Classic car won’t pass smog in California. What do I do?
Posted by Skeazor@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 398 comments
I own a 1985 Corolla gts (ae86). I’ve been hot smogging it for the last decade but sadly all my contacts are out of business.
Emissions parts are insanely hard to find and my 86 doesn’t have any emissions equipment.
Every shop I’ve been to has quoted me insane amounts 5k plus to fix it all.
I can’t register it out state because that would require me to change my drivers license and I am required to keep my California one for my job.
What can I realistically do?
M8NSMAN@reddit
Fortunately TN did away with emissions testing because it was a poor person’s tax & my 2000 truck will classify as antique next year which qualifies it for lifetime registration with restrictions on when I can drive it.
Asymmetryy@reddit
Hot smog
StackingAg@reddit
Ill register it in Alaska (no smog) , u drive in the winter , I drive it in the summer 😉
Nopulpeamigo@reddit
Get a cat with the same dimensions and weld it in
maskedbuilder1@reddit
Realistically you can sell the car or fix it, those are your two options. California doesn’t fuck around with enthusiast cars.
midri@reddit
You can register it out of state. A lot of states allow mail in for "classics"
maskedbuilder1@reddit
Except California routinely tickets owners of sports and classic cars for having them registered out of state. If he can’t afford to fix the car, he definitely won’t be able to afford the tickets, and subsequent impound fees when he gets pulled over a second time.
Amazing-Bag@reddit
People always say this and I'm one of many people who have a classic car with plates from another state for nearly a decade with no issues. I've even been ticketed with no issues either.
Cardinal_350@reddit
How again does California ticket you for having a legally plated and insured vehicle? All you need is a Montana LLC and a PO box. California can't do shit about it
maskedbuilder1@reddit
You’re obviously not from California. California can and does do that shit all the time. They are specifically going after Montana and Arizona registered vehicles
irritated_illiop@reddit
I live all the way on the other side of the country, bought my car in Maine, never been south of NJ or west of PA. I have NOTHING to do with the state of California.
My new car has auto start stop, I've been told by the dealer and an independent shop that they cannot disable it because of California law.
California gets it's fucking tentacles into everything.
morosis1982@reddit
California is the world's 5th largest economy. They get to say what they want, and manufacturers will pander to it because of my first point. That's where they make the most sales and the most money.
irritated_illiop@reddit
If manufacturers want to pander to them, so be it. If the dealer has a contract forbiding it, I don't like it but I accept it.
When independent technicians quote CA law to me when we are outside of CA jurisdiction, that's a problem.
I question how it's even constitutional for one state to enforce it's laws in other states
Honest_Road17@reddit
What California law enforcement is located in other states?
irritated_illiop@reddit
None that I'm aware of, but if the shops refuse, they aren't going to be convinced by my telling them California law doesn't apply to Maine.
Honest_Road17@reddit
California isn't enforcing laws in Maine. If a shop tell you to fuck off for altering Federally mandated smog equipment, it isn't because of the CHP.
irritated_illiop@reddit
I wasn't aware it was a federal mandate. The people I spoke with said nothing about federal law, just California law.
Honest_Road17@reddit
Well, considering a lot of backwater places in the USA make hating California a local pastime, that isn't surprising. Enjoy that circlejerk.
AngryTexasNative@reddit
The vehicle is manufactured and labeled to California law. A representative of the manufacturer can’t change that.
I don’t believe they can void your warranty when you change it. And there shouldn’t be anything keeping independent mechanics from changing it in most states, especially a module that doesn’t directly tamper with the ECU (a certified device)
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Thought it was 4th now. Is it 5th?
Evee862@reddit
It’s 4th as of 2025
seamallowance@reddit
4th, actually
thebigfuckinggiant@reddit
To be fair, the original issue was not being able to have plates from other states if you live in California, which is really not an over reach. California should be able to require to have registration in California if a person actually lives there. The Montana plate thing is a way to avoid taxes and avoid smogging for people who actually live in California.
ChallengeDiaper@reddit
I have two cars from the factory that allows me to turn it off. Cars were bought in California. Sounds like bullshit to me.
irritated_illiop@reddit
Mines a 2024. I can turn it off, but it reenables itself at every startup.
Liveitup1999@reddit
You can buy a module that goes on the back or the start stop switch. It automatically disables the start stop function every time you start the car.
irritated_illiop@reddit
Yes, I'm familiar with those, however I've been told they void the warranty, and being a new car I don't want to risk it.
I'm just mad that CA is overstepping it's bounds.
Liveitup1999@reddit
If you are worried about the warranty just remove it when you bring it in for service. It took me less than 5 minutes to install it in two of my cars.
DRDHD@reddit
I’m from California and never heard of this
maskedbuilder1@reddit
They even want your helping reporting it. https://www.chp.ca.gov/notify-chp/report-out-of-state-registration-violators2/
btine75@reddit
It's another lovely example of California fascism. However if the vehicle isn't super loud or draw much attention it doesn't get pulled over much
There's cars driving around the bay area with no plates constantly that aren't pulled over. OP will be fine
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
All it takes is one bored cop.
Even worse then, as they "check on you" from time to time.
InvestedOcelot@reddit
Many states require 30-90 to register in state before the car is ticketed and or ultimately towed California is only 20 days. Local police do notice and enforce this.
MortimerDongle@reddit
Many states have laws requiring you to register your vehicles in-state.
For example, according to Pennsylvania law, any vehicle that is primarily kept and operated in Pennsylvania must be registered in Pennsylvania regardless of who owns it, so an out-of-state LLC doesn't get around it.
brokenlabrum@reddit
Something being legal in Montana doesn’t make it legal in California…
AngryTexasNative@reddit
I see so many out of state plates with local school Stickers and local dealership license plate frames.
I can’t wrap my head around buying a local vehicle, registering it out of state, and reinstalling the license plate frame as you put the plates on.
It must not see much enforcement where I am.
cleveraccountname13@reddit
The problem with one "weird trick the state hates" type stuff is that, if it doesn't get worked in the first place, the state changes the rules so it won't work.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
None of these people have given OP a realistic solution because people here dont know what they are talking about and dont understand the smog rules... But i will.
Listen very very carefully ...
CA has 3 separate smog programs depending on where you live in California with a California zip code...
Change of ownership
Areas in 1 &2 requires a smog check every 2 years
Areas in 3 only require a smog check on change of ownership. Biannual smog checks are not required for people living in a zip code in Area 3.
All of imperial county is (3)... So people living in imperial county do not do a smog check every 2 years
UPS stores allow you to get a mailbox with a real street address and unit number, for example if you run a business
*Because lots of businesses have business vehicles, it is quite common to have their vehicle registration sent to a UPS mailbox.
OP, read what I wrote above very very carefully and put everything together....
That should solve your specific problem....
You are welcome...
sveiks01@reddit
This guy emissions
sir_thatguy@reddit
I would argue that in fact, he does not.
Wishbone_508@reddit
Not all heroes have catalytic converters.
bandit1206@reddit
Most don’t.
35gli@reddit
Double tap that was great to all the above
cubacube305@reddit
Lolllllllllll
undernightmole@reddit
I would propose that he indeed, over emits.
wadeissupercool@reddit
My guess is he emits, though.
sveiks01@reddit
I have zero factual knowledge of anything regarding CA emissions regulations.
Much_Box996@reddit
Why can’t you just tell him to get a ups mailbox in imperial county or federal property and do a change of address for his registration?
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Because i cannot directly condone skirting emissions law directly even if everything i said is perfectly legal , and theres a couple of guesses why some person happens to know so much about the details of the CA Bureau of Automotive Repair rules and also the rules around aftermarket parts and engine swaps. You sort of have to understand the rules in detail in order to get around them legally...
That's how people are successful in stuffing in LS3 with a t-56 into a first generation miata and still manage to pass smog in CA... You just have to transplant a camaro's powertrain into the miata's packaging and get a BAR sticker from the BAR referee, and then your miata smogs as a camaro with an LS3 more or less. And then what you do to that LS3 after you pass your first smog is up to you with an imperial county or federal address...
The downside of registering a vehicle in a given address is typically people attach voter registration to their vehicle registration address and as such get summoned to jury duty there... Of course if you have a permanent excuse for jury selection,.you wont ever get summoned.
