I just got my notice saying that I have to go to a Test Only Center. What exactly is the difference between a Test Only Center and a regular place? I know the price will be higher since they have no competition, but is there anything else I need to worry about? I have an AEM CAI, JDM DC 4-1 Header, and RSR CatBack. Should I have any problems with this setup? Thanks.

 

You might have a problem with the JDM header and the other cat, might want to swap the stock parts back on.
Austin

 

The difference between a regular smog test facility and a test only center is that the test only center is not allowed to offer any kind of diagnostic service or repair, they cannot alter, tune or do anything to your car other than test it, and yes you are correct they are more expensive ~50-60.


The only thing that may make you fail is the visual inspection of your DC JDM header since it's not CARB approved. I would put the stock exhaust manifold back on before getting the smog test, other than that your car should pass ok.

 

I actually use my stock cat with the JDM header. I read before that I should drive on the freeway a little bit before going in, any other little tips?

 

don't pick a place near your local DMV office.
Usually they are swamed and they are very strict.
If they fail you then you have a bigger prob on your hand.

If you're too lazy to swap stock cat and header on, my advice is go
to Smog Test Only Center and tell/show them what's under the hood BEFORE they do your smog.
Some of them are willing to turn a blind eye on visual inspection.

 

hey if you've done it already can I ask where you took it to and how much it cost?? my friend got a "test only" smog check for his DMV registration and all the places we called want $60... he's kind of afraid of not passing also.... we gotta put back some stock parts before testing it.. so if you can recommend a place let me know.. thanks..

 

I took my car to:

ACE Test only
19717 E Valley Vlvd Unit B
Walnut,CA 91789
(909) 444-7990

It was about $60 (I don't remember the exact amount) but even with two other cars in front of us, it only took like 15 minutes.


The link below is to the DMV's site with the listing of all locations

http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/ActiveStns/StnList.asp?DORANDFF&TON&MAX2C=1000

 

i'm up in the ventura area. found a place for $48.20 including certificate and I believe you get a retest if you fail the first time. Airport Smog 805-487-0106. I'm planning on going tomorrow.. hopefully everything will be ok.

 

30 bucks with a greddy turbo and intercooler. No problem for me!

 

cali sounds nice! lol... charge 50 here in tx plus waited 45mins to tell me I failed!

 

damn every place we called wants about $60.. one guy even asked if it was for a car or truck.. I guess theres diff rates.. he wanted like $60 + 8 sumthing for the certificate... the other places for around $60 the certificate was incl...

 

Is there any reason why they would send you to a Test Only Center as opposed to a regular place? Just curious.

 

for people in "heavily populated/smog areas" their supposed to randomly pick 15% of registered vehicles in that area to go to TEST ONLY centers.. those centers are ONLY allowed to do smog testing.. they can't fix, offer diagnosis, or do any repairs... reg smog test i like $30-40... test only centers charge like $60.... cuz they know that if your coming to them you HAVE TO get a smog check at a test only center in order to renew your registration.. so they basically rape you on the price since they know you HAVE TO get the smog check done at a test only center...

I haven't gotten mine yet (due next year) but several of my friends who were up for renewal got the "test only" smog check requirement on their DMV renewals... 15% huh? I guess we're pretty popular or I know every1 in my area or sum $hit Lolz... its spose to be random...

 

ok, i got shafted! went in today and i failed.. the jdm header didn't bother the guy though, that was cool.. but i am emitting 93 PPM of hydrocarbons and the limit is 90. Anyone know of a way to help my car pass? i bought some fuel injector cleaner so far...

 

thanx gsrracerboi