ECU tune and smog check

Selous1908 · 01-17-2020, 08:01 AM

What’s up peeps. You all have been so helpful with your knowledge that I again seek some more wisdom.

I unfortunately live in California which means I can’t have some cool mods like a lot of you. With that said, I was wondering if I got an ECU tune (not California complaint) and later switched back to stock, would I still be able to pass smog? I read somewhere that said I would fail it due to having some record on my car being modded (or something like that)

Thanks in advanced for all the help!

*radz28* · 01-17-2020, 08:16 AM

I don't work at a smog shop or anything nor have I had to smog a newer car yet (an '05 was the newest several years ago), but at the time of that smog, there was no problem smog'ing with a tune. I had a completely different LS-based engine in that vehicle and it was no problem. I don't know if there is new tech' that can count flashes or that can even tell if there is a tune in the vehicle (there are certain "flags" a savy tech' could see, depending on the tune/tuner sometimes) and these cars are finally getting close to requiring their first smog check, so we'll find out soon.

I can't validate this opinion with ANY definitive data, but I doubt they'll go to the expense to have software that can count flashes nor actually get into to tune to see changes. A couple people here say that's wrong, but I haven't noticed how those people can back up those claims...

Selous1908 · 01-17-2020, 08:36 AM

I doubt they will go that far too. I hope that by switching back to stock it’ll fly. I don’t have to worry about it for a few years though so out of sight out of mind for now. Thanks for the opinion

ssmofo · 01-17-2020, 09:44 AM

As long a check engine light isn't on and readiness conditions are met.

*radz28* · 01-17-2020, 09:45 AM

And those conditions aren't turned off...

CW3SF · 01-17-2020, 10:53 AM

The short answer to this is that it depends where you live. Parts of Colorado now use “California emissions standards”. They do a more in-depth check than most of the other states. They CAN tell if you have ever flashed and they will fail you for it. I had to sell my Viper when I moved to Colorado because they would not pass it, due to the ECM flash. CO testing stations have the technology to recognize an ECM reflash, just like your dealership can recognize it and void your warranty. Having said all that, I would assume since CO uses CA standards I would believe that CA can do this also. But I don’t know for sure since I don’t live in CA. If I did, I’d want to know the answer before I tuned my car.

Most other states just plug in to your OBD port and look for codes, as mentioned above.

kropscamaro16 · 01-17-2020, 11:00 AM

well good thing is you have 8 years now till you have to smog your car lol im tuned and im only 4 years in so i guess well see what happens!

*radz28* · 01-17-2020, 12:40 PM

Reasons like this are also why I want to only do CARB-legal stuff. Unfortunately - options are limited and expensive...

kropscamaro16 · 01-17-2020, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radz28

Reasons like this are also why I want to only do CARB-legal stuff. Unfortunately - options are limited and expensive...

lol so your car is 100% stock then cause aint shit carb legal anymore

*radz28* · 01-17-2020, 12:53 PM

No tuning here!!! HAHAHA!!! The only tune going in here is a canned tune for a blower if I go that route (TCM down the road, too). I've banged my head against this crap for too long. It's also part of the reason for buying the model that gave me the best base to start from so smog-crap wouldn't be an issue.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/2017_Smog_Check_Manual.pdf

kropscamaro16 · 01-17-2020, 01:00 PM

haha yea i feel you on that ive modded mine since the first month i had it and wish i just got a zl1 so i wouldnt have to mess with it but i still probably would have

*radz28* · 01-17-2020, 01:14 PM

Yeah. I told myself I wouldn't, and by-and-large, I've been a pretty good boy. Even stock, it's stupid fun, but I have always had a power number in my head, and can get there easy and be smog-legal. My better half has to give me a green light, but I think it'll happen. Then - no worries.

I've had to jack with emissions, like you other CA-guys, since my '95 M6 MT1. Then my '02 A4 and headers (with a big stall) got me in trouble at the smog station (CHP didn't like my LTs either, HAHAHA). Finally - my last whip was just too much. This car is going to be perfect after the bigger blower, and I won't touch a thing after that.

viurniel · 01-17-2020, 01:23 PM

I thought some of the folks here that got 'compliant' tunes were ok with reverting. Imagine buying a 2650R with a CARB legal tune and going back stock, to be told that you flashed and won't pass.

HoldMyBeer · 01-17-2020, 06:55 PM

The CA smog will not fail you for having a tune unless you have O2 delete or other sensors turned off. I purchased two cars from out of state that both ended up having been tuned and I passed both smog checks when I had to get them smogged to register here in CA

01-17-2020, 08:01 AM	#1
Selous1908 Drives: 2020 Camaro ZL1 6-speed Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: California Posts: 12	ECU tune and smog check What’s up peeps. You all have been so helpful with your knowledge that I again seek some more wisdom. I unfortunately live in California which means I can’t have some cool mods like a lot of you. With that said, I was wondering if I got an ECU tune (not California complaint) and later switched back to stock, would I still be able to pass smog? I read somewhere that said I would fail it due to having some record on my car being modded (or something like that) Thanks in advanced for all the help!