Much_Box996@reddit
I think of it like taxes. They make the rules and it is the smart people who use the loopholes to get around them. Isn’t CA simpler if your car is pre ‘75?
FreeMasonKnight@reddit
It’s also still easy to just follow the smog laws.
I’ve smogged my sports cars for over 2 decades in SoCal and never had an issue. Sometimes one doesn’t pass and needs a new Catalytic Converter or minor replacement part, it’s very easy to find a mechanic to make the necessary repairs once and then you are set forever basically.
JohnVivReddit@reddit
My experience as well with two classic cars.
My beef in general is that car/truck emissions are probably 1-2% on average of what they were 40 years ago. Is it really necessary to get it lower? Fact is, if car emissions were reduced to zero, there would still be significant smog from other sources. No cost benefit analysis for auto vs non auto sources.
FreeMasonKnight@reddit
Oh 1,000% boats pollute more than sports cars. I believe all sports cars should be exempt as most are weekend driven only.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
If they really want to focus on smog, they should focus on congestion and cars idling on the freeway.
JohnVivReddit@reddit
Very good observation. Was just in China and the traffic in Beijing and Shanghai in general runs very smoothly. If they can do it, why can’t we?
mx5plus2cones@reddit
The issue is your sports car will have parts harder to come by the older it gets. Especially catalytic converters
The second issue is the reason for these sudden changes of much stricter emissions rules starting 2025 is from the state mandate to phase out ICE cars.anf force people into EVs.
They arent saying it, but that is the goal. Because something as simple as requiring the EVAP monitor to be ready starting in 2025. instead of allowing it to be "not ready" will cause a lot of cars on the road that otherwise is running fine.to immediately fail smog....and chasing after the cause of why an EVAP monitor does not go into the ready state (since there wont be any fault codes etc since it hasnt failed, just not ready) will be an expensive proposition for your average person with a 10 year old car.
So your ICE sports car is just a few years of being phased out in CA...and we can all drive teslas in a few years 🤣
Much_Box996@reddit
Thats a bingo
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Yes
Prestigious-Yellow20@reddit
My friend was doing this with a E34 M5 he has. He had it registered at a address / unit number in Tecate ( just a mail box store, not post office). After years of doing it the Bar sent him a letter saying they need a utility bill or proof of residence at that address or he would not be allowed to re-register it.
Much_Box996@reddit
I bet they started comparing drivers license address to registration
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Impossible. How would a company vehicle associated to the company and not 1 driver get registered?
Much_Box996@reddit
I thought it was about personal vehicles. I didn’t see anything about company cars
mx5plus2cones@reddit
And how does the DMV distinguish between the two, considering a business could be as simple as a sole proprietor operating with a fictitious business name? Do you think the people employed at the DMV are paid enough to care and figure that out, given whatever experience you might have had stepping into an actual CA DMV office?
Much_Box996@reddit
The car isn’t owned by a business. To do that he would have to do a change of ownership which would require a smog check. The example mentioned a business address but that was just to get the mailbox. Anyone can get a mailbox. Also there are databases that contain your data so any IT person could easily compare license address to registration address. It wouldn’t be anyone you interact with.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Again read the rules from the CA BAR considering what is considered a change of ownership. Some people who read the rules and studied them know better than your questions and armchair answers based on lack of understanding the details of the rules. Not all changes to the registered owner.eoumd.be considered a change of ownership , in fact there are several one can make that would be exempt from change of ownership smog check... The simpliest one (irrelevant to this discussion) would be transferring a vehicle to a spouse or relative that can be done without requiring a smog check. There are other cases such as that would be relevant.... But again, DMV is not and would not be setup to validate a specific driver to a specific car. Since it is entirely possible to have 2 addresses , one permanent and 1 vacation home and leave 1 car at your vacation home in some rural zip code, which richer people tend to have and already tend to do.
Much_Box996@reddit
Explain why that guys friend got asked for a utility bill to prove he lives where his car is registered. It would take a carb official with IT knowledge five minutes to find owners with different reg vs lic addresses. They ask for proof and if you have a vacation home as only very few do then they can easily have their accountant clear up the issue.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
I dont know. Maybe he picked a zip code with too few people ....maybe he got pulled over and got ticketed.... Maybe he got pulled over by one of those random smog check setup occasionally on the road and didnt realize the trst isnt compulsory or you could easily get out of it if you day your car is AWD ... Who knows.
Again, you seem to argue for argument sake that arent based on facts just to ax grind. Many people on social media are this way, because many people like to pretend to be a car expert despite having no real knowledge or experience to be commenting on such things. Nothing is a guarantee on lofe and everything you do is a game of probability..no different than investing... (Also irrevelant to this discussion)
If all you drive is a toyota corolla, camry, honda accord, civic, mazda 6. You have nothing to worry about. All very good cars....Just pay your $50-65 smog check fee + $9 certificate fee every 2 years or $100ish smog check if you are pre-obd II and need an actual sniff test (two speed idle or dyno test depending on whether you are in area 1 or 2) and be on your merry way .
This only concerns you really if you have a supercar or a track car or some worthy collector car, and if you arent in that category or dont have a car... then well, this doesnt concern you. Its only a tiny fraction of the number of cars in CA. And the cost and hassle to do this far outweighs just getting a other car if your car is a run-of-mill toyota camry/corolla/accord/civic/mazda 6/3....
Have a good day.
Much_Box996@reddit
You seem to be one of those people who change the subject in order to feel you won the discussion. A lot of people in the internet do this. I stated that I think it likely that a gov official had a comparison done regarding lic and reg addresses and sent out notices asking for proof of residence. It is very possible and you tried and failed to prove it not.
Good day, sir.
I said good day, sir.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Bro. I dont care. In just trying to answer OP's questions. You seem to like to conjecture "what if"...
Like a PHD degreed person that does analysis to paralysis and get get any real work done at a corporate job (also seperate discussion).
You asked a bunch of questions and insinuated your correctness despite having no evidence of your statements.. i replied with evidence specifically from the CA Bar reference manual that everyone who wants to pass a BAR exam is tested on. I challenged you to go read the BAR manual and correct me if Im wrong.. but thus far, all you is offer is some other non-factual based strawman what if argument. If this matter means so much to you, I would suggest you download the BAR smog check reference manual, read it, and then we can have more two way factual based dialogue instead of me just replying to a non factual based what-if strawman arguments.
What if a big asteroid crashes down on earth tomorrow and wipes out humanity? Well then it doesnt matter ehat we are discussing about does it?
Much_Box996@reddit
Nope. You replied to my comment that was to another person who said their friend got caught. That isn’t an if. The guy got caught. And you brought up company cars out of nowhere which would require a change of ownership. I called you on your bs.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Bro. I replied to his comment about proof of utility bill. I specially gave an answer for that. Its not that difficult to produce a utility bill.
Much_Box996@reddit
Ok keep changing your story. Comparing addresses is likely.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Go back and look at your post. Unless you deleted it to cover your tracks.
Again, this was for the benefit of OP.
I dont get paid to do this..most people couldnt afford me.... nor the maintenance costs of my cars. 🤣
Much_Box996@reddit
Again you are wrong. Try bragging more about fake wealth to win a discussion where you lost all credibility after your second or third post.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Dude, I don't know what your problem is But I'm doing fine.
Why don't you peruse my profile and se what "other" subs Im active in.
There's nothing *fake* about me...
Much_Box996@reddit
I am happy you realize you were wrong.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
.... ChatGpt is your friend...
ridinderty@reddit
So does this mean he will have to drive to the UPS store mailbox in another county just to get his registration paperwork or can they forward it to his home?
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Why would you need registration paperwork if you have AAA to renew your registration in person? Im sure AAA can renew your registration even if you "lost" the paperwork the DMV sent.
AAA is so much more civilized than a DMV or waiting for CA to mail you your stickers....
ridinderty@reddit
So when the DMV sends your reg stickers to your PO box in a different county, you're saying to go to AAA and tell them you never received it or lost it? Suppose that would work, but I believe they also charge you for the replacement stickers, no?
mx5plus2cones@reddit
No. Just pay for your registration at AAA when it is due and you can get your stickers immediately..AAA does registration renewals just like the DMV used to.
ridinderty@reddit
great info, thanks!
