Best way to run catted section 1 for CA smog ?

[oceansize]

I'm not sure I believe this rumor about them checking for modified ECUs. I just had to smog my Focus RS a couple weeks ago, and it's got a tune that is NOT 50 state legal, and the guys didn't mention anything. In fact, I forgot to unplug my Cobb Accessport from the OBD port, and the smog guy just thought it was to monitor engine vitals. Passed no problem.

That's a good data point because they should have data on a Focus RS (although they had a fairly limited run). I've always wondered if they were actually able to implement this like they said they would.

Illegal modifications to a vehicle’s emission controls can dramatically impact the amount of pollution the vehicle generates. This is true not only for modifications to physical components (e.g., air intake, catalytic convertor) but also for modifications to the software controlling the vehicle’s engine controller (e.g., computer). Programming modifications can be detected using the vehicle’s calibration identification (Cal ID) and calibration verification number (CVN), which together uniquely identify the software program installed on the computer. The Cal ID is the name of the program assigned by the vehicle manufacturer. The CVN is a unique numeric code calculated based upon the computer program. Whenever a computer’s program is modified, a new CVN will automatically be generated that will differ from the one originally associated with the Cal ID.

Over the past year, the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) has been extensively studying Cal ID and CVN and working with the California Air Resources Board (ARB), vehicle manufacturers, Smog Check industry representatives, and BAR Advisory Group members to gather input and develop an implementation plan. In accordance with California Code of Regulations, title 16, section 3340.42.2(c)(8), beginning July 2020, BAR will implement Cal ID and CVN checks for most model-year 2000 and newer vehicles as part of the On-Board Diagnostic Smog Check inspection failure criteria. Owners of vehicles identified with unapproved programming modifications will need to restore the computer to either stock or ARB-approved software in order to pass a Smog Check inspection.

[9kracing]

I'm not sure I believe this rumor about them checking for modified ECUs. I just had to smog my Focus RS a couple weeks ago, and it's got a tune that is NOT 50 state legal, and the guys didn't mention anything. In fact, I forgot to unplug my Cobb Accessport from the OBD port, and the smog guy just thought it was to monitor engine vitals. Passed no problem.

[bavarian3]

Checksum issue is for 08+ I think. Haven't seen one issue with e46.

So this still leaves the question on the best way to handle whether to use post-cat o2's, EGT, coded down or not.

[bavarian3]

They have supposedly been doing this since 2021 but I haven't heard of anyone from this forum getting flagged for an aftermarket tune. Perhaps they don't have the data for our cars to perform the checksum part of the validation. Or maybe everyone here is flashing their car back to stock.

Anyone from CA have any info on this? I'm curious even though I don't live there.

SO I got info from a birdie that what you mention is mostly correct. It looks like they don't have the data from BMW as it's only recently the manufacturers provide it, but may have crowdsource data from collective smog tests. Either way it doesn't seem to cause any flags when it comes down to it.

[Tbonem3]

Checksum issue is for 08+ I think. Haven't seen one issue with e46.

[oceansize]

Option 1: Install post-cat o2 sensors, have someone tune down sensitivity. However, I read a post stating "as of monday the BAR in california will begin checking for modified ecu code."

They have supposedly been doing this since 2021 but I haven't heard of anyone from this forum getting flagged for an aftermarket tune. Perhaps they don't have the data for our cars to perform the checksum part of the validation. Or maybe everyone here is flashing their car back to stock.

Anyone from CA have any info on this? I'm curious even though I don't live there.

[bavarian3]

Trying to get some clarity around installing right components for my catted section 1 in California.


Goal: Run a catted section 1 in a way that will pass California smog(visual disregarded), and not throw intermittent cat efficiency codes.


What I'm pondering for options:

Option 1: Install post-cat o2 sensors, have someone tune down sensitivity. However, I read a post stating "as of monday the BAR in california will begin checking for modified ecu code."

Option 2: Install post-cat o2 sensors, code them out, then code them back in for smog?

Option 3: ?

Not sure if EGT sensor matters in any of these cases.


Any and all input is appreciated here.