California cam question

[GordoSmasho]

Is there a cam swap I could do that would still let me pass cali smog police?

 

[5-90]

Is there a cam swap I could do that would still let me pass cali smog police?

Considering strokers usually pass smog out here without any major issues, I don't see why a cam should be at issue. It's an "invisible" mod, so they're not going to look for an E.O.# tag.

The primary difference between CA-spec and 49-states-spec is usually programming in the computer, variations in spark timing and fuel delivery curves.

It's just that the process for getting an E. O. is such an onerous pain in the arse (and runs $50-75K!) and has to be repeated for every single part number they want approved! Who wants to pay that? Easier - and cheaper - to put a note on it, "Not for use in emissions-controlled vehicles" or somesuch.

Changing valve timing events has less effect on emissions than changing fuel or spark timing, so you may only need a bit of retuning to get emissions back down where CA wants them. But, the note that various cams aren't permitted in CA is easier than getting cams certified for CA - especially for the smaller outfits.

 

[blubullett]

How about everyone who has a cam in CA that has passed smog post up the part numbers of the cam they used. I have heard of lots of people passing with cams, just not exactly what cam they were using.

 

[5-90]

How about everyone who has a cam in CA that has passed smog post up the part numbers of the cam they used. I have heard of lots of people passing with cams, just not exactly what cam they were using.

Not a bad idea - I should probably have done something like that myself some time ago, I just hadn't gotten around to it...

 

[GordoSmasho]

How about everyone who has a cam in CA that has passed smog post up the part numbers of the cam they used. I have heard of lots of people passing with cams, just not exactly what cam they were using.

That's what I'm talking about. Part numbers and anything that was needed to make it pass. I'm thinking about doing a cam in my dd/ww and I need it to pass smog. This would also be a great database for people to work with in the future.

 

[offroadordnance]

97' has no EGR and the cam profile is such that the exhaust valve closes earlier and keeps a bit of residual inert exhaust gas to mix with the incoming charge. Twin cam engines with VVT on only the exhaust side are able to eliminate EGR and related complications while still getting max HP at WOT this same way. If the valve closes later to increase power by scavenging the exhaust, NOX will increase. Regardless of whether the smog station knows you swapped cams or not, you still could fail high NOX.

 

[IH392]

I used the 750501 crane cam on a stroker with dished pistons. I never calculated the compression ratio but I'm assuming it was close to stock. Ran great and ran super clean. Not even close to failing. This was on a renix.