I guess in response to Michael's post, new 2013 CA-CARB cats are not cheap ($250-$300) for a gen 2.5..another $200+ for plugs, wires oil, etc,etc..

That's $500 easy just for maint and NOT including the new STAR "cert" and test.

The point of diminishing returns comes into play real quick on older vehicles now.

You are right, but I really like my Montero so I paid the price.

Something to consider

More specifically.

If that's what it takes to get your vehicle to pass emissions, then your vehicle needed those items to be repaired in order to run correctly. It's called maintenance. Your vehicle isn't being asked to pass anything stricter than it did when it was new, the law makes sure that your vehicle is maintained properly so it's not polluting any worse than what the factory designed into it from the start.

For the record, I hate having to get my vehicles through emissions. It's often a stupid struggle to figure out what the he** is wrong, and often results in having to take it in to a shop for diagnosis beyond my capabilities. It's just part of the responsibility of owning a vehicle.

Two can play this, right?





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One issue to contend with for the new Star smog stations is that the prices will likely be higher than a standard smog check station since a lot more capital investment will be required to open one.

That means more cost to owners of older vehicles...

All that said, I'm unsure what the selection criteria is to be sent to one... If its only rigs that were close to failing previously then I can understand if they had to go to a star station for their next smog check, but a blanket policy for all simply based on vehicle age would be stupid but it wouldn't surprise me if that were the case... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Sounds pretty similar to the testing done here, though we don't have cameras watching us. 1996 and newer get the OBD-II emissions test, and from 1995- 24 years old get the ASM test.
(Dynamometer / Tailpipe). The DPS is super-strict on the testing as well. Even though I manage an inspection station, My Montero won't currently pass. Going to have to order a new cat before it comes due in August.

Maybe a contact for someone that can custom manufacture the CAT for you if you need one. I bought from this Canadian company a couple years ago and found they were the only ones willing to make me a custom CAT.

I'll have to give their phone number and email as their website is a little messed up (they were unaware) and no contact info can be gotten from the web site. They now deal only through dealers but they will be able to direct you.

A&B Imports
1133 Haultain Court
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario
L4W 2K1

Telephone: (905) 212-9774
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-770-9774
Email: brian@abimports.ca

That is what CA currently has, and if you look hard enough, there are ways around that.

Isn't it funny how short sided the idea is? I could run my truck for another 500,000 miles, and still not produce the toxins and pollution it take to manufacture 1 prius. Not to mention, those $25k will run my truck the entire time!

Don't get me wrong, I grew up in LA county and remember SMOG days, so I strongly believe in emission control devices, such as cats and fuel injection etc. I have never run a car without a cat, even my street/strip mustang, but I don't believe it is necessary to do anything more than a "sniff" test and general vehicle inspection.

If the tailpipe emissions are within spec, does it really matter if the car has headers/CAI/cam etc..?

Who knows, maybe I am wrong and crazy, but that's me. javascript:void(0)<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" />