In a message dated 12/1/2005 12:00:27 PM Pacific Standard Time,
robertmstewart@MAC.COM writes:

Question  to those in California,

If I purchase a NY Vanagon what has to be done  to it to pass California smog
test for an 88  Vanagon?

Rob--

I thought I remembered you posted back when your bus burned in NYC that you
were considering a move here to the left coast. I came out here from NYC with
an  83 watercooled bus a few years back. Basically I had passed NY smog and
rolled through inspection out here. The allowable pollutans in different
catagories may be different, but I'm not sure what the exact tolerances  are. Maybe
someone else on the list has exact specs.

But out here they put the vehicle on a dynometer and do various checks at
various RPMs. Oddly, and yet typically, CA does not do ANY safety checks at
inspection. Smog is the only concern.

I guess that's not much info until we can find the exact specs required for
CA smog. But like I said, my bus made it through and always has for 5 years.
The  engine has about 60K miles, I did put in a new Catalytic converter at one
point.  And A tune up before the test is a good idea. Also driving for a good
1/2 hour  or more at highway speeds can warm up the cat. to help reduce
the...whatever the  cat reduces.
Best,
Jeff
83.5 Westy
LA,CA