re: '96 Spider to California

[Godfrey DiGiorgi <ramarren@domain.elided>]

Sounds easy, in theory, but California's emissions inspection is
not simply a performance test. The DMV relies upon codes in the
17 digit VIN to determine whether a particular year and model car
has been through the California emissions certification testing.
The emissions statuates include more than just engine condition,
they also regulate the fuel system (evaporative emissions
hardware) and other components. The emissions testing is three
phase:
 - inspection :is all the regulated equipment installed?
 - function   :is all the regulated equipment functional?
 - performance:does the engine meet the test criteria under the
   testing cycle?

If the particular make and model car has not been through the Cal
Emissions Certification, the DMV emissions shops do not have a
setup to test against. Then you have to jump through some fairly 
nasty hoops to get a car to comply. Some cars simply never will.

Specials and such are often risky projects due to this nonsense.

Godfrey

>Date: Mon, 27 Sep 1999 14:29:05 -0500
>From: Jay_Reddy@domain.elided
>Subject: '96 Spider to California
>
>Fernand,
>I am looking at the revised NHTSA rules and the only regulations
>the car would have to meet would be EPA.  Now if we can get one
>of our Californian digesters to post the emissions limits of the
>component compounds of the exhaust, and if we can get you to find
>out what these limits are in Germany, we would be in business; I
>suspect they are pretty close - I know catalysts are common on
>cars driven in Germany.  Of course you still have to write to the
>NHTSA and convince them of the historical or technical
>significance of the car; but that should be easy.
>
>JR

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