Is FMIC illegal?
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From: IG - @thomas.teammoist
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Was this for a SPECIFIC FMIC or all FMIC.
I've heard both things. That the intercooler isn't part of the smog blah blah so it's free game. And then I've heard and known people that have lost ref and court battles on it.
That's why if you go look at most manufacturers websites they'll say NOT 50 state legal or yes it's 50 state legal. So from what I can see... CARB sticker equals legal. No CARB sticker equals illegal.
Far as I know it's officers discresion. If they see it and don't know they'll ref you. If you go to the ref you need documented proof it is legal... a carb sticker and it has to be CURRENT.
I've heard both things. That the intercooler isn't part of the smog blah blah so it's free game. And then I've heard and known people that have lost ref and court battles on it.
That's why if you go look at most manufacturers websites they'll say NOT 50 state legal or yes it's 50 state legal. So from what I can see... CARB sticker equals legal. No CARB sticker equals illegal.
Far as I know it's officers discresion. If they see it and don't know they'll ref you. If you go to the ref you need documented proof it is legal... a carb sticker and it has to be CURRENT.
IIRC, there was a thread here probably last year saying that if your car has an X component, you can replace it with another X component, but it doesnt matter where you place it.
so if you car has a turbo intercooler, you can replace it with another IC. the law doesnt mention where it has to be.
now, what might get you is that you trim that bumper piece which is a safety thing and is probably a violation...
IMO, only reason FMIC aint CARB'ed is the companies dont wanna spend the needed $$$$ for the testing and certification and is much cheaper and faster to get to the market, if they just label the things "FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY"....
ICs are a closed system. unless you have a massive leak, you aint affecting emmisions. heck, if EVO can get 50 state legal FMIC, there should be no reason for it on subarus...
so if you car has a turbo intercooler, you can replace it with another IC. the law doesnt mention where it has to be.
now, what might get you is that you trim that bumper piece which is a safety thing and is probably a violation...
IMO, only reason FMIC aint CARB'ed is the companies dont wanna spend the needed $$$$ for the testing and certification and is much cheaper and faster to get to the market, if they just label the things "FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY"....
ICs are a closed system. unless you have a massive leak, you aint affecting emmisions. heck, if EVO can get 50 state legal FMIC, there should be no reason for it on subarus...
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The intercooler itself is not illegal. But for most aftermarket intercooler options, you have to either remove the bumper support beam or get a modified bumper support beam. The removal or replacement of a non certified beam (even jdm bumper beam) is illegal. I think it is also a federal charge as well.
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The intercooler itself is not illegal. But for most aftermarket intercooler options, you have to either remove the bumper support beam or get a modified bumper support beam. The removal or replacement of a non certified beam (even jdm bumper beam) is illegal. I think it is also a federal charge as well.
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Any modification to the intake tract is technically illegal under CVC 27156
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27156.htm
this is the is the vehicle code you need a CARB sticker for when you use an aftermarket intake. Though even the code is written pretty vaguely since it pertains specifically to emission equipment, which apparently CARB feels any part of the intake tract is since this is the one they make AEM, Injen, etc become compliant with. I know theres people who've gotten over on cops with an FMIC because the cops specifically associate CVC 27156 with intakes/exposed filter elements, but as usual this is just due to ignorance/poor training so dont expect to get over on every cop with an FMIC.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d12/vc27156.htm
this is the is the vehicle code you need a CARB sticker for when you use an aftermarket intake. Though even the code is written pretty vaguely since it pertains specifically to emission equipment, which apparently CARB feels any part of the intake tract is since this is the one they make AEM, Injen, etc become compliant with. I know theres people who've gotten over on cops with an FMIC because the cops specifically associate CVC 27156 with intakes/exposed filter elements, but as usual this is just due to ignorance/poor training so dont expect to get over on every cop with an FMIC.
because safety certifications is a federal thing under the DOT. with respect to the (front) bumpers and crash tests.
here's a sample:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/...ndex.html#P581
what states can do is define bumper heights. but just like when the porsche 959 couldnt get federal safety sign-off due to lack of crash testing.
i remember import mags making a big deal about when the evo came with FMICs due to the bumper issue, when compared to the wrx's and STis...
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so FMIC is not illegal, like any other parts. as long as you have carb sticker is okay.
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without a carb sticker they are illegal...paint everything black and hope the cop doesn't know what he's looking for.
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I have seen the source the document here, on i-club, and at my father in law's smog sjop, that lists which parts are ok/not ok to modify.
Not ok are turbo, fuel injectors, maf tubes.
Intercoolers were on the OK list.
Don't take my word for it, because I do not have a copy to post up.
Plus, I'm a liar.
Not ok are turbo, fuel injectors, maf tubes.
Intercoolers were on the OK list.
Don't take my word for it, because I do not have a copy to post up.
Plus, I'm a liar.
