So basically the Marine Corps is moving me to Cali and I was wondering if anyone had experience with California air restriction laws. I want to pull my dsm from the dead and do a whole workover on her before I leave but it for damn sure will not pass any kind of emissions. I need to know if it's even worth touching the car or if I should sell it. Please chime in.

 

Well youve got a 90. Is it 20 years old that doesnt have to pass emissions, or is it 25?

If you cant keep it chuck it in storage and turn it into a beast when it comes back out!

 

I sold my DSM and moved on to an Evo because it seemed like it would be easier to hide my mods (stock appearing turbo's, ECU controlled boost, already had a FMIC etc). Here's some things guys would get pulled over for: Tint to dark on the front windows, stock exhausts, modified exhausts, Test pipes, MBC's, FMIC's, stock BOV's, and even CARB legal intakes (with the stickers on them). They'd get a ticket and referred to the state ref for a visual/SMOG check, which meant pretty much going back to stock appearing because of how strict they were just because they were sure there had to be illegal parts on the car. It all depends on where you're at, being military may help, I never had a problem around my base in Nor Cal, but it really all depends on the cop that pulls you over and the mood their in and of course your attitude and what they're stopping you for. Good luck, they drive like maniacs there too.

 

I was stationed at Pendleton for a couple years, but kept my 2G titled/registered in Arizona. I was never hassled by CHP or the MPs at the gate.

It stands out pretty well too. If you keep it registered here and are obviously active duty, I would not worry about it too much.