WarmAdhesiveness8962@reddit
I used to be a Subaru tech in SoCal a long time ago. I was the only one in the shops I worked at with a license to do smog tests. I seem to remember cars over 25 years old were exempted from tests. I know laws change and memories fade so I'm probably wrong. If it were still a thing I assume you would have mentioned it.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
Gas: 1975 or older exempt Diesel : 1997 or older exempt
Its not 25 years.
Jay Leno supported a classic car exemption for cars 35 years or older... It failed to move forward in August 2025.
https://abc7.com/post/lenos-law-does-not-pass-jay-leno-backed-california-bill-aimed-ease-smog-test-requirements-classic-cars/17705138/
ramdmc@reddit
Such an informative answer, wish I could buy you a beer or a pail of Sunoco 116!
Take my upvote instead.
AcanthisittaFine7697@reddit
I put 110 low lead aviation fuel in my dirt bikes and quads . And jet skis . And street bike. Make friends with the local airport guys .
mx5plus2cones@reddit
I should also mention this.... Regarding smog checks in CA. Starting in October 2025, this month, the smog check is even more stringent than before. Before, MY 2000+ gasoline vehicles were allowed to have the EVAP monitor be in "not ready" state and you could still pass smog if all the other emissions monitors were ready ....Not so anymore. Starting this month ALL emissions monitors have to be ready. Many people are going to be in for a rude awakening because if their battery ever goes flat.... on many cars you can drive several hundreds of miles and the evap monitor never goes ready..
Prestigious-Yellow20@reddit
I have multiple 80's cars. A few years ago my 89 foxbody failed the evap test (.43 I believe is allowed and I was at .44). I had to drop the gas tank to replace a seal. In the process I spilled a about a gallon of gas which is 10000x the amount of fumes released into the atmosphere that they failed me for.
The next year I had to smog a new to me Mercedes 560sel. Guess what? The evap test is not required on old Mercedes because the smog shops can't access the lines to pinch off. What kind of bullshit is that?
timmcal@reddit
You have to look up what’s a “drive cycle” on your vehicle. Some it’s simply every other time the vehicle gets warmed up and some have a list like outside temp, fuel level, speed, time to warm up, all kinds of stuff. I don’t have emissions testing where I am but sometimes for troubleshooting if a check engine light comes on periodically, we run a cycle. Some are just ridiculous and I’m not sure how y’all would ever get them to pass regularly.
Evee862@reddit
Sounds easy in practice, it’s not that easy in actual life. During covid I parked a couple Of my vehicles as I was working from home with my wife and we simple went nowhere. So when it came around to smogging them I have to go through all this. It took like a month to get them to get ready even following what was supposedly the drive cycle. My truck I carried around the failed test and was pulled over. Handed it to the officer and he was like yeah. Not the first one that’s had this issue.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
In theory yes, in practice if you have an old car, some cars practically cant get into the ready state because preconditions are way too stringent and once the car is old, those preconditions are never met. That was the original reason why CA BAR originally exempted the EVAP monitor. Same could be said for any continuous monitor that is stuck in the not ready state.
RileyCargo42@reddit
I really wonder how they make 80's-00's rotary engines stay alive? Like they pretty much are 2 strokes with the amount of oil they burn.
Dumbelfuk@reddit
Everything you need to know right here. 🙏
whozwat@reddit
Absolutely right. My 79 super beetle requires al $350 smog tuning before each smog check (check fail, adjust, fail, check again fail, adjust.. pass). After the smog check, tune so it won't die at a stoplight and it's fine for 2 years
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
A third option -- which OP seems to prefer -- is to keep his "cool car with the unobtanium parts."
However, this option of course would require two additional tasks:
;-)
maskedbuilder1@reddit
OP can’t afford to fix this car, how could he put this one in a museum and afford other means of transport? He obviously needs to sell the thing and get something used, newer, and more reliable
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I have a 2024 Honda crv as my daily but this is my fun car. I just don’t want to spend 5k on fixing emissions stuff for it to not pass and have to change all the parts I’ve put on it
maskedbuilder1@reddit
That crv have a tow hitch? I’m only asking because it sounds like your ae86 just became a track day car.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I’d rather sell it. It’s too nice to ruin it on the track. You can’t really track these things anymore. If something gets messed up you’re out of luck trying to replace it
SiriuslyAndrew@reddit
I feel like a track is much safer than public roads.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
A track is for spirited driving, people take more risks and get a little wild with it. When I used to go to the tack often there would be at least two accidents a day
SiriuslyAndrew@reddit
A local intersection has more action than that. Different track groups drive different levels of crazy, not everyone who goes to a track is trying to be Max Verstappen, and just want to let their car stretch its legs without a ticket risk or hurting public.
SoulSim@reddit
This guy liberals.
Bomberr17@reddit
Can't track AE86? I call BS lol. We had a Toyota day and the AE86 guys literally bought out a whole session. More than 20 of them.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DO-H4IHledU/?igsh=MXNqczRqYXpvcTM4dw==
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
You can track them obviously but if you fuck up good luck finding parts. A lot of my stuff is imported from Japan so if I wrecked I’d be out a shitload of money to buy another one. Plus the body is straight with no dents. It’s a nice car and I’d like to keep it that way.
SuperEdgyEdgeLord@reddit
I thought Toyota said they were going to make ae86 parts via GR heritage? Or am I mistaken?
Morrisseys_Cat@reddit
Yeah, but can't imagine they're gonna bother with US spec smog equipment.
SuperEdgyEdgeLord@reddit
It was more so referencing replacing parts if he tracks it and it breaks. As for smog equipment...I've no idea.
Are Japanese standards easier than California's?
Morrisseys_Cat@reddit
I see. For that purpose, yeah. I've been seeing GR parts already listed on BGRS and the like.
Japanese emissions are definitely less strict. Still insane that we have to deal with this for a 40 year old car.
SuperEdgyEdgeLord@reddit
I genuinely wish Leno's law had passed. Cars that old which CANT get the proper smog.equipment should be exempt.
shiftersix@reddit
This is why I hate California's smog laws. I'm in the same boat with a BMW. The DMV is also giving me a hard time for selling the car without a cleared smog check within 90 days of sale date as well.
maskedbuilder1@reddit
Shit, if you’re in LA I’ll low ball the hell out of you. Lmao
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I am in LA, shoot me an offer
maskedbuilder1@reddit
Send me some photos please
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Im currently repainting it. I’ll shoot some over. I gotta put on the carbon hood and hatch. But it’s a nice car with no major dents or anything.
Cardinal_350@reddit
These people are dumbfucks. Get a Montana LLC and register the car through Montana. People have been doing it for decades. No more smogs to pass ever again
Dch112@reddit
How does he sell it when it’s the seller’s responsibility to smog it?
mx5plus2cones@reddit
None of these people have given you a realistic solution but I will.
CA has 3 separate smog programs depending on where you live in California with a California zip code...
Change of ownership
Areas in 1 &2 requires a smog check every 2 years
Areas in 3 only require a smog check on change of ownership. Biannual smog checks are not required for people living in a zip code in Area 3.
All of imperial county is (3)... So people living in imperial county do not do a smog check every 2 years
UPS stores allow you get a mailbox with a real street address and unit number, for example if you run a business
*Because lots of businesses have business vehicles, it is quite common to have their vehicle registration sent to a UPS mailbox.
Now, read what I wrote above very very carefully and put eveything together....
That should solve your specific problem....
You are welcome...
Busterlimes@reddit
My option 3 is 1000x better.
OkPossession2653@reddit
What option?
Busterlimes@reddit
Option 3, start an LLC in another state that doesnt have smog, transfer ownership of the car to the business in that state.
cleveraccountname13@reddit
Do you really think that would work when CA takes this shit seriously and has the power to make any law it wants about what is required for a car that is regularly used by someone who loves in the state.
Beginning_Ad8663@reddit
Your forgetting one thing its not California. Its the voters of California they want this. California has an easy ballot referendum process. They could change it if they want. Also being old i remember the Smog days in the late sixties and seventies maybe they Don’t want to go back to that.
Busterlimes@reddit
There are ways around anything, if you don't realize that, then you must not live in America
OGMcSwaggerdick@reddit
Yeah, but not everyone has the $€£¥ for the ways around
DD6372@reddit
california is cracking down on that
Busterlimes@reddit
How?
