Test only Smog Check vs. regular Smog Check (CALIFORNIA)

[AE86Lover]

I know for car enthusiasts, a regular smog check is heaven compared to the TEST ONLY smog check.

Essentially, the TEST ONLY check is more stringent and thorough about checking the car for emissions, codes, vin #'s that match the car, etc.. If you have a HEAVILY fixed up car, you pretty much won't pass..

I was wondering if you guys could chime in and tell me how common TEST ONLY checks are compared to regular SMOG CHECKS.

 

[IGBT]

..I had to go to a TEST ONLY site for my 92 Dakota V8. I passed no problem. But he did a through visual inspection based on the Mfgr. Vin based equipment list and said there's zero tolerence for any missing equipment or mods. Only after passing the visual will they proceed wit the dyno test. At 92k my Dakota is still well under the wire even with dynamic loading on the dyno. He tested at three diffrent rpm's and idle. I've been using Mobile 1 synthetic 10-30 early on and it paid off. The upper rings are still tight. The truck always did run good. He wouldn't tell me if I will be required to go to a TEST ONLY site next time around but I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[brtspears2]

Test Only info

 

[rezinn]

The "car enthusiasts" you refer to are people trying to get away with quite obvious illegal modifications. That said, I've gotten test only smog checks every two years since 99' on my car, with heavy modifications, and passed every time legally. I'll admit that I did fail once, but it was my fault for not checking my timing beforehand.

I think some types of cars just trigger the test only slip. As long as everything is visually correct and your numbers are good, there isn't a reason why you shouldn't pass.

 

[Descartes]

California < *

 

[EyeMWing]

My smog check consisted of driving in, paying $15, plugging a connector into the OBDII, and checking to make sure there were no trouble codes.

But that's not California.

 

[holden j caufield]

every other year I believe

 

[Iron Woode]

The Ontario government is considering scrapping the whole emmissions testing altogether.

I can hardly wait....