CA to start checking for ECU tunes at smog checks

[TMSBOSS]

So, the new way around is two separate ECUs?

 

[Ludachris]

So, the new way around is two separate ECUs?

 

[TMSBOSS]

if one is for the street and one for track, why not? Meeting all the regs. Both of my Mustangs are still rocking stock exhaust and stock tunes. If I want to cross the line to a dedicated track car then I’ll tune.

 

[Stangra]

So, the new way around is two separate ECUs?

Is it that easy? Would be great but I'm not sure. I'm guessing that a second ECU will need to be calibrated for the vehicle & VIN, probably for PATS too to even start it. I don't know what happens once one starts putting mileage on 2 different ECUs when both will be in disagreement with the odometer in dash, maybe this is detectable too? Maybe tough to document miles upon sale? Warranty? I'm highly ignorant of these tech aspects but I gotta believe with all this complexity we can't simply just swap to outsmart it.

Somebody please show me that I'm wrong and ECU moves to the top of my list

 

[Grant 302]

Somebody please show me that I'm wrong and ECU moves to the top of my list

You’re not wrong. Grant will say no more on this.

 

[302BOB]

"Granted", you may have been given reprieve..............................

 

[302BOB]

"love when a plan comes together" famous quote....by who??????...only few will know....................or care..........................

 

[Dave_W]

quote....by who????

Some guy who attacked the Romans with elephants, while snacking on fava beans and a nice Chianti, in a black van with a rear wing?

 

[302BOB]

You may be on to something here.....Was he smoking a cigar by any chance??????..or a guy afraid of flying in there somewhere???????????

 

[HextallS550]

If you Do it the right way Should work.

 

[Opolis]

So if you flash a tune for the track and then flash it back to stock after the event, you cannot pass SMOG anymore even after going through the procedure to put senors back into ready status?

CA rules have nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with uiltimately banning all modifications and bringing in some cash from CARB certs.
With tune, emissions are reduced, need to increase emissions to pass SMOG. Chalk up a win for the environment!

 

[blacksheep-1]

I had a local car thief do mine, srsly, the guy that tuned my 99 originally did time in the clink for grand theft auto. He was a master at moving the ECUs around, faking the signatures and what not. I had an ECU melt down (thanks Kenne Bell) and he got it up and running on another ECU in about 15 minutes.
So glad I don't live in the People's Republik of Kalifornia.

 

[Stangra]

So if you flash a tune for the track and then flash it back to stock after the event, you cannot pass SMOG anymore even after going through the procedure to put senors back into ready status?

BAR Advisory Group Meeting, July 15 2021

The entire recording is a bit over 3 hours. It can be heard here in it's entirety but this will link to a relevant question about 59 minutes into it:

Sounds like BAR is very tight lipped about this, giving only a textbook answer.

 

[Fabman]

More: https://www.fordmuscle.com/news/according-to-bar-you-can-still-tune-a-vehicle-in-california/

 

[Dave_W]

From Fabman's link:
"initial implementation of failures based on software modification will be directed toward blatant tuning modifications that are likely to have a negative impact on emissions, thus less obtrusive modifications may enjoy a grace period."

"non-tuning ECU modifications, such as aftermarket wheel and tire calibrations, would not result in failed inspections."

Sounds like you may be able to pass with a retuned ECU, but only if the tune does NOT change anything emmisions-related, like MAF, timing, fuel injectors, VVT, etc. Basically, most things people are getting aftermarket tunes for. And even if they don't flag you now, they may in the future.

 

[blacksheep-1]

Keep in mind these people are bureaucrats, prolly not car people, and are just collecting a pay check.
They can be out fixed, probably fairly easily.

 

[TMSBOSS]

If you don't have any "Hard Mods" headers etc. a reflash should work.