DD6372@reddit
the state is using cameras to track and record Montana plates.
https://www.jalopnik.com/1849063/california-utah-cracking-down-montanta-registration-loophole/
Busterlimes@reddit
OK, register it in Michigan. . .
DD6372@reddit
Im going to assume with the help of AI all plates form any state will/are tracked and recorded, stay over 6 months without California plates get fined.
wyatt265@reddit
I drove my dad’s truck for 5 years in the Bay Area with Iowa plates. Got pulled over 1 time. I told them my dad had a stroke and couldn’t drive.
DD6372@reddit
Yeah they don't need police now its all automated now or soon.
salvage814@reddit
Yeah that is slowly becoming not an option anymore. Thank Ed Bolian for that one.
Brilliant-Onion2129@reddit
You left out the third option. Leave California!
iamnoone815@reddit
Could send it to me in Oregon. I’ll take real good care of it for you
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I’m actually going to have to sell it if I can’t smog it
Banme_reddit_3495@reddit
Legally you can't sell if you don't have a smog done
ElTioBorracho@reddit
Don't sell it. Register it out of a non smog county.
salvage814@reddit
California doesn't have those it isn't Pennsylvania.
ElTioBorracho@reddit
Certain Remote ass counties in California are smog exempt unless you sell it. If you plan on keeping it forever, register the physical address of the vehicle out of one of those counties. Some include amador, calexico, inyo, lassen, mono etc. Change the address online or in office. Don't make it obvious and don't even mutter tags or smog. Just STFU.
Once the change of address is done, pick up tags from kiosk.
amsman03@reddit
As well as remote San Bernardino county all the way to CA border.
Try Zip 92263 😉
salvage814@reddit
Yeah I'm glad I only have to deal with the PA inspection every year.
ElTioBorracho@reddit
Mine hasn't been smogged or inspected for well over a decade.
salvage814@reddit
Yeah PA requires inspections once a year cause of road salt or liquid calcium it just eats cars alive and kills grass.
machinerer@reddit
PA is great for buying cheap cars that fail inspection. I just got a 95 Mustang for $800 that has a bit of rust, no biggie. Your private inspection bullshit is a huge ass scam. Perfectly good cars getting failed for dumb shit.
Come to Jersey. Zero safety inspection (does not exist), 1995 or older emissions exempt.
salvage814@reddit
It's really not a scam people just hear fail and think it's instant garbage. It's so easy to fail as well as so easy to pass.
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Find remote county, buy a mailbox, register car to LLC there.
It worked for me when I lived in PA.
salvage814@reddit
In PA it's a lot easier just to buy property now and just register it there in a non emissions county. People from Pittsburgh do it all the time.
tk8398@reddit
They do but you have to smog it once to register it there and again if you sell it I believe.
jeeves585@reddit
Yep, Oregon is county by county. I have two registered in Jackson and three registered in multnomah. Jackson has a 21 year rule and mult has a 1975 (?) rule. Washington county is 1975 as well as I recall but those are all farm trucks that rarely get on public roads.
salvage814@reddit
Pennsylvania is country by county as well. I don't have to deal with so I don't really know. But I know diesel trucks are exempt. Classic cars are exempt from emissions I believe but they do get inspected and antique car are exempt from both but have mileage limits.
jeeves585@reddit
I have a special interest registered (classic car) and it doesn’t need anything but like $35 every couple years. No mileage limit as I recall but it can only be driven to car shows, the shop, or general upkeep maintance (keeping the bearings and rubber lined type of thing). It’s mostly a road trip car so I just need to find a cars and coffee near my destination on a trip (I actually go to them) or I drive it to the grocery every now and then.
iamnoone815@reddit
Ouch. I was just joking. I wish I could afford it though. Sorry. Hope something works out for you
gerbilstuffer@reddit
You can't afford a 40 year old Corolla? Your life must suck.
Z_Wild@reddit
Are you not familiar with the AE86?
gerbilstuffer@reddit
I'm not familiar with random letter/number generator.
CricketExact899@reddit
You have no business on this sub kid
gerbilstuffer@reddit
r/gatekeeping?
CricketExact899@reddit
Nope, you're just a troll
gerbilstuffer@reddit
Whatever, I don't even know why this dumb shit keeps being recommended.
CricketExact899@reddit
Because you keep commenting on it dummy
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
It’s a very famous Japanese car. It’s the car that made drifting popular and inspired Initial D.
But it was also very popular for circuit and rally racing. The specific trim I have is the one that goes for $25k+
salvage814@reddit
Actual clean versions can fetch up to $40k now it nuts.
KaleidoscopeDan@reddit
Hopefully it doesn’t come to that. After all my years of watching initial d, I’m ready to take on the challenge of an 86 and owning it.
kalel3000@reddit
What part of California? Like near LA?
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Yeah the middle of LA
Beefy_Unicorn@reddit
For how much? 👀
joshuber@reddit
Hahaha, I do the same for my dad; he drove up from SoCal and we meet at a So. Oregon DMV.
Muted_Turnover6812@reddit
What part of Cali I got people
Doublestack00@reddit
Montana and Virginia do not require you to live there to register a vehicle.
black-kramer@reddit
they will run into trouble. chp is cracking down on montana plates.
Doublestack00@reddit
Maybe.
I've been running a Virginia plate (do not live there) and haven't had any issues .
black-kramer@reddit
I think the montana ones arouse more suspicion.
MeepMeeps88@reddit
You create an LLC in Montana and register the car under it.
black-kramer@reddit
and get your car impounded or worse when chp inevitably finds you.
MeepMeeps88@reddit
Lol so move then. California sucks if you're into cars.
black-kramer@reddit
the level of car guy jerkoff cretinism to suggest moving for the sake of a car is hilarious. get a grip, dude.
I have cool cars and wish I could have other ones, but my life here is overall fucking fantastic. there's no car worth my lifestyle. you just don't get it.
kick6@reddit
A 1985 Corolla should have had cats. If yours doesn’t…add cats.
LV_Devotee@reddit
Buy another Corolla. But a newer one like a 1995. (Or anything really but same “model” would be best) as long as the 2nd car passes smog you are good. Register the car that passed, and put the plates on the other car.
bluethunder808@reddit
Move to another state that doesn’t have insane policies
TheGarp@reddit
Have you tried a nice Italian tune up then a bottle of rubbing alcohol right before testing? Just sayin.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I’m telling you this thing will never pass smog, it doesn’t even pass the visual inspection because the oem parts do not exist
unmanipinfo@reddit
What even are the original emissions parts? Cat and egr? Shouldn't be too hard to fabricate something close enough to pass
LiqdPT@reddit
"fabricated" aren't oem parts, and won't pass a California visual smog inspection if they don't appear factory (or from a CARB certified manufacturer)
unmanipinfo@reddit
Yes obviously they aren't oem parts, not sure why that needed clarifying. Shoot the suggestion down all you want but do they really have enough model and engine specific knowledge to know what is an isn't to the point of the actual shape of the components? I feel like someone skilled enough could get away with it
LiqdPT@reddit
Frequently it's easy to spot a fabricated homemade (or even low volume manufacture part) VS a mass manufacture part. But even aftermarket parts aren't legal unless they have CARB certification, though you would probably get away with a mass manufactured aftermarket part as long as it doesn't have logos or anodizing or coatings or something.
And it all depends on the person inspecting...
tk8398@reddit
They won't know what it's supposed to look like but it has to look stock. So it's questionable.
newoldschool@reddit
what if OEM components are used but from a later model, made to fit in the older vehicle? he might not be able to find 1985 OEM components but some from the 2000s would be easier to get?
unmanipinfo@reddit
Wow I had no idea CA inspections were that intense visually, the actual emissions testing sure. Thanks for the info
tk8398@reddit
Sell it, if the parts are gone it's no longer an option to live in California and street drive it.
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
What all does it need? Charcoal can, egr, intake, cats, smog pump, tubing?
Have you contacted BAR for help with the emissions or in sourcing the parts?
If the parts are truly unavailable, they'd have to waive, right? Sounds like a worthwhile endeavor to me. Probably a valuable waiver too, if they're permanent.
