GM Stage1 Longterm questions.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-22-2012
Posts: 67
From: Simi Valley, California
Senior Member
Joined: 06-22-2010
Posts: 387
From: Wisconsin
Miltown SS, I'd love to put on a Catless downpipe. However, I live in the People's Republik of Kommiefornia and we have the strictest smog testing and inspection laws in the country.
Not only does the car need to pass the emissions test, but there is a visual inspection of the engine including the intake and full exhaust system. If the parts aren't stock, and you don't have a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) exemption sticker, your car fails and you don't get a new registration sticker.
*AND* If you fail one test your car instantly goes from needing to be inspected every 2 years, to needing an annual inspection for 5 straight years. The test and paperwork can cost between $80-$150 each time.
Yay California! Land of the formerly free!
Not only does the car need to pass the emissions test, but there is a visual inspection of the engine including the intake and full exhaust system. If the parts aren't stock, and you don't have a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) exemption sticker, your car fails and you don't get a new registration sticker.
*AND* If you fail one test your car instantly goes from needing to be inspected every 2 years, to needing an annual inspection for 5 straight years. The test and paperwork can cost between $80-$150 each time.
Yay California! Land of the formerly free!
Senior Member
Joined: 11-08-2009
Posts: 220
From: Los Angeles, Dallas, New York
The weather is pretty good. Cold at night, well semi cold.
There is nothing that makes sense here, but then again the government is run from the west side. The east side has normal folk with some common sense.
Everyday in El Lay usually at whole paycheck (whole foods) I see some 1995 faded red Honda, with Obama, save the whales stickers blowing more smoke than a 1960's mosquito fogger and I guess they somehow pass.
Plus you see so many older cars here, not hot rods, or restored classics but old 1963 chevrolet and dodge station wagons in pink and white or light tan, driven by the cool 25 year old's that you can smell 4 miles away and they always pass because they're classics.
Still, if you know where to go and know who to pay you can get anything passed. (at least that's what I've heard).
IMO
There is nothing that makes sense here, but then again the government is run from the west side. The east side has normal folk with some common sense.
Everyday in El Lay usually at whole paycheck (whole foods) I see some 1995 faded red Honda, with Obama, save the whales stickers blowing more smoke than a 1960's mosquito fogger and I guess they somehow pass.
Plus you see so many older cars here, not hot rods, or restored classics but old 1963 chevrolet and dodge station wagons in pink and white or light tan, driven by the cool 25 year old's that you can smell 4 miles away and they always pass because they're classics.
Still, if you know where to go and know who to pay you can get anything passed. (at least that's what I've heard).
IMO
Senior Member
Joined: 05-13-2008
Posts: 2,075
From: Knoxville, TN
Miltown SS, I'd love to put on a Catless downpipe. However, I live in the People's Republik of Kommiefornia and we have the strictest smog testing and inspection laws in the country.
Not only does the car need to pass the emissions test, but there is a visual inspection of the engine including the intake and full exhaust system. If the parts aren't stock, and you don't have a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) exemption sticker, your car fails and you don't get a new registration sticker.
*AND* If you fail one test your car instantly goes from needing to be inspected every 2 years, to needing an annual inspection for 5 straight years. The test and paperwork can cost between $80-$150 each time.
Yay California! Land of the formerly free!
Not only does the car need to pass the emissions test, but there is a visual inspection of the engine including the intake and full exhaust system. If the parts aren't stock, and you don't have a C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) exemption sticker, your car fails and you don't get a new registration sticker.
*AND* If you fail one test your car instantly goes from needing to be inspected every 2 years, to needing an annual inspection for 5 straight years. The test and paperwork can cost between $80-$150 each time.
Yay California! Land of the formerly free!
Senior Member
Joined: 05-13-2008
Posts: 2,075
From: Knoxville, TN
I think me, Alex(Asanti), and Azmodous have been running with crimps the longest, maybe Mightymouse XXL, and GCSD as well. Me 3+ years, no issues. with other toys and HPT 26+psi...... Only weird issues was a few months back a camshaft solenoid went bad and I saw boost in the 30+ range. (should have left it in, wicked boost)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: 03-22-2012
Posts: 67
From: Simi Valley, California
Awesome! Thank you all for the info so far! Now I just have to find a dealer somewhere near me that has a clue what they are doing with the Stage 1 Kit and I'm all set.
Having a car that handles so well and is this fun to drive is addicting! The black paint is even growing on me a little.
Having a car that handles so well and is this fun to drive is addicting! The black paint is even growing on me a little.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-03-2009
Posts: 837
From: D.C., Md., Va. area
I had a no start/ Lan connection issue a year ago. The dealer replaced the ECM, and possibly the BCM, but there was no mention of the upgrade being the problem. It was after the new ECM that I noticed more giddy up in my go. I DD mine, and like the warranty, but once it's gone I plan on making full use of those new sensors.
Senior Member
Joined: 07-05-2008
Posts: 5,464
From: Akron Ohio
I am 3 years in and could not be happier.
I had an issue with the Map hitting the AC but that was due to the relocation of my IC when they replaced it after an accident. Also the map blew out of the replaced IC tube. Both were not direct factory GM issues. If I had not has a damaged IC and Tube neither would have been an issue.
Mine are crimped and it has not missed a beat.
I agree the key is a dealer with a trained Turbo tech on staff. My dealer has a specialist that did all the Gas and Diesel Turbo work. They even told me and showed me that the crimps take a special Kent Moore tool GM has for dealers. They use it to crimp and remove the crimps. The key is to get a tech that knows what to do and is willing to do it right. Most of the crimp issues I beleive can be traced back to poor crimps or the fact the tech did not use the proper tool.
If I had to do this again I would do it in a heart beat. With a Auto it is a must.
I had wished the Crate Engine Depot harnesses were offered when I did mine but if the job is done right the results are the same.
I had an issue with the Map hitting the AC but that was due to the relocation of my IC when they replaced it after an accident. Also the map blew out of the replaced IC tube. Both were not direct factory GM issues. If I had not has a damaged IC and Tube neither would have been an issue.
Mine are crimped and it has not missed a beat.
I agree the key is a dealer with a trained Turbo tech on staff. My dealer has a specialist that did all the Gas and Diesel Turbo work. They even told me and showed me that the crimps take a special Kent Moore tool GM has for dealers. They use it to crimp and remove the crimps. The key is to get a tech that knows what to do and is willing to do it right. Most of the crimp issues I beleive can be traced back to poor crimps or the fact the tech did not use the proper tool.
If I had to do this again I would do it in a heart beat. With a Auto it is a must.
I had wished the Crate Engine Depot harnesses were offered when I did mine but if the job is done right the results are the same.