[Guest]

There is a very real chance I may move to CA in a few months from NJ. I am going to take my CJ7 with me, but I am concerned with smog problems. The engine is a stock 304 with the 2bbl Motorcraft carb. The only mod is a dual exhast from the exhaust manifolds back and exit at the rear corners. I have mufflers on each side, but no Cats. I know that 76 model 258's didn't require Cats, while 304's did I'm hoping that this will be ovelooked. The engine has about 150,000 miles with good compression, but it burns a little oil very little. SO WHAT SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT? Any insight from CA Jeepers would be most helpful.

 

[CJDave]

/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif There is not the slightest chance that you will be able to squeak by without a catatonic cornburner. You will need the following; and this is the straight scoop since I have spent the last two weeks in intense research; (1) EGR system; valve, CTO, and delay valve. (2) Air injection system for the exhaust manifolds and the air belt-driven air pump. (3) Cat converter. (4) Fuel vapor canister and return system. (5) PCV for the crankcase. (6) Vacuum advance CTO and delay valve. (7) Temp-controlled air cleaner with hose to suck hot manifold air. /wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif WHY ON EARTH would you want to come to CA? As someone said....."You have to CRAP money to live here." The license renewal on my '97 ZJ was $322./wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif

CJDave

 

[Guest]

What Dave said is true. The only good thing is, your Jeep being a 49 state model, is that you'll only need the 49 state smog equipment,
not the Cal. stuff. But you must have all, repeat ALL the 49 state equipment or you WILL FAIL.

Gary

 

[Guest]

Then there is also the $300 smog impact fee when u transfer the registration to CA....

But look on the bright side....you can leave your top off 9 months out of the year......and vehicles don't rust here....and the mountains are not far away....and there is plenty of sources for parts.....and lots of gorgeous women who also drive jeeps.

John......southern CA
84CJ7,3"lift,32"BFG

 

[Guest]

I agree with almost all of this, but, I would add that the $300 smog impact fee is no longer in effect. Those that paid it can apply for a refund.
And, 76-'anything' needs a cat (light-duty vehicles, run on gaso). Cats have gotten fairly inexpensive, and they are a very normal replacement item, so I wouldn't worry this too much. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, I would suggest parts Mike for the cats, otherwise almost any ca muffler shop. (By-the-way, Parts Mike, partsmike.com, is in Auburn CA, and one of his specialties is dealing with smog 'problems' and finding missing smog equipment.) The chains, like Kragen or Pep Boys also carry relatively inexpensive cats.
Best wishes.

bob

 

[Guest]

A few other points of interest regarding CA smog. Currently all vehicles model year 73 and older are smog exempt and under current law model year 74 and newer will be smog exempt once they are thirty years old. This means you CJ7 will be smog exempt in 2006. This sounds like a long time but consider that you only smog your vehicle every other year in CA making the following a possibility. Smog your Jeep when you arrive in the year 2000 and again in 2002. During 2003 start collecting high performance parts for your current engine or start a build up of a 383 or what ever your jeep craves. Smog your jeep in 2004 and go to town you have had your last smog no smog will be required in 2005 and your jeep will be exempt in 2006.

Another possibility Ca state government declares cars illegal everyone must ride a bike

 

[CJDave]

/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif DON'T get me started on the CA political situation. The newly-elected Democrat majority COULDN'T WAIT to implement the entire homosexual agenda, and next comes the gun ban. Just keep voting for those demos, folks, and you'll soon have the Socialist Utopia that you've always wanted. The demos are bringing it to you, one inch at a time./wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif

CJDave

 

[Guest]

This is just a rumor, but I guy I know
that runs a smog inspection station in
my town (CA) told me that in 2002 the
exemption would be for 1980 and older.
Praise Be!! Maybe only one more time
for me!
Gary '78cj7