Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) CA Emmissions !?

[DavidPope]

So I hear CA has tougher emissions standards and that the major auto manufacturers have to tweak their engines / exhaust systems to meet these standards?



2 Questions:



1. How is a CA truck different from any other one?



2. If someone in CA doesn't have to ever smog their truck, what would be the downside of strait pipes?

 

[TomGolden]

I live up in NorCal as well (Placerville).



Not entirely sure on question #1, don't know if there actually are any differences in the trucks sold in this state compared to the 49 others, but some models are just not legal for CA sale, such as the 2003/2004 HO motors... Good thing my 2001 HO is legal



Now onto question #2. I have been straight piped for 18 months with no issues so far. But, I would bet that at some point, the greenie-weenies will decide to come up with some sort of emmissions testing for diesels in CA, and then we may all end up for having straight pipes.



Tom

 

[americana]

but you can still get them used

#1 you can still get the HO trucks in CA. you can bring them in legally after a certain amount of miles (7500 comes to mind but ymmv). there are other ways to get them new... . not that i've ever done it with a motorcycle or anything



#2 beware the threatened opacity test

 

[Dkevdog]

Some of the differences are subtle , others are significant. On earlier models (95-97) many of the Ca 12v's had EGR's and Cat converters. The PCM is programmed differently, and there are differerences I can't remember. For the most recent models, it is about a 65hp difference, nothing a fuel box can't fix.



Thankfully, it looks like they've finally worked it our and we are all getting the same HO engine.



Kev

 

[DavidPope]

what is the "opacity test"



And how did you accomplish the strait pipes? New 4 or 5" Pipes or with a hack saw, some extra tubing ,and a welder?

 

[DavidPope]

oh, and where can i go to get my computer re-programed to the rest of the US's spec's (that couldn't voif the warrenty could it?)

 

[rrausch]

If we can stay off the Radar of the Environmental Wacko's we have a chance to avoid stringent test & penalties. However, if we start to see the Media "alerting" America to the dangers of the Bombed Cummins eek: gasp!) complete with some video of a few Smoke-out's I think our fun will be soon be over. They will demonize us as they have with all things they don't like. Bombed Cummins trucks will become the new target of opportunity from those who hate Conservatives, America, White Men, etc. etc. That is why I am careful about smoking people out.

 

[Dkevdog]

I agree with Robert- If we keep "smoking" out the general Public we are only shooting ourselves in the foot.



David- The Opacity test is already required in a number of states and regions. Basically, a meter is used to examine the particulate and the soot in the exhaust stream. If I remember correctly, they rev the engine in snaps, and the test is taken a short time after the snap, to measure the amount of "crud" coming out the pipe. If the truck shows more than an accepted level, you don't pass. I has to do with the density of the exhaust, sorta like a "gray" scall. It can't be too dark (high soot).



As for getting the computer reprogramed? I think you have to replace it, not reprogram it. The 48 state fed computer can be ordered from your dealer, it's not cheap, and is one of those "meet me under the bridge" deals , as this is considered tampering with emission controls.



Kev

 

[DavidPope]

Do you know if when they pass these "opacity test" laws if they can make them apply to trucks already in service? or I would think it would have to be aplicable only to truck "as of" the law passing? strait pipes is still sounding awfully appealing...



as for the 48-state computer... is that just a unplug the old & plug in the new? would it mess with my odometer? I am wondering becasue then i could plug the old one in if i ever had warrenty issues...

 

[RustyJC]

Originally posted by DavidPope

Do you know if when they pass these "opacity test" laws if they can make them apply to trucks already in service? or I would think it would have to be aplicable only to truck "as of" the law passing?

Sorry, when the Houston, TX EPA non-attainment regulations went into effect, all non-OBDII gasoline-powered light duty vehicles less than 25 years old went on the dynamometer to get "sniffed". I'm sure when they get around to the diesels, we won't be "grandfathered", either.



Rusty