California Legal STI?

[icudruln]

Hey guys,

I just got word from my job I'll be moving to SoCal for a job promotion come summer time. I'm thrilled for the promotion, and the opportunity to move back home (I'm from San Diego), but one thing crossed my mind....registering/driving the STI out there. I've done a bit of research on the C.A.R.B. enactment, and have seen some of the issues people have with law enforcement and the smog refs. It seems its mostly people with Honda's or true ricers that have the issues. I'm already looking to swap out my catback exhaust (Invidia N1 Race) for something quieter and low key (not an angled exhaust). Any other tips or helpful suggestions, first hand experiences are welcome!

Current mods:
K&N Short Ram Intake
Gimmick Motorsports Turbo Inlet
T1R Top Feed Fuel Rails
Perrin Catted downpipe
Invidia N1 Race Exhaust
Car is wingless...should help being a bit more low key

I'll be going back to a pump gas tune, as well as swapping to a more subtle exhaust (i.e. Cobb), but do you think the intake/inlet may cause issues? I've heard of cops pulling people over and looking under the hood and writing tickets for modifications...

 

[Grinder34]

It appears your K&N will probably be legal?

http://www.knfilters.com/streetlegal.htm

the turbo inlet...not sure. If its black you have a better chance of it being overlooked.

 

[icudruln]

It appears your K&N will probably be legal?

http://www.knfilters.com/streetlegal.htm

the turbo inlet...not sure. If its black you have a better chance of it being overlooked.

That solves one answer!

K&N 69-8001TWR

2004 SUBARU IMPREZA WRX STI 2.5L H4 F/I - AllStreet Legal In All US States: Yes
CARB EO Number: D-269-37TUV Approved (Europe): No


I assume telling a cop that the factory turbo inlet ripped wouldn't be a sufficient answer...

 

[Grinder34]

Probably not. You could try wrapping it in heat-tape and telling him it IS the stock inlet wrapped in tape. Not sure if that would fly.

 

[Z1107]

Reason #1 Cali and the west coast sucks donkey balls. Make laws to appease a minority by stripping rights from the majority.

 

[icudruln]

Probably not. You could try wrapping it in heat-tape and telling him it IS the stock inlet wrapped in tape. Not sure if that would fly.

Hahahaha yeah I'll have to figure something out. Maybe switching to a hard turbo inlet that matches the wrinkle red would work? But then again, the APR and AMR pieces have their logos stamped right near where the intake meets the turbo inlet.

 

[icudruln]

Reason #1 Cali and the west coast sucks donkey balls. Make laws to appease a minority by stripping rights from the majority.

Agreed. I love Cali, but the rules when it comes to modifying cars makes it a pain in the ass.

 

[Z1107]

I'm from the west coast, there is reason I haven't gone back, socialist leaning tree hugging hippies trying to control every detail of life there. I don't know how constitutionally speaking, California got away with seizing cars with illegal mods then crushing them. The government can impound property in violation of law but not destroy it.

 

[m8ttixsti]

what size is the inlet??

 

[Doppelganger]

I dealt with cops and smog referee in SD when I lived there and it was an awesome experience.

Pretty much any carb approved product you go with is questionable and cops will most likely give you a ticket that you will then have to get cleared at the referee the one at South western college was a good guy for a referee and if you are unfortunate enough to get a referee ticket in San Diego go to him.

Key things that will help you prevent getting a referee ticket is dont have a blow off valve and a loud ass exhaust having each carb approved products paperwork that shows a carb number and description of the part in an envelope in the glove box next to the registration will be helpful as well.

A motorcycle cop pulled me over because of the stupid blow off valve (first owner installed a HKS & that was how he knew I was modded) I tried to refuse to pop the hood but he said nice front mount so pop your hood. It turned out the cop was an ex wrx owner but his wife made him get rid of it blahaha.

 

[Doppelganger]

I just put stock turbo back exhaust, exhaust manifold, blow off valve, top mount intercooler, and intake back on.

The referee said that FMIC would pass as long as you keep the original smog lines (pcv amd hoses) in tact.

 

[Batmobile_Engage]

Do you have a Cobb AP or another way to store pro-tunes? If I remember correctly, Cobb had
an OTS "economy" tune that was low boost, low fueling. I would prefer to get an "OK" from Holy
or any of the other tuning experts here before running that tune with mods, but I've always been
curious if you could flash an economy tune before going for a smog check and pass.

Just something to consider.

 

[Doppelganger]

Do you have a Cobb AP or another way to store pro-tunes? If I remember correctly, Cobb had
an OTS "economy" tune that was low boost, low fueling. I would prefer to get an "OK" from Holy
or any of the other tuning experts here before running that tune with mods, but I've always been
curious if you could flash an economy tune before going for a smog check and pass.

Just something to consider.

Most modified subarus even running catless will pass the smog sniffer test it's the visual inspection that is the issue. It's the fact that they don't have AWD testing abilities so the car is parked and in neutral while being tested.