jayhawkblk

Hey guys I am Californication bound. I was wondering what I need to know about modding my exhaust and state regulations. I am planing Headers and cat delete and x pipe and perhaps new mufflers. Any insight would be helpful.

Hammer Down

what year is your car?

jayhawkblk

It is an 04 with 32k on the clock.

Hammer Down

Well the only advice I could give you is to get it smog'd when you get here then you could modify and you would be good for two years. Other member's may know of different ways and maybe they will chime in.

BenzoBoi

+1

MB_Forever

+2

Smog it first, then mod. I believe you have 30 to 60 days after the car enters before you have to smog it or even register it. After that, the fines start.

Hammer Down

I wonder if you had two identical E55's one stock and the other modified and the stock car switches plates with the modified car would that work and of course you would bring your registration papers which contains the dmv code..... hmmm well I guess the only way that a shop would find out is if they checked the vin #'s against one another

guysandiego

*mufflers will be fine but only make the car louder and no HP gains
*X-pipe and resonator delete is nothing
* headers should be no problem because they will not visually inspect the Benz that critically...
* 2 Cat delete is the problem -- we must smog test on a dyno -- it is the hardest test to pass -- So, the emmission system will not work as well if you delete 2 cats --- but if you get the cats really hot before the test -- and run super clean gas and some additives-- you can still pass ---
* if you take all 4 cats out... its impossible to pass.
*Also, check engine light is automatic fail -- So, if you take out the 2 front cats--- you need to find a way to over-ride the CEL

guysandiego

they plug the car into the computer -- So, the VIN will not match the VIN they scan on the registration -- that will not work -- and depending on where you take the car and how they follow the rules -- that could be a huge fine - impound etc.
*** also, do not take the car to a TEST ONLY facility -- they are run by the government I believe -- they will be more **** about visual and that stuff...

Hammer Down

I was thinking about that but I've never watched them hook the car up before they test it...oh well

220S

The law is actually 20 days when first entering the state with an out-of-state registered vehicle to "avoid penalties." Cops usually won't do anything but DMV could tack on a fine (and probably will with the current budget issues.)

OT: has anybody seen the new CA driver's license that was announced a few weeks ago? Supposed to be a lot more difficult to counterfeit.....

guysandiego

Dont worry about fees -- There is no way they can prove when your residency actual begun... its basically the honor policy -- unless some A-hole rats you out.

Yeah - they plug into the car -- they can also find old codes stored in the system -- but they are only concerned about the current codes...

I have also seen them scan the info on the door jam --- either way -- they will check that VIN # !!! There are so many different ways from them to verify the vehicle -- and License plate is not the one they are suppose to use.

MB_Forever

I was given 30 days when I brought my car in 2 to 3 years ago

cahiil55k

Don't move.

220S

I dunno. I've never brought in a car from out-of-state. But as somebody already said, they can't really know how long you've been here unless they want to make a fuss about it. There are ways around it anyway. I know a few people that register out-of-state for cheaper insurance and fees.

Here's the current DMV rule:

California DMV HTVR9
When fees are due:

Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties. Any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered within 20 days of entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:

* Accept gainful employment in California.
* Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
* Rent or lease a residence in California.
* Intend to live or be located here on a permanent basis (for example, acquire a California driver license, acquire other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote).
* Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll their dependents in school (K-12).

Roupin

Most test only spots are independent owned, and they only inspect if they want to. There are a few down here who may overlook all visual mods

bassn_07

What area do you plan on moving to?

pearlpower

Last time I smogged mine they did not put it on a dyno, said the California computer stated the car was exempt and could not be tested on a dyno. They did the sniffer test off the dyno, just rev'd up the motor. Passed with no issues. Also, they scan the VIN to avoid any issues. I have PLM headers, x-pipe, straight pipe through resonators, and 2nd cat delete. The 2nd cat delete would be tough to pass visual, depending on whether they actually bother to look under the car as they are suppose to.

jayhawkblk

I am moving to the Palm Springs area.

I thought about something though. I may not even registar my car in Cali. I still have rental property here in KS so if I really wanted to I could leave my car registared here. Are the property taxes in Cali really high?

Jon2007E63P30

For so many more reasons than car mods

Jakpro1

I love Palm Springs and go every year for the Paribas Open but the geezers seemed particularly testy this year. One relic just shoved my wife out of the way in line at Walgreens as we were waiting to pay for a bottle of water.

Still love it though......fossils and all.

edit for some quick advice. Cali is in all kinds of hurt financially. Make sure you know what you are getting into before you buy a home. Unless they cut spending and they most likely won't, tax increases have to be massive coming soon. Be warned.

VCA_AMG

Gotta be REALLY committed to living here, especially coming from Kansas...it's a culture and financial shock, but worth it in the right areas. Palm Springs is an interesting choice. It's the Florida of California in terms of geezers, blue-hair grandmas (except they live in Palm Springs 24/7/365) and incendiary temperatures during the summer.

Do NOT wait past the 20 day registration/smog limit, they will pop you hard with fines. I learned this the wrong way many years ago when I moved here.

jayhawkblk

It is a great job and career growth for the wife and will likely only be here for a few years. I am not worried about the change from KS to CA. I am originally from DC so I am good with the change.

nlauerman

As a Jayhawk with homes in both Leawood, KS and Palm Springs, CA (actually La Quinta), I can assure you there are many things to love about the Palm Springs area and there are many "non-geezer" residents that are great. It's a beautiful city and the weather is amazing (except for the summer)! Hope you enjoy it!

pearlpower

Palm Springs is great, California is not even close to the definition. Expect sales and state taxes to continually rise as someone else put it-the state is hurting. It's trying to support two countries at the same time. That states there is much to keep you busy out here.