Worst case, look on Yelp! for a "great" smog inspection center. Maybe they can help you. Tip appropriately.
Equal-Incident5313@reddit
Half a tank or more of E85 is easy to do
PhotographStrong562@reddit
How much do you like California?
OceanGrownPharms@reddit
Register it out of state.
Background-Slip8205@reddit
Read their post again.
OceanGrownPharms@reddit
You don't need to change your license to register it out of state
Background-Slip8205@reddit
You need to be a resident in the state to register it.
OceanGrownPharms@reddit
Nope, plenty of services that don't require residency
boostlee33@reddit
Theres still alot of dirty smog places
More_Pineapple3585@reddit
I remember decades ago I took my car to a local smog shop. I asked how much for a smog test and the guy said "forty dollar, you pass!"
he was correct
crazytimes3030@reddit
Create LLC online in a state that doesn't require smoke test and register all ur cars to it and get insurance. Plenty of videos on how to do it. Or pay extra at a gas station to pass it
Background-Slip8205@reddit
Actually, you can register it out of state without updating your license. Several states allow non-resident registration. Arizona is one of them, but I'm not sure what the requirements are. You might have to know someone who lives there so you can claim you're a part time resident.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
All ive seen require you to have some physical address. At this point im considering buying the smallest possible piece of land possible as I’ve seen some for like 2k and just registering my car through that
TactualTransAm@reddit
Do you have ANY family or friends outside of Cali? Heck somebody in this thread might even be willing to tell you an address.
newtonreddits@reddit
That's too much trouble. Google Montana LLC loophole. There's companies with attorneys that do it for you.
Problem is a lot of guys with old cars or very expensive cars use this loophole. I think CHP cracks down on these plates sometimes but I don't live in California to know which locations are hotspots.
salvage814@reddit
The Montana LLC is slowly being shut down.
Chokedee-bp@reddit
Can OP register car in another state they have relative in ?
oldsoul6465@reddit
I'm curious, was your car sold new in California? Or was it sold new somewhere else. Do you have a Federal Emissions decal or a California Emissions decal in your engine bay?
I had a 74 C10 that was built in Michigan, sold new in West Virgina, and I found it in North Carolina. Under the hood it had a Federal Emissions Decal. When I brought it back to California, first thing DMV asked is if I had a smog certificate. Told them no. Two reasons, it's a 74 (exempt) and it's Federal Emissions. Lady didn't believe be about 1974 being exempt, but when I showed her the decal she was a bit pissed off (made her look stupid) and walked in the DMV to get the plates. Was asked again about smog certificate, again told them it's a 74 and Federal. No issues inside. Got the plates. Sold it years later.
PPVSteve@reddit
Federal cars still need a smog check. But yea not 74s
oldsoul6465@reddit
I guess Cali changed it then.
Expert-Echo2852@reddit
move to a less gay state 👍
FalconDCW@reddit
If I remember correctly. Before I moved out of state a mechanic friend told me that Alpine, Anyone, Mendocino and Modoc Counties don't do smog checks and that you can set up a physical address there through a mail service to establish residency. Then set up forwarding, register your car there and no more smog.
AI-Idaho@reddit
Idaho believes in freedom. Our Congress stopped the only two counties that were requiring smog checks annually. It's been that way for the rest of the state forever. It's awesome again. If you'd like California to be awesome again, stop voting for socialism/liberals who hate your freedom and cars.
PPVSteve@reddit
We voted republican. Arnold. He banned old semis that did jot have smog equipment. Now half the semis won't pick up a load in CA any more. Thanks Republicans for higher prices on everything.
AI-Idaho@reddit
Arnold is a rino. He's not a good example of Republicans or even conservative views. California used to have a serious smog problem. Laws were passed and the engines today run light-years cleaner than they used to in the early 70's. As is often the case, people in power take it too far, and now want zero emissions from everything. Meanwhile, common sense and reality are ignored. And you get laws that cost you unexpected results, like no freight into or out of California due to emissions laws. It's going to take decades of pain for California to recover from this, if ever. Sad, but true.
st00pidbutt@reddit
Fuck that car is a old as me... a classic? Damn...
ForeskinForeman@reddit
What all is involved beyond having cali legal cats on it? Are you required to have an egr system as well? How is anyone driving around in older cars there? Or do they just not?
L_Outsider@reddit
I believe an 1986 AE86 would both have a cat and EGR. The issue seems to revolve around the fact that OP got rid of them for whatever reason and used to hot smog his car but now he can't find someone to do it anymore. Pre-1976 is exempt from smog test.
engorgedfowlis@reddit
Non opp the title and record the address in a rural CA county that does not require smog at any time but transfer of title.
Wait a few months.
Go and register your vehicle in that county.
Should work. Works every time I purchase a non opp vehicle that is not smog compliant.
I just leave it non opp for a few months before I register it and boom, no smog.
IslanderBison@reddit
Register is to zip code 90704. Your mailing address, registration address, and insured address don't necessarily have to be the same place.
Appendix 1C – Partial Biennial Smog Counties Zip Codes
Effective_Job_2555@reddit
Register an LLC out of state and make it a "business car" so you dont need to have a license in that state. I think Mississippi is good for that or one of those middle US states.
salvage814@reddit
Yeah that really is slowly not becoming an option now a days.
emiliobruh@reddit
Eh Montana gives out plates like it’s hotcakes lol
Sure_Acanthaceae_348@reddit
I don't get how anyone anywhere gets away with that. The second you get into a crash and the insurance finds out you were improperly registered you're screwed.
torqued8@reddit
I went down this rabbit hole and in summary even if your state government/DMV doesn't give a shit, car insurance companies routinely do audits or whatever and you'll be dropped, if not now then especially after an accident(which they'll refuse to cover). Lose-lose
salvage814@reddit
States are cracking down on it. Georgia (thank Ed Bolian for that) and California are the two that come to mind.
emiliobruh@reddit
That’s true and it’s only if you get into their system like going through the tolls in California, someone ratting you out on the DMV website or being pulled over constantly. Other than that it’s not that much of a deal out here in California.
(Unless you got an expensive super car in which case California wants their tax money)
salvage814@reddit
You are still playing with fire and just asking to be pulled over and given a hard time and paying even more just to try and save a little.
Jolly-Radio-9838@reddit
I know someone who does this. Works so far
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Can do that AFAIK, but with a remote county in CA, vs out of state, as they are hunting those with Skynet now.
Hopeful_Corner1333@reddit
I had ae86s and aw11s in CA from 2006 to 2021. Never had a problem finding parts. What parts are you looking for?
-VWNate@reddit
Interesting question .
Depending on where in Ca. you live there will be plenty of similar cars in the local LKQ self service junkyards .
I'm going through this right now with a Ca. spec. Chevy Tracker 2L J20 engine, (same as Suzuki Vitara) , it's throwing EGR codes and the secondary cat. has something loose rattling 'round inside it .
The tail pipe emissions are fine but the EGR monitor keeps cycling between O.K. and pending failure so the smogs testers won't pass it .
It turns out there's an exhaust gas passage through t e back of the cylinder head much like MoPar V8's had in the 1970's, I'm about the replace the exhaust manifold and whilst it's apart I plan to dismount the (new) EGR valve on the far side of the cylinder head and plumb that passage as clean as I possibly can, not my first EGR fail rodeo .
The car currently has Az. license tags and if this last Hail Mary doesn't get it to pass I'll simply keep the Az. tags on it and punt if I'm ever pulled over for it .
I live in So. Cal. where pollution is a huge thing yet I've not been hassled yet .
All my comments predicate the OP being handy with tools and willing to perform vexatious labor .
Best of luck with it .
-Nate
Significant-Mango772@reddit
Try a 50/50 ethanol mix
daveashaw@reddit
That really sucks. Here in CT vehicles over 25 years old are exempt.
There just aren't that many of them regularly on the road to make a difference.
Of course, we don't have the air quality issues that CA has.
PPVSteve@reddit
CT has a natural selection to get old cars off the road. Salt and rust. CA does not get that. A 1980s cars still looks good structurally. It's just our emissions equipment wears out. So need upkeep.
daveashaw@reddit
Didn't think of that.
25StarGeneralZap@reddit
So honest question here, what do you do for classic vehicles made before smog reducing parts were a thing? My 78 Dodge truck was built factory with no smog reducing parts at all.
