Is modifying your exhaust and air intake illegal in CA?

Question

hi i have an acura rsx type s and i want to put some light mods on it such as air intake and exhaust. i live in california. i was wondering which intake and exhaust systems are legal for my car and for ca.

Answer 1

Yep, the wonderful California laws prohibit modifications of pretty much any kind whether they increase emissions or not. I've even heard stories of people with CARB exempt air intakes being given a fix it ticket which is just plain stupid but if you are going to do things legally it's not that hard to find companies that sell CARB exempt stuff. Only problem is they cost alot. Right off the bat I think DC sports and AEM make CARB exempt exhaust and intake parts but there are at least a handful of other major brands which do make them.

Answer 2

when people ask...your supposed to say an aftermarket part...not modified....all needs to be carb legal...

Answer 3

Everything you change before the CAT is illegal, because changing a short ram intake would suck in more air and produce more power, but would make more smog.

I drive a acura rsx myself, aslong as your exhaust aint that loud you should be good.

Answer 4

To remain legal in California you can only modify with C.A.R.B. approved parts.

Answer 5

I wouldnt do anything to it if i lived in CA.  But if i didnt..... lets just say that RSX would be unbelievable

Answer 6

you have to find things that have CARB EO stickers and anything that is modified before the cat is illegal if it is not CARB EO. AEM products come with the sticker. i had my integra modified never had any problems with cops and stuff, just drive like you always would, no ricer fly bys and stuff, that just attracts attention

check this out http://www.team-integra.net/sections/loc...

to answer your question about the cat, no most of them not come with on, in some cases its easier to get an aftermarket highflow cat for it.