Date:         Wed, 8 May 1996 11:43:47 -0800
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         jburns@mail.sdsu.edu (James Burns)
Subject:      Help!: Passing CA smog with a modified VW engine

Hi all,

I have a Beck Spyder (2-seat, mid-engine Porsche replica) with a
dual-carburated, 2180cc '71 Type 1 dual port engine. I moved to CA last
year, but haven't yet registered it here. I'm concerned about the visual
smog equipment inspection. I can pass the emissions test. It *was* once
registered in another state, so there goes $300 bucks. If anyone has
experience bringing vehicles with modified engines into CA, please suggest
options.

Specific options I have thought of include:

1. Remove 2180 engine and put in a pre-'66 stocker (which I don't yet have).

2. The above plus get a new certificate of origin from the manufacturer,
then register as a *new* vehicle thereby avoiding the immigrant extortion
FEE.

3. Bolt an original carb back on 2180 and pray for a visual pass even
though it has a few other frills.

4. Negotiate with the DMV inspector over the following interpretation of
the FEE: Since the fee is charged regardless of the fact that the car
passes emissions in non-stock form, the visual inspection is irrelevent as
long as emissions are acceptable. Seems to me the FEE is already a fine for
failing a VISUAL inspection for a little paper sticker saying the car is CA
emissions approved.

        Can the words "Negotiate" and "DMV" be used in the same sentence?

HELP!!! My '67 standard and I get along famously, but I need an
acceleration fix. Right now I own an incredibly expensive paper weight.

P.S. Matt Hendricks' '60 dual cab was way way cool. Six months of sanding
though... Congratulations Matt on your recent trophy grab.

Regards, Jim

Dr. Jim Burns
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182-1323
619.594.6076