I bolted-in an IPD sport exhaust package into my 1989 sedan a few months back. I just got my notification that I need a smog test, and that got me thinking... I took a look under the car and there are little tufts of black carbon around some of the bolted connections. Do I need to seal these up with some seam sealent before the test? Any other issues regarding the modification to the system? I'm in California. Thanks.

Ryan

I passed, and I'm pretty sure I had leaks (I was 2ppm away from failing the hydrocarbon emissions portion too). It probably depends on the smog test center you go to. The guys that did mine seemed to be more concerned with whether or not the airbox and preheat hose were intact.

I'm not in CA, so I can't answer your question. But I've got a question for you as a CA Volvo owner, if you'll pardon me ....

I've got a couple of '93s and an '84 (from the east, not CA-market cars). My daughter has moved to CA but she doesn't know anything about CA motor vehicle laws (she hasn't even gotten a CA drivers license yet). If I moved to California, would I be able to bring my cars there and register them? Or would they be illegal because they don't have EGRs and other equipment?

So basically, what's the law in CA regarding registering older, non-CA market cars?

If you can shed some light on this for me, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks very much.

I'm in California, and my volvo came from Texas. I've never had a problem registering it.

Google Ca DMV.
Urban areas have Smog ll, A 15& 25mph dyno test.
And a visual inspection called;
'Emission Control Visual Inspection / Functional Check Results
Or ECS- Techs will put Pass-N/A-or Fail
PCV,Catalytic Converter,EGR Visual,{they put N/A even tho it wa sold in Ca new 87-245}
EGR Functional,Fuel Cap Functional,Fuel Cap Visual,Spark Controls,Fuel Evap Control,
Thermostatic Air Cleaner,Air injection,Vacume Lines To Sensors/Switches,Ignition Timing 10 BTDC,
Wiring to Sensors,Fill Pipe Restrictor,Fuel Evaporative Controls,Mil/Check Engine Light,Carb./Fuel Injection,Other Related Emissions Components,Oxygen Sensor,Liquid Fuel Leaks.
Short answer,If it runs clean, no problem.
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69-145-S ; 71-145-S ; 72-145-E ; 72-1800-ES ; 87-245-DL

Ken
CA will pass your Volvo under the federal emission standards for your specific year..as long as no componets have been removed. I had a Toyota truck from Oregon that passed under these guidelines. It even had a ratty exhaust system. Good luck and welcome to the land of milk and honey..or at least sunshine
the mailman

CA emissions equipment is required on NEW vehicles registered in CA. If you move a used car to CA, they will only inspect to see if the factory emissions equipment is in place and functional.

I passed the test in Seattle with the same conditions, sport exhaust & apparent leaks in the system.

The WA state specs are stingent, but in CA yours might be worse. Here they don't look under the car, just put the probe in the tailpipe & check to be sure your gas cap works properly.

I would like to fix my leaks but have been fixing other things more urgent.

Mike
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1988 245, 245K mi, 5 speed