PPVSteve@reddit
As long as they have the equipment that was on it from the factory you are fine. And the trucks get a pretty wide cut off value for emissions for some reason. You will never see a truck owner having a huge issue passing ca smog. It's the cars of the 80s that have the most problem.
CA smogs start for 1976 vehicles becase that was about the time cats were in wide use. But yea a federal built truck with no cats probly got failed out of the state years ago.
That_one_cat_sly@reddit
Well I haven't seen anyone else suggest it so here goes. Drive to a shop out of state and pay them to wield in a new aftermarket cat and get the computer to clear the codes.
*On one hand Ca takes emissions too far, on the other hand unleaded gas, catalytic converters, and DEF systems have almost stopped acid rain. It's inconvenient and kind of sucks but it's a good thing overall.
PPVSteve@reddit
It's an 80 cars. No codes to clear. And CA checks for CARB compliant cats on all cars.
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Does California not have a waiver, like if you spend X amount of money trying to fix the car's emissions, they waive it and exempt the car? Or classic tags that don't require emissions?
Times like this are when I'm glad I live in the middle of nowhere. F California.
PPVSteve@reddit
They do and it's currently $650. But that gives you a 2 year exemption. But they don't allow if it's a tamper. Meaning you have taken all the emissions equipment off the car. They allow for failing equipment not modifications if that makes sence.
CORNERSTORE42069@reddit
Step 1 - move out of cali
yaboidabdaddy@reddit
Emissions regulations on a 40 y/o car. What a joke
PPVSteve@reddit
They are the ones that need it the most.
Icy_Nose_2651@reddit
don’t cars age out for smog requirements in cali?
PPVSteve@reddit
No age put but they start for 1976 cars. Been set there for decades.
6Red@reddit
You can attempt the abbreviated smog check that is offered on cars that are registered as collector cars. To my knowledge, no one has ever been able to successfully make this happen, but SEMA claims they’ll help you if the state ref turns you away. You could actually help the car community out a lot if you can make it happen.
The abbreviated smog check does not include a visual. It’s just a tailpipe check and an EVAP. So as long as your car is in proper tune and has a cat, it should be good.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/collector-cars
Oak510land@reddit
It sounds like you have to have the original emissions equipment:
Note: A collector car classified as a special interest vehicle also will be inspected to ensure it is unaltered from the manufacturer’s original specifications. (Vehicle Code section 5051(b))
eyeb4lls@reddit
Not all collector cars are special interest vehicles, good catch though
Oak510land@reddit
Ah gotcha. So op's Corolla would just qualify since it's over 35 years old and does not need to be considered a special interest vehicle.
I've never heard of this exemption tbh.
kingdrift180@reddit
Wow, never knew about this. Might have to give it a try with my S13.
S2fftt@reddit
Move
Interesting-Swim-162@reddit
Damn california doesn’t have Classic registrations? in my state classic cars are exempt from emissions but you have to agree not to drive them daily
PPVSteve@reddit
We have collector car plates. But it has to be a collector car. Nothing in the 80s would qualify as special.
ProfileTime2274@reddit
Add some extra alcohol and adjust your timing. If you take it to a guy with a Dino he should be able to do some adjustments to get it to squeak by.
Honest_Road17@reddit
LS swap.
Bryanmsi89@reddit
Ufnortuantely Senate Bill 712 ("Leno's Law") did not pass. It would have created a rolling 35-year exemption in place of the current 1975 and earlier exemption. In your case, you can either:
Good luck!
AllNamesAreTaken198@reddit
4 options:
YinzerInEurope@reddit
Register it out of State.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I’d have to get a different state license
robbobster@reddit
Who is telling you this? You can register it in a state you don’t reside
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Yeah but when I get pulled over without that license then I’m going to have a bad time dealing with all the crap. Plus from what I gather looking at other states dmv websites you need proof of address and they don’t take a PO Box as one
EanBvasion@reddit
I had absolutely no problem registering a car in a different state, if you’re pulled over you just tell them you live in both states and required to have a CA license because you spend over 50% of the year in California, the car is registered in the state it spends the majority of the year in. California has a large military population, if there is a base nearby out of state plates are extremely common too.
I drove a NH plated car in San Diego for 8 years without a problem.
brokensharts@reddit
How often do you get pulled over?
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
police love to pull me over. LA police love to pull over young guys in modded cars. If I have out of state plates it’s gonna skyrocket
brokensharts@reddit
Damn, move. I drive like a jackass with no plates on the front and out of states on the rear.
Havent interacted with a cop in years
YinzerInEurope@reddit
No you don’t. You get a Montana LLC and register it there.
Sure_Acanthaceae_348@reddit
It's all fun and games until you have an insurance claim.
86scirocco@reddit
You are a “student” if you get pulled over totally legal can be in state long as u want with oos plates.
hydrissx@reddit
Hell, enroll at a community college in some other state to match the car registration for a semester, get an ID, that would probably be cheaper than the smog stuff
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
I’m currently a grad student in California. I don’t want to do that because it would screw with my current registration
hydrissx@reddit
Most colleges don't talk to each other. Pay cash for one class, get your ID, ghost them.
Reasonable_Buy1662@reddit
Any school that accepts student aid reports registration and admission to the federal agency that handles that. (Was dept of education, possibly different with current executive orders) They specifically look for duel enrollment.
Garrentheflyingsword@reddit
Just do Montana LLC it's not hard. They may be cracking down but it's not over yet.
Or just keep getting hot snogged it's definitely still possible. One potential way to find a place is make friends with people at the local parts counters, they usually know someone.
newtonreddits@reddit
I know parts of California are cracking down on Montana plated cars. Too many rich guys trying to skirt taxes.
InterestingTruth7232@reddit
There are ways to register your car in other states. Screw CA. They can’t control people that drive older cars. I can promise you the environmental cost to junk vs the emissions issues far outweigh the latter
Vangotransit@reddit
Montana tags
Reasonable-Mall-8545@reddit
Sell it, and stop being an asshole polluter in your own home.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
OP....
None of these people have given you a realistic solution but I will.
CA has 3 separate smog programs depending on where you live in California with a California zip code...
Change of ownership
Areas in 1 &2 requires a smog check every 2 years
Areas in 3 only require a smog check on change of ownership. Biannual smog checks are not required for people living in a zip code in Area 3.
All of imperial county is (3)... So people living in imperial county do not do a smog check every 2 years
UPS stores allow you get a mailbox with a real street address and unit number, for example if you run a business
*Because lots of businesses have business vehicles, it is quite common to have their vehicle registration sent to a UPS mailbox.
Now, read what I wrote above very very carefully and put eveything together....
That should solve your specific problem....
You are welcome...
ThisGuyLovesSunshine@reddit
OP seems like he's tried nothing and is all out of ideas. There's a ton of ways around it if you are smart.
mx5plus2cones@reddit
The other option is have 2 sets of cats... One that you use for everyday...one that you swap in for inspections and seap back out after.
ThisGuyLovesSunshine@reddit
I mean if it was me... I'd just register in Arizona or Montana and be done with it. Nonetheless, lots of options out there
mx5plus2cones@reddit
That option is getting harder and harder.
Canna_grower_VT14@reddit
Sell it to me. I know a guy.
Sorry_Lecture5578@reddit
Montana... get an LLC and register it there. If it works for every supercar in Cali it'll work for your corrola
ifallallthetime@reddit
You don't need to change your license
https://americasmailbox.com/
Not to get political here, but California was supposed to have a rolling smog exemption at 25 years old that only lasted for a couple years until CARB cancelled it. Then, just recently Jay Leno lobbied a new bill that made it through CA Congress and the piece of shit Newsome veto'd it
It's a terrible state to be a car guy in.
series-hybrid@reddit
What is the specific issue that is failing?
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Pretty much none of the original emissions equipment is still on the car and buying the original stuff is pretty much impossible. Nobody wanted to preserve it so you can’t find it second hand and nobody makes it aftermarket. Plus id then have to change so much about the car id spend an insane amount.
Clegko@reddit
So what exactly is it missing? I don't think any of us really know what a 86 Corolla is missing, emissions wise, except you saying "nothing is there". Is it the smog pump? Cat Converter? Shittier carb? Elaborate a bit on what exactly is missing and we may be able to help better.
