Smog check in CA

[kcollins1 at socal.rr.com (Kevin Collins)]

Dick wrote:

> Well it's that time again.  Has anyone in CA had to take a vehicle into a 
> "Test-Only Station"?  What do they do there different that other stations?  Any 
> tips or things I should know about before going?  How old does a car need to be 
> before they stop the smog checks?

My last 2 checks for the 'roc were at test-only stations.. what makes 
them designate you for this is beyond me, and why they exist is a 
mystery to me too.  Nothing different about the test itself from what I 
can tell, they just aren't allowed to do repairs.  2 tests ago I barely 
passed, my cat was on its way out.  Since then - Streetport II head, 
Schrick cams, TT fuel enrichment, and new TT downpipe/cat.  I was 
sweating bullets that I wouldn't pass, but I passed with flying colors.

Not sure what the cutoff age is for testing - 25 years maybe?

Now I get to go get tested in Arizona, hopefully that will go smoothly.
 From what I've been told, license fees there are outrageous, 
approximately what we were paying here BEFORE Arnold rolled back the 3x 
rates.  <eek!>

-- 
Kevin Collins
Huntington Beach, CA
'86.5 16v 2.0
'02 GTI 337