So the 403's wont let you pass SMOG?
where did you heard this from? I'm looking into the 403's but I need my car to pass SMOG legitimately in CA

 

Wow...it has arisen..back from the dead. :eek3: :chuckles:

OK, here's what I know.

1) I am still running my stock LS cams. Other expenses came up, so I haven't done any headwork..yet.

2) Last summer, when I spoke with the reps at Crower, they insisted that the 403s can pass a California smog check - assuming you run stock cam and ignition timing.

2a) I am skeptical of that claim, because the duration and lift of the 403's will result in a lopey idle that will give their presence away to any smog tech.

2b) If you have to reset your cam gears back to stock to pass the emissions check, the convenient thing to do would be to make those semi-circular cuts in the valve cover to expose the ends of the cam gears. But doing so gives away the fact that you've got internal modifications. In fact, since the cam gears (and cams) aren't CARB-certified, it is entirely possible to fail the visual inspection the moment the smog tech sees them.

3) Despite my skepticism, I have read posts on H-T, Team Integra and other boards by people who say they've been able to pass CA smog with the Crower 403s installed.

I don't know whether or not those smog tests were entirely legit.. :dunno:

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Basically, we've got conflicting stories...

Crower says the 403s will pass, anonymous people on the Internet have said that they've got their 403s to pass, but the smog laws are stacked against us here in CA. :a:

There are at least 2 ways in which a smog tech can fail you before starting the emissions test. And given the additional lift and duration of the 403s, you'll be higher than average in hydrocarbon and NOx emissions. So if the rest of the emissions systems aren't functioning at peak efficiency, the odds are higher that you'll fail the emissions test.

IMO, the picture looks pretty bleak.

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I don't know about you, but I don't want to have to f*ck around with cam timing and ignition timing...and then have to rely on luckto pass a smog test. :a:

Remember this test cycle repeats every two years, forever. (Thanks, Assy. Lieber )

I just want power, reliability and driveability... without legal and bureaucratic hassles. Which is why I'll either capitulate and go with the 402s, buy a used JRSC, or just tell CARB to suck it and buy an old smog-exempt Mopar.

Sorry for the rant. h:
I'm just tired of the bullshit we have to go through. :down:

 

Don't let this thread die!! I just got 404's for my 91 LS, I misread a thread, thinking I was getting 403's. Anyhow, I can deal with it and try to work it out or resell them and get something less agressive. What I'm looking for are strategies for passing smog, even though I've got 1.5 years until I'm up again. I'm thinking its time to start another thread specifically on techniques, we'll see.

 

I havethe 403 cams in my GS-R. Anyone curious about how the idle sounds, check the link in my sig of my car.