RepresentativeRun71@reddit
If you do manage to pull it off you’re going to have a collectible car that will start appreciating in value.
Fun_Can_4498@reddit
You can title the car in Vermont or Montana
the_inciting_inciden@reddit
This is purely second hand knowledge, some classic 911 guys will put taller tires on comparable wheels and I was told this helps game the system.
GolfShred@reddit
Yeah you're gonna have to sell to someone from Arizona. No need for us to import from Japan. We just grab the smog fails from Cali.
avaholic46@reddit
Buy an EV and never worry about this ever again.
LiquidSoCrates@reddit
If I were OP I’d reach out to race car guys and ask them.
Mountain-Pattern7822@reddit
you didnt hear it from me but, start mixing denatured alcohol into the gas tank until the gas analyzer no longer picks up hydrocarbons. usually 1/4 tank of gas and 2-3 gallons of alcohol. i get it from home depot or lowes. blue 1 gal can.
Actual_Baker_7368@reddit
It is a shame that California killed "Leno's Law."
Downtown-Tackle-9219@reddit
Move to Texas
1988rx7T2@reddit
Take a picture of the smog report and post it. Try to diagnose what’s actually wrong. Is the NOx too high etc. Rx-7 owners have been dealing with this for years. There’s only so many things it can be.
Bob-Roman@reddit
How bad do you want to keep the car?
Say it’s worth $20K. Retro-fit is $5K.
After retro, would it be possible to sell for $25K to $30K.
If so, then I would say there is benefit cost.
Perhaps more important, will you be happy with performance and operation of vehicle after emission controls are installed.
After all, its one thing to install parts, it’s another to get them to work right.
You car was not manufactured or calibrated for emission controls.
Ravnos767@reddit
Hot smogging?
FordsFavouriteTowel@reddit
Cheating the emissions test to produce a pass.
Material_Web202@reddit
Sell it to me
FordsFavouriteTowel@reddit
“Insane amounts, $5k plus” that’s not insane for bringing a checks notes 40 year old car up to modern emissions standards.
Realistically you can sell the car or you can pay for the repairs and changes needed to certify it. It isn’t that deep.
Sounds like you’ve got more of a “beater with a heater” budget than you do a “vintage car” budget if you think $5k is insane.
good2knowu@reddit
Never thought of a 1985 Corolla as a classic.
Ausum1@reddit
Im wondering if you could do the Uhaul trick. You don't see uhauls with california plates. Find someone in arizona, montana or wherever to open a llc. Have a written agreement that you own 99% of that llc but they are the ceo and resident of the business state and on all paperwork. Then rent the car from that llc.
phillyphilly19@reddit
Don't you have antique plates in Cali?
FlyAU98@reddit
Maybe there are a few 1980s Toyotas (other models) in a junk yard that you could get some OEM parts from?
I can’t imagine that the smog mechanics are all experts on 1980 Toyota parts.
I feel for you…
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Every junkyard knows an 86 when they see it, and they are aware the parts are on the gold standard.
OP should become "a roommate" to one of the folks in here with a cabin in NorCal.
Edenwing@reddit
All the junkyard ae86 parts have been long gone 😢 that car birthed mangas, cartoons, several movies, a few live action movies, arguably drifting as a sport, and the grandfather of the current GR86/BRZ heritage
bakednapkin@reddit
Move
Cool-Conversation938@reddit
Friggin Commie-Formica.
Johnnny-z@reddit
CA can suck dick. Criminal regulations, meanwhile the government lackeys steal millions ear marked for homeless and light rail boondoggles.
It ain't right
Hey Newsome, where did the money for the burned down houses go? What a joke.
SarK-9@reddit
There are some rural counties in CA that do not require smog and some places in those counties do not have regular mail service, which requires you to have DMV paperwork forwarded to another address or PO Box.
I keep my Jeep registered at "my cabin" and since there is no mail service there, renewal notices, tags and other DMV stuff gets sent to my PO Box.
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
Sounds like you might have the solution. OP asked about paying rent as a roommate yet?
ElTioBorracho@reddit
This is exactly what I do. There's a difference between physical address where the vehicle is stored and mailing address. Mono, calexico are a few counties that don't require smog off the top of my head.
Haven't been smogged in over a decade and I always get my tags.
JT3468@reddit
I was gonna say this as well. I keep my cars registered up north for that reason.
Dependent_Ad_1270@reddit
So do not admit to felonies online, just a tip
-srry-@reddit
Register it non-op, drive on old tags and try not to get pulled over. LOL.
Ok_Living_7927@reddit
Start a llc and register it in Montana
Bright_Crazy1015@reddit
HEET and keep $300 on your driver's seat in case of emergencies.
Lubi3chill@reddit
Buy a universal catalytic converter, weld it into your exhaust, and go do the smog test or whatever it’s called in us.
ElPatioColonial@reddit
Truly insane how lame CA is
Expert-Leg8110@reddit
California doesn’t have a classic car exemption? In my state you wouldn’t need to meet the emissions standard.
Brilliant-Onion2129@reddit
You would be better off putting that money into a IRA!
emiliobruh@reddit
Go to 1dollarmontana.com and call it a day.
Cost like ~$1k for them to do it for you.
never0101@reddit
Then why the hell isn't it 1thousanddollarmontana.com?!
Egnatsu50@reddit
Move.... fuck Cali and their car-Nazis.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Man I’m not gong to move my entire family and try to find a new job just because I want to have a cool car
Egnatsu50@reddit
Then vote your dumbass politicians out.
Your state has regulations the other 49 states don't have.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Well it’s not a republican vs democrat thing. Neither side would get rid of this because it would cost the state money to get rid of these regulations. They’ve said this when asked.
I don’t know how well versed you are in California history or geography but the LA area is a low valley in which the smog settles. Without these regulations it would be awful for peoples health. Go look at photos of LA smog from the late 70s and early 80s, it’s disgusting.
It doesn’t matter in other states because they aren’t so large. LA county has a larger population than 39 states. Thats just the county not the other areas around that also drive into LA daily. That’s a lot of cars driving all day.
toybuilder@reddit
I lived the smog as a kid in the late 70s and the 80s. It was absolutely atrocious.
The whole reason the clean air car movement happened was because it was so bad that the public demanded something be done about it.
https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/distillations-pod/fighting-smog-in-los-angeles/
anotherusername23@reddit
Thank you voice of reason. Sorry you're having challenges with your car.
spankymacgruder@reddit
Montanna LLC
S7alker@reddit
Must not keep up on the news https://www.behindthereturn.com/tax-news/california-montana-llc-vehicle-tax-crackdown
spankymacgruder@reddit
Sure, sure but.....
OP was breaking smog laws. While he might get caught for Montanna plates, the probability is low. They aren't looking for sales tax on a 1985 Toyota. Even if they were, 71 out of 1,500 have been cited. OP has a 96% chance at not getting cited even if he's identified. Since he's not identified, the odds are even further in his favor.
jamzDOTnet@reddit
And silly California crushed Jay Leno's ppl proposed law. Saw hello to Montana LLC.
jwwetz@reddit
You California car enthusiasts need to start getting your act together. Start looking at primarying the politicians that won't fix the emissions stuff. Start at the grass roots to get people to vote with you & change the rules.
Objective_Bag8428@reddit
Rock auto sells cats for your car.
zatoh@reddit
Are you a good mechanic. There’s a guy on YouTube that did a smog legal K swap on his AE86. If you really can’t part with your car that may be the way to go. Not sure of the cost but he did it.
Jackson7410@reddit
Also loss all my hotsmog contacts, CA has been cracking down heavy its so infuriating. Didnt realize manual swapping my car would prevent smog cause of a stupid CEL not even related to emissions.
Edenwing@reddit
Yeah it’s crazy, recently got my e46 m3 smogged, dude went into the hood with not one, but two flashlights! Had a red wire spliced into my headlights for some addon bulbs and he traced the whole thing from one end to the other, never seen shit like that in 20+ years of smogging cars
OriginalMaximum949@reddit
You have to fix it or register PNO Planned Non-Operation (on roads), such as what people with dedicated track vehicles do. See if there’s a way to modernize the emissions system so you don’t have to worry about this anymore.
likeaferio@reddit
What exactly are you missing?
therin_88@reddit
Have you considered leaving CA like everyone else?
