SL/R230: SC Pulley, ECU tune in California...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 10
From: LA/OC area
2004 SL55
SC Pulley, ECU tune in California...
I want to do a SC 80mm pulley, Inner cooler upgrades, ECU tune, (VRP)....here's the problem... I live in California and have to deal with smog inspections every 2 years.
I was going to talk to the local smog shop and see if they would tell me if they can actually see a tune was flashed to an ECU , thus I wont pass smog. I have a call into VRP also.
I wont be deleting cats, or turning off any sensors in the tune. Not sure if stock ECU with pulley upgrade would show up during smog check, like messing with the exhaust fumes etc, (Too rich/Too lean).
Thinking about buying a used/working ECU, send my ECU and the used/2nd ECU to VRP. Have them copy the data from original ECU, not flashing it. Then apply the copied data from original ECU, add the tune and flash the 2nd ECU. My thinking is I will have my original untouched ECU that I could swap back in when it comes smog check time. When smog check is completed, swap back to the 2nd ECU with tune. Thoughts??
Or, maybe just do the tunes, go wild, and register the car at my sons home in AZ!! Either way is a hassle, and would like to keep registered in Cali in case I ever sell it. Makes life easier.
I was going to talk to the local smog shop and see if they would tell me if they can actually see a tune was flashed to an ECU , thus I wont pass smog. I have a call into VRP also.
I wont be deleting cats, or turning off any sensors in the tune. Not sure if stock ECU with pulley upgrade would show up during smog check, like messing with the exhaust fumes etc, (Too rich/Too lean).
Thinking about buying a used/working ECU, send my ECU and the used/2nd ECU to VRP. Have them copy the data from original ECU, not flashing it. Then apply the copied data from original ECU, add the tune and flash the 2nd ECU. My thinking is I will have my original untouched ECU that I could swap back in when it comes smog check time. When smog check is completed, swap back to the 2nd ECU with tune. Thoughts??
Or, maybe just do the tunes, go wild, and register the car at my sons home in AZ!! Either way is a hassle, and would like to keep registered in Cali in case I ever sell it. Makes life easier.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I would not expect the pulley to affect the results of a smog check. It would only be supplying slightly more charge to the engine, and would run with fuel compensation for proper mixture.
The ECU tune may show up though...as the car would run 'open loop' under full throttle will generally be more rich and may cause more emissions.
But would the ECU tune show up bad, or would they run a smog test at full throttle? Most smog checks I've seen are partial throttle on a dyno.
Really don't know for sure. Ask a tune shop for their advice and let us know.
The ECU tune may show up though...as the car would run 'open loop' under full throttle will generally be more rich and may cause more emissions.
But would the ECU tune show up bad, or would they run a smog test at full throttle? Most smog checks I've seen are partial throttle on a dyno.
Really don't know for sure. Ask a tune shop for their advice and let us know.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 10
From: LA/OC area
2004 SL55
