass, They say they have had pretty good results with it..those cars have a harder time passing than we ever will... Also they make a fuel additive for passing emissions that is sold in stores called "pass emissions" or some generic name, you'll know it when you see it. Another thing that was brought up was running a low boost or no boost map on your ECU. Don't have any experience doing this but I am sure it would be worth you time to investigate. Point is an SR is not made to comply with US regulations... But it can be done. No doubt.  I'd say the cat is one of you main things.. and do the fuel/alochol mix, the FD guys swear by it..                           Hope this helps                                -Ben

11-14-2002, 03:04 PM	#19
Benjaminaco Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 7 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	here is the link to the FD forum that discusses the use of Fuel/Alochol mixture...check it out http://www.rx7club.com/forum....=103436                                   -Ben

11-14-2002, 04:33 PM	#20
Potatoskins02 Zilvia Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Northern VA Age: 41 Posts: 247 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	well you could go take your emissions test with your KA and then have 2 years and not worry about it till you need another one.... in that time you could find a friend who will do it for you no questions asked or get certified and work part time at a gas station....... __________________ ~1993 240sx CAI, FSTB, RSTB, Zigen Fireball friend MSP owner... "I need to save my gas...... shit its beginning to boost!" shifts

11-14-2002, 08:58 PM	#21
Black Apple Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 19 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i like the built sentra thing, here in ontario we have this hot rod and grey market clause, they go easyier on the etest if the car is imported from another country (other than the us) and go really easy if you got i different motor in it that "doesn't" belong.  Like dropping a 350 into a s-10 4 banger. I don't think i'll be able to get the rb25 to pass when i get it installed (still have to order it)  i'll just keep the ka around. __________________ Drive it like you stole it

11-17-2002, 06:09 AM	#22
chokudoriS13 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Age: 44 Posts: 1,022 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Can somebody please explain the whole California referee thing?  Can the car actually be certified as legal with an SR if it passes the sniffer if a referee signs off on it?  What does not being able to use it as a "grocery getter" mean?  Does it take on a new status with limited allowance of miles per year like an out-of-county temporary import? I'm really confused, as this is the first I've heard about it. __________________ S13/86/Miatas/DR30/MX83/E36 M3/S60R/E30 M3 -gone! Now: Porsche 993/MK7 GTI

11-17-2002, 05:21 PM	#23
Bald Tires Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 11 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	the term "grocery getter" basically means daily driver. so what he's saying is that if the referee passes it, your car will pass smog, but can't be driven on the street. (which we all know is a load of bullshit). From what i've heard from people on this forum, and from others, is that an sr20 will pass the emissions portion of the test. the hurdle is getting it to pass the visual inspection in california. unless you know someone who will turn their head the other way, or if you use the "sentra built motor" trick mentioned above, the sr will fail the visual, and thus, fail the inspection. hope this clears things up a bit __________________ white '92 coupe "hey man, where are the 'oh sh*t!' bars on this thing??!!!"