SMOG HELP!!!!! 03 Cobra

Adower

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I can't tell all my tricks, Bob! :)

Other states are very business friendly, lets just say that.
Can you provide details? I'm wanting to do something like this to get around ever having to go to state ref.
 

josephcostello

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Im dealing with the state ref as we speak to get my stock 03 legal. It is absolutely misery to say the least. They tried to get me on my aftermarket LFP lower pulley saying all my pulleys need to be factory Ford and if aftermarket they have to have an EO number. This was in fact wrong after lots of research I did. Basically aftermarket parts fall under either modified, replacement, add-on or consolidated. Replacement parts do not require an EO, you just have to make the case and present it as such. I uploaded a file that helped me a ton, should help you get clarified on your mods. If you have aftermarket idlers like I do you will not pass at all since it's considered a "modified aftermarket part". So im putting my stockers back on with the stock size belt and then once I pass i'll put my double bearings back on. If you need it i'm happy to let you borrow all of my stock idlers and belt.
 

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Adower

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I have an 03 Cobra and have been busted by the great ol state of California and have to see the smog ref. I have been yellow flagged and have been told I have to return my entire cobra back to stock in order to pass. Registering it out of state is not an option, don't want to deal with that headache. Was hoping to get any advice from any of you who have been through it so I know what to expect and need to do for the cobra to pass. Any and all advice is appreciated. List of mods below

Thanks
How did you get caught? Did they pull you for loud exhaust?
 

03 DSG Snake

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Im dealing with the state ref as we speak to get my stock 03 legal. It is absolutely misery to say the least. They tried to get me on my aftermarket LFP lower pulley saying all my pulleys need to be factory Ford and if aftermarket they have to have an EO number. This was in fact wrong after lots of research I did. Basically aftermarket parts fall under either modified, replacement, add-on or consolidated. Replacement parts do not require an EO, you just have to make the case and present it as such. I uploaded a file that helped me a ton, should help you get clarified on your mods. If you have aftermarket idlers like I do you will not pass at all since it's considered a "modified aftermarket part". So im putting my stockers back on with the stock size belt and then once I pass i'll put my double bearings back on. If you need it i'm happy to let you borrow all of my stock idlers and belt.

I got through with Metco idlers and an aux upper idler no problem.
 

mytjojo

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when you say everything
No, I just went through it and passed with a 2.3 Whipple on board.

Everything needs to be stock or have a CARB sticker to go with it.
im lowered will that be a problem? I'm assuming my cat back should be fine
 

mytjojo

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Im dealing with the state ref as we speak to get my stock 03 legal. It is absolutely misery to say the least. They tried to get me on my aftermarket LFP lower pulley saying all my pulleys need to be factory Ford and if aftermarket they have to have an EO number. This was in fact wrong after lots of research I did. Basically aftermarket parts fall under either modified, replacement, add-on or consolidated. Replacement parts do not require an EO, you just have to make the case and present it as such. I uploaded a file that helped me a ton, should help you get clarified on your mods. If you have aftermarket idlers like I do you will not pass at all since it's considered a "modified aftermarket part". So im putting my stockers back on with the stock size belt and then once I pass i'll put my double bearings back on. If you need it i'm happy to let you borrow all of my stock idlers and belt.
Man this is going to suck so much.. thanks for that info. If i need the pullies i will let you know and thank you for the doc
 

josephcostello

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I got through with Metco idlers and an aux upper idler no problem.
Hmm that's interesting to say the least. This is word for word what they told me over email "Your case was reviewed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. It was determined that all pulleys even the accessory pulleys must be factory or if they are aftermarket, they must have an executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board" which is clearly wrong but I was able to get my factory size LFP lower pulley to pass and since I had my stock idlers decided to not put up a complete fight. Crazy the things they put people through that just want to follow the law.
 

me32

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Hmm that's interesting to say the least. This is word for word what they told me over email "Your case was reviewed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. It was determined that all pulleys even the accessory pulleys must be factory or if they are aftermarket, they must have an executive order issued by the California Air Resources Board" which is clearly wrong but I was able to get my factory size LFP lower pulley to pass and since I had my stock idlers decided to not put up a complete fight. Crazy the things they put people through that just want to follow the law.
Its much much more than that. They want these vehicles off the road. Why do you think they only select high performance vehicles.
 

mytjojo

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Ill keep you updated on my progress. I'm starting operation de tune the cobra this weekend. Starting with my cats
 

mytjojo

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Update,
I have installed a set of used Maganaflow mid pipes, Changed my lower and upper pullies back to the stock sizes, had Ford flash tune my ECU back to stock and now I just need to install the stock 39lb fuel injectors. Once that's done its off to the ref. I sure hope i don't have to do this every 2 years from now on
 

roy_1031

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Update,
I have installed a set of used Maganaflow mid pipes, Changed my lower and upper pullies back to the stock sizes, had Ford flash tune my ECU back to stock and now I just need to install the stock 39lb fuel injectors. Once that's done its off to the ref. I sure hope i don't have to do this every 2 years from now on

Does that mid pipe have an EO number? Did you go yet, did you pass?


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mytjojo

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Yes has the number engraved on the second second set of cats towards the rear of the car. They are pretty banged up, loads of scratched from speed bumps etc but they are there
 

wckdvnm

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Does that mid pipe have an EO number? Did you go yet, did you pass?


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That’s the perk of the 03’s vs 04’s; 04’s aren’t covered under the E.O. Since the mid-pipe is technically different… no one makes a 04 specific mid-pipe. Depending on how bad the ref is they may let a 04 through with that mid pipe or they may only let the OE section through from any 99-04. Would be a good question to ask the ref when there.
 

roy_1031

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That’s the perk of the 03’s vs 04’s; 04’s aren’t covered under the E.O. Since the mid-pipe is technically different… no one makes a 04 specific mid-pipe. Depending on how bad the ref is they may let a 04 through with that mid pipe or they may only let the OE section through from any 99-04. Would be a good question to ask the ref when there.

Very curious to see how it goes for you. When’s your appointment?


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