Subaru swap California referee inspection

[AFZ272]

Hi all,

The new California laws mean I need to skip the smog station and go directly to the referee for inspection. I'm ready to make the appointment with the referee in So-Cal with my Kennedy conversion and am looking for a little help in what to expect. Anyone been there in the last 9 months here who can help me?

Thanks,
Rich
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Westfaila

[fxr]

I did my referee inspection in Vallejo, but the system will be the same.

Take ALL the paperwork that came with your conversion - if it was DIY, ensure you've read all the rules. If someone like Buslab did it (as ours was) then it should be a breeze. Make sure the ECU can be got at, especially if it's under the seat. It took over half-an-hour, but at 1/10th the cost of a normal SMOG it was relatively painless. Nice to have the barcode sticker ready for the local SMOG station this year.
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Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[AFZ272]

Hi Jim,

I'm guessing it was about two years ago when you did your inspection?
_________________
Westfaila

[newerwesty1987]

What new laws are you referring to?

[AFZ272]

All engine swaps must go to the referees for inspection. Smog shops have been told to fail inspection. I'm told by some if you look real hard you can find a shop that either does not know or care. I've not had that luck.
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Westfaila

[16CVs]

Can you supply a link to the new smog law in California? I've done a quick search and do not see anything.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[AFZ272]

https://www.bar.ca.gov/Industry/Engine_Change_Guidelines.aspx
All vehicles with engine changes must pass an initial inspection at a Referee Center , and must have a BAR Referee label affixed to the vehicle inside the engine compartment.

Not sure it is a law, but the BAR has told shops it is.
_________________
Westfaila

[newerwesty1987]

I wonder if it's easier if you have reports/receipts from the last three smog inspections plus the Kennedy plaque?

This seems like it will be a nightmare for the ref's with tons of new appointments for the next two years.

[Abscate]

[16CVs]

I think it's great. I've been trying to get a Bar Code for years. The Refs are way easier to deal with then Smog Guys and know what they're talking about. If this is the new law the Bring it on.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[syncrodoka]

A BAR sticker is nice. The smog guy scans it and the computer tells him what the donor is and the machine is ready to go. No trying to find a smog guy that will take the KEP placard and actually knows what to do with it.
I am unfamiliar with the process of getting one these days but I would like to know how it goes.

[16CVs]

If you think this through, the downside is now all of the Conversions are in a nice neat database and when the Green Nazis come to put us in Electric cars we’ll be easy to find.
Just a thought.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[izzydog]

Are we talking about your first SMOG after your conversion or subsequent SMOGs? My 1.8T was referee inspected 3 years ago after I finished it, so I'll be due for SMOG soon. Going to a referee for that would be a PITA...

[AFZ272]

Until they change their minds again you just have to see the referee once to get the swap inspected.


Has anyone been to the ref in the last 9 months in So-Cal?
_________________
Westfaila

[SoCalWesty]

[Squidfish]

Our 2.6i I-5 VW conversion came with 2 CA BAR exemption stickers that we put on the door jamb and in the engine bay back in 2004.

Have never had to smog the van living in rural Humboldt County CA .

Do I need to do anything new with the law?
_________________
1985.5 - Vanagon Westfalia Weekender Wolfsburg Edition - LH8U - "Penny"
- 2.6i 5-Cylinder 10v (2004)

[newerwesty1987]

[Abscate]

[4Gears4Tires]

Better format:

First they came for the TDIs
and I did not speak out
because I did not have a TDI.

Then they came for the gas guzzlers...
_________________
'87 Syncro Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition
'85 Westy Sciuridae Domus Edition

[2wdvanagon]