TuftsofGoo@reddit
1dollar
Deathcon-H@reddit
I really really hate commie fornia
Careful-Combination7@reddit
What parts do you need? The car uses a generic cat.
OolongGeer@reddit
Pay $5k to bring it to California standards.
Baja_Finder@reddit
You can register it in a rural county like Mammoth Mountain, just set up a PO Box there.
762n8o@reddit
I had to do the same for my beloved RSX. Had to sell out of state to somebody in NV. Sorry OP. Youll get over it in time. Mostly.
Necessary-Score-4270@reddit
I forget which state it is but you open a LLC there and register the car to the business get plates and done.
I think Montana or Delaware is the popular one.
bahamablue66@reddit
Where do you live? You can register it in Ione…. I believe amador county doesn’t require it. You will not get a Ione address like a PO Bx. I have a friend who does this for N EVO
railworx@reddit
Can you register it as an antique or historic car & not have to do all of that?
MEMExplorer@reddit
Drive unregistered I guess 🤷♀️
salvage814@reddit
Sell it really is the only option good news clean versions can fetch up to 40k so it.s not that bad.
allurboobsRbelong2us@reddit
Sell it. Drive it on track. Park it and admire it. Register out of state. That's about it.
edgefull@reddit
i registered a car in oregon without changing my license. i had two places, one in ca and one in oregon.
No-Fail7484@reddit
Should be able to have dual residency. Look into that and license it in a good state.
sphinxcreek@reddit
NJ doesn’t inspect cars over 25 years old if you put on ‘Historic’ plates and ‘say you won’t use it much’. Mine was my wife’s gray market 1985 500SEC - original owner.
Over-Garden-40@reddit
There are shops in LA that will pass it for you. Just gotta ask around. It's a lot harder now but still possible. So I've heard.
gw511@reddit
Some others have mentioned Montana. This used to be true and I assume it still is. I used to manage a fab shop, we worked on many “illegal” imports that would NEVER pass smog in CA, that all were registered in Montana. Permanent registration was possible. I think you just need a PO BOX there. And some mail forwarding.
jonnyofield-@reddit
This is why ill never live in Cali. Too much work trying to get my 88 to pass. Plus my exhaust is illegal in 2-3 states.
Organic-Baker-4156@reddit
This is a case where where its a shame someone didn't preserve some LA air circa 1968 so the OP could breathe it for a while.
DD6372@reddit
If you love the car it might be cool project to swap a more modern engine with the more modern emissions just find a donor car
hillbillyjogger_3124@reddit
Vote republican.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Well it’s not a republican vs democrat thing. Neither side would get rid of this because it would cost the state money to get rid of these regulations. They’ve said this when asked. Every time the issue comes up the state lawmakers say they would have to spend a ton of money and hire and bunch of new workers, which we know neither side really wants to do.
I don’t know how well versed you are in California history or geography but the LA area is a low valley in which the smog settles. Without these regulations it would be awful for peoples health. Go look at photos of LA smog from the late 70s and early 80s, it’s disgusting. Many of these emissions laws were passed when we had republican governors.
It doesn’t matter in other states because they aren’t so large. LA county has a larger population than 39 states. Thats just the county not the other areas around that also drive into LA daily. That’s a lot of cars driving all day.
hillbillyjogger_3124@reddit
I know, and it was terrible, and it still is bad in some areas too in the central valley and LA basin. But seriously? Forcing 51 year old cars to pass smog doesn't help at all.
Balloonhandz@reddit
Retard alert 😂 this has nothing to do with politics and he just told you exactly why.
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
But think about how many people would have kept their super polluting cars if they didn’t have smog laws. Nobody would have bought a new car or at least would have waited a lot longer before buying one
hillbillyjogger_3124@reddit
So.. if we eliminate smog laws, everyone is going to magically start driving 1976 cars?
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
No but their goal was to phase out the use of these polluting cars. Now that they are so few cars it’s not a problem but if they got rid of the laws they’d have to spend more money to update their systems. It’s cheaper and better for everyone except car people if they don’t change anything.
Careful-South6276@reddit
Yup, the entire reason California is so horrible about this is only tied to people needing to be able to breathe. I lived here when you couldn't see two blocks, eyes burned and everyone coughed.
I actually made good money back then going up in the hills day after a major storm and shooting skyline shots with clean air, because it was so rare.
The difference now is impossible to describe.
Optimal-Cat-8117@reddit
Find compatible vacuum temp switches form other cars, and replace each and every vacuum hose.
If i can get an 83 Cressida that I barely gave a shit about to pass, you could do better...
PPVSteve@reddit
If your not to interested in keeping it factory maybe consider an engine swap to something newer. Or electrify it.
But honestly according to CA those are cars that should be in the scrap heap by now.
Houston103@reddit
Electrifying classic cars is awful. Don't do that.
Oak510land@reddit
https://youtu.be/DE2oDKguy3Q?si=EW65r9ydgsxQK-ex
Houston103@reddit
Don't care. I like EVs but switching a classic to electric completely guts it's character and experience. Part of the joy of classics is the engine. The 4A-GE was never powerful, but buzzy 4 cylinders are fun anyway.
Oak510land@reddit
Eh I'm warming up to it. I'm enjoying my latest ICE engine swap but I'm thinking my next one might be an EV conversion. Buzzy 4's are great in sport bikes...
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
It’s even more money to swap it to something else. At least like 12-15k. My buddy did it and it was a major headache.
PPVSteve@reddit
Well of course it was. The point is you got a 40 year old car in CA. So pick your headache. If you don't want a headache Give it to CA they will scrap it for $1350 and get yourself a new car. Or get yourself a pre 1975 car. Or put it up on blocks and see if this smog stuff goes away in a few years the way eveyone thinks it is.
But if you got a car that is that old there are going to be headaches. So pick your poison.
I personally find giving some schmoe $400 every few years to look the other way a headache so you been living with that headache.
redbueII@reddit
Mybestaddress Google it you can register it in South Dakota it's cheap and easy.
SneakyRussian71@reddit
CA is one step away from being North Korea with how much it tries to restrict the people living there. Jay Leno has his cars there, and I am sure not all meet emission standards, so something is possible but you may need to be Jay Leno LOL
hillbillyjogger_3124@reddit
Jay Leno is a wimp who hasn't pushed hard enough to fix the dystopian 1975+ smog check.
Upset-Parsley-7349@reddit
Try getting an o2 spacer! Worked for me
lucerndia@reddit
Looking at sold listings on a few sites, it seems like CA cars sell for about $5-7k more than non CA versions (without digging too deep), so the $5k quotes you got could be worth it in the end.
iPlayDaGamez@reddit
Montana
brokensharts@reddit
Theres a company that will start an llc for you in montana and you can register your car under it for like $200
Doublestack00@reddit
Closer to 1K now.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
How did your car lose all of it's smog equipment?
Skeazor@reddit (OP)
Cause it’s an ae86. Those things are never kept in good condition. Impossible to find clean ones
Oak510land@reddit
Does it have the 4age? I would think there's parts on eBay for other cars that ran that motor.
Otherwise I'd look into swapping it to a newer pre-ob2 motor and get it reffed. I went through the process to turbo my 1990 euro car by taking the drivetrain of a factory turbo car and getting it legal was surprisingly easy. And only $15.
SyllabubInfamous8284@reddit
Apply for waiver
ShoemakerMicah@reddit
Register it in Montana. It’s stupid easy. I have family there so I just used their address and claimed it was my car for visiting mom and sister but, they really make it easy even without an actual Montana address.
ShoemakerMicah@reddit
Btw, that car actually lives in NYS, and I for now at least in Texas. Look into Grundy insurance too. My 20 year old Porsche is insured for a stated value of $30k, as long as you provide proof it’s garaged, they seem to give zero fucks. Mileage limits per year, but, putting 4-5k miles a year on in the Adirondack Mountains is about enough for me. $384 full coverage per year at stated value. It’s called “classic and exotic” insurance. My previous 92’ NSX was $374 per year.
495orange@reddit
“Sell” it to a relative out of state.
iamnoone815@reddit
Ouch. I was just joking. I wish I could afford it