Sparky Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Hey gang, I might be moving out to Monterey CA early next year (90% chance) and I wanted a little help deciphering some of the smog laws. Reading through the archives I came upon some contradicting info regarding early 240Zs with the turbo ZX drivetrain. some say that its completely exempt, while others say that its not exempt because it has a newer drivetrain, and some people state that the inspection stations cannot legally open your hood on exempt vehicles, so they would never know whats under the hood. Can a Cali resident with the right info please step up and clarify this for me? should i leave my 72 in Texas, or bring it on out? thanks in advance. ALSO, is anybody from around that area? Im going to be looking for a job and a place to live around Jan of 2004. anyhelp is of course appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 If you register the car as anything pre 74 then you are exempt. If you register based on the newer drivetrain then you would have to smog. The confusion comes in because it is legal to install a newer engine in an older car in CA (even a swap), but you have to smog based on the newer engine's requirements. If you don't specify the newer drivetrain, you should be OK, and I don't think that you are even technically breaking any laws since the year of the vehicle itself makes the car smog exempt, and they don't ask about the drivetrain anyhow. Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest greimann Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 A car that is 30 model years old or older is exempt from the inspection program. This does not mean that it is technically exempt from the requirement to have smog controls, but if you do not need to get it inspected, then how do they know? You should not have any problems with your '72 in CA. Here is the official DMV web site on this: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/smogfaq.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moridin Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 As it has been explained to me, anything 65 and older is smog exempt. Meaning that pretty much anything goes. 66 to 73 are not exempt, but do not need to be inspected. Basically, just don't get caught by the smog people with a gross polluting Z. They don't check, so you shouldn't have a problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Juday Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 What they said. Hey, welcome to California! You'll love it. Monterey is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole state. Just make sure you bring several big bags of money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhins50 Posted October 7, 2003 Share Posted October 7, 2003 yea monterey is my fav place in cali. im from san francisco currently living in santa cruz(close to monterey) my z used to blow shite loads of fuel (carbs were set hella rich) and was the loudest damn thing on wheels. cops know were smog exempt in cali from what ive seen, they dont really give a hoot send me an email when you move good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky Posted October 8, 2003 Author Share Posted October 8, 2003 Thanks for the info everyone. I'm really excited, and very nervous. its a big move but I can say with confidence that I'm all revved up and ready to go. I really wish I knew if my Z was coming or not, it would be a shame to leave such a beautiful piece of machinery behind, But I just don't know If i can afford to take it. Besides that, I'm not even sure I'm going to need a car where I'm going, my girlfriend never uses hers, so shes more than willing to let me use it whenever possible. its a tough call. but there is no way I'm going to sell my 72....but what to do with it? its going to happen early January, though I really just want it to happen ASAP. whew! its going to be a hectic couple of months! PS. whats the nearest Zcar club? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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