My principal objection to the whole damn Smog thing is not that it exists - an engine that generates low levels of emissions is an engine that is running efficiently. The problem I have is that it's such a hidebound damn process that any modification not specifically approved is cause for question with these people - especially at the "test only" stations. These guys probably have six months of night school, don't know much about engine performance and a little about general operation, and expect me to believe they know engine tuning.
Throw in that a "Test Only" test costs about twice as much as my tags, and my blood pressure starts to climb...
If we have to have the smog programme, fine. I'd like to see a couple changes -
1) Incentive. If emissions can be lowered significantly (all my XJ's regularly test well below average for their model year) how about a discount on registration to offset the cost of the damn test?
2) Flexibility. If I can make a mod that works, stay out of my hair about it.
3) Focus on results. If the idea is to lower emissions, get out of my way and let me do it. It should not matter exactly HOW I do it, just so that it gets done. Shift from methods-based management to results-based management. In this vein, how about making some sort fo "hobbyist" sniffer available for around $500 for home tuners - I'd buy one. I could lower emissions AND increase fuel mileage (the two go hand in hand) if I had carte blanche top proceed with modifications. I don't come in so far below average on emissions tests because I don't know what I'm doing...
I had occasion a couple years ago (about the time SCII went statewide) to talk to the then-Regional Director and the then-Acting Director of CARB, and neither could come up with a straight answer to any questions. These guys are supposed to be running the show - how can you call the shots if you don't know how the gun works?
And to think it's LA that drug us into this - a city that, logistically, should not be able to exist. Go figure - it's like Chicago infecting the rest of Illinois and Gary-Hammond (G-H, IN is the only part of the state that trifles with al,l this DST nonsense - because of Cesspit - excuse me, Chicago. My condolences to anyone who actually LIVES there with opinions to the right of centre...)
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