Smogging a out of state 4runner in Calif

[jrm]

my search for what will be my 3rd. 3rd gen 4runner has lead me to look outside of Calif. I've found some nice specimens in the surrounding states but im kind of concerned about bringing the 4runner into Calif and being able to get it smogged. Which brings me to two questions:

Were Non California (49 state) 99-2000 4runners imported with california emission equipment or were there variations like one model for California and another one for the remaining 49 states?

Are the emissions different for specific states like Nevada, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico?

Thanks for the help.

John

 

[RedSled]

I believe if they have stock equipment you will have no problems, any kind of mods. To the system will be a problem, like cai.

 

[Park]

Move to Oklahoma and run a straight pipe with no muffler or cat! :car:

 

[gamefreakgc]

my search for what will be my 3rd. 3rd gen 4runner has lead me to look outside of Calif. I've found some nice specimens in the surrounding states but im kind of concerned about bringing the 4runner into Calif and being able to get it smogged. Which brings me to two questions:

Were Non California (49 state) 99-2000 4runners imported with california emission equipment or were there variations like one model for California and another one for the remaining 49 states?

Are the emissions different for specific states like Nevada, Arizona, Texas and New Mexico?

Thanks for the help.

John

I almost drove to Nevada to buy a 5-speed, I know what you mean. First off, there are more 4Runners in the Bay Area that sell for cheaper than out our way, unless you live in the BA!

Federal emissions vehicles will pass smog just fine in California. The whole California emissions vs Federal emissions is a very stupid concept, most California emissions vehicles aren't in California anymore and most 4Runners in California are Federal Emissions.

That being said, our state is more strict with smog. My basic rule of thumb though is if at idle and low speeds (that's how they test) you don't get any rotten eggs smell or smoke coming out, it'll pass. Even my Toyota Pickup passed with a slight fuel smell to it, but just barely. They don't call the test probe a "sniffer" for nothing. California has a strict visual inspection though, which most states do not have. Like mentioned before, and cold air intakes, exhaust mods, cat deletes will NOT pass. Now, not every tech has memorized what the inside of a 4Runner engine bay looks like, but anything that looks shiny or aftermarket will get noticed.

 

[1996_4_runner]

Could anyone tell me what my 3.4 would sound like with no car and stock muffler? Vids or links to them?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Could anyone tell me what my 3.4 would sound like with no car and stock muffler? Vids or links to them?

You mean like a straight pipe? LOUD. Like obnoxious and can't talk in the car without yelling sort of loud.

 

[1996_4_runner]

Okay yeah I don't want that. Anyone have a link to find a decent priced oem cat? Do I have to deal with o2 sensors? 1996 4runner

 

[gamefreakgc]

Unfortunately, there are no decently priced OEM cats. Only aftermarket ones can be found under $300. Mufflers are cheap though, those should not be hard to find.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Cold Air Intakes that are certified (eg K&N) will pass.

 

[RedSled]

Cold Air Intakes that are certified (eg K&N) will pass.

Yes, if the product has a C.A.R.B. # you are pretty much golden.

 

[98WhiteT4R]

My '98 is a "49 state emissions" and it passed CA smog no problem (I was worried though:hiding. There are ways around it, I did a bunch of research before I moved back to CA with it.

 

[pluton]

A 49-state vehicle will only have to satisfy 49-state smog requirements in California. And gamefreak is correct: Any funky rerouted pipes, cut/spliced/hacked-looking wires, terminated vacuum hoses are a red flag at smog time. Also, they test the seal on your gas cap!

 

[paddlenbike]

My 4Runner was originally purchased in Arizona and thus is a federal emissions (49 state) model, meaning it only has one catalytic converter (versus two on a CA model) and it uses a narrowband O2 sensor versus the more precise wideband O2 CA models use. That said, mine has never had trouble passing a CA emissions test and mine is supercharged. Just make sure all of your emissions equipment is intact and if you have any engine modifications (yes, even air intakes), you will need a CARB approved sticker to cover it. The smog technician always checks my TRD supercharger CARB sticker against the part number on the charger to make sure it's legit and they will do the same for any aftermarket engine parts.