01-17-2020, 08:16 AM	#2
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,201 View My Garage	I don't work at a smog shop or anything nor have I had to smog a newer car yet (an '05 was the newest several years ago), but at the time of that smog, there was no problem smog'ing with a tune. I had a completely different LS-based engine in that vehicle and it was no problem. I don't know if there is new tech' that can count flashes or that can even tell if there is a tune in the vehicle (there are certain "flags" a savy tech' could see, depending on the tune/tuner sometimes) and these cars are finally getting close to requiring their first smog check, so we'll find out soon. I can't validate this opinion with ANY definitive data, but I doubt they'll go to the expense to have software that can count flashes nor actually get into to tune to see changes. A couple people here say that's wrong, but I haven't noticed how those people can back up those claims... __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

01-17-2020, 09:45 AM	#5
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,201 View My Garage	And those conditions aren't turned off... __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

01-17-2020, 11:00 AM	#7
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,817	well good thing is you have 8 years now till you have to smog your car lol im tuned and im only 4 years in so i guess well see what happens! __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

01-17-2020, 12:40 PM	#8
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,201 View My Garage	Reasons like this are also why I want to only do CARB-legal stuff. Unfortunately - options are limited and expensive... __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

01-17-2020, 08:36 AM	#3
Selous1908 Drives: 2020 Camaro ZL1 6-speed Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: California Posts: 12	I doubt they will go that far too. I hope that by switching back to stock it’ll fly. I don’t have to worry about it for a few years though so out of sight out of mind for now. Thanks for the opinion

01-17-2020, 09:44 AM	#4
ssmofo Drives: Chevy Camaro Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Dallas Posts: 420	As long a check engine light isn't on and readiness conditions are met.

01-17-2020, 10:53 AM	#6
CW3SF Drives: 2019 Chevy Camaro ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Sea level Posts: 1,252 View My Garage	The short answer to this is that it depends where you live. Parts of Colorado now use “California emissions standards”. They do a more in-depth check than most of the other states. They CAN tell if you have ever flashed and they will fail you for it. I had to sell my Viper when I moved to Colorado because they would not pass it, due to the ECM flash. CO testing stations have the technology to recognize an ECM reflash, just like your dealership can recognize it and void your warranty. Having said all that, I would assume since CO uses CA standards I would believe that CA can do this also. But I don’t know for sure since I don’t live in CA. If I did, I’d want to know the answer before I tuned my car. Most other states just plug in to your OBD port and look for codes, as mentioned above.

01-17-2020, 12:53 PM	#10
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,201 View My Garage	No tuning here!!! HAHAHA!!! The only tune going in here is a canned tune for a blower if I go that route (TCM down the road, too). I've banged my head against this crap for too long. It's also part of the reason for buying the model that gave me the best base to start from so smog-crap wouldn't be an issue. https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/2017_Smog_Check_Manual.pdf __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

01-17-2020, 01:00 PM	#11
kropscamaro16 Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: 909 Posts: 9,817	haha yea i feel you on that ive modded mine since the first month i had it and wish i just got a zl1 so i wouldnt have to mess with it but i still probably would have __________________ 16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS

01-17-2020, 01:14 PM	#12
radz28 Petro-sexual Drives: Ultra-Grin Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Crazy Coast Posts: 15,201 View My Garage	Yeah. I told myself I wouldn't, and by-and-large, I've been a pretty good boy. Even stock, it's stupid fun, but I have always had a power number in my head, and can get there easy and be smog-legal. My better half has to give me a green light, but I think it'll happen. Then - no worries. I've had to jack with emissions, like you other CA-guys, since my '95 M6 MT1. Then my '02 A4 and headers (with a big stall) got me in trouble at the smog station (CHP didn't like my LTs either, HAHAHA). Finally - my last whip was just too much. This car is going to be perfect after the bigger blower, and I won't touch a thing after that. __________________ '20 ZL1 Black "Fury" A10, PDR, Exposed CF Extractor Magnuson Magnum DI TVS2650R // RFBG // Soler 103 // TooHighPSI Port Injection // THPSI Billet Lid // FF // Katech Drop-In // PLM Heat Exchanger // ZLE Cradle bushings // BMR Chassis-Suspension Stuff // aFe Bars // Diode Dynamics LEDs // ACS Composites Guards // CF Dash // Aeroforce // tint // other stuffs

01-17-2020, 01:23 PM	#13
viurniel @viurniel Drives: 19 ZLE A10, 15 2SS, 90 300ZXTT Join Date: May 2016 Location: Miami Posts: 409	I thought some of the folks here that got 'compliant' tunes were ok with reverting. Imagine buying a 2650R with a CARB legal tune and going back stock, to be told that you flashed and won't pass.

01-17-2020, 06:55 PM	#14
HoldMyBeer Drives: 2017 ZL1(Silver) - A10, Stock Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: SoCal Posts: 65	The CA smog will not fail you for having a tune unless you have O2 delete or other sensors turned off. I purchased two cars from out of state that both ended up having been tuned and I passed both smog checks when I had to get them smogged to register here in CA __________________ 2017 ZL1(Silver) A10

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