hi guys, i live in california and i just bought a used 2002 subaru wrx with an added on "blitz intake", which is an air filter.

i heard it doesnt comply to california regulations, so i might have to remove it and install back the old one. but, the seller had been using the air filter for about 5 thousand miles without any problems from the police and etc...

its mandatory for me to have a smog check when buying a new car, and i wont pass it if i have the aftermarket intake when i am there.

so, can i swap back to the blitz intake after i get the smog check and not get busted from the cops? whats going to happen to me if i used the "illegal " one? will the cops or fbi stop me or whatever?

and how hard is it to install the blitz filter back in place of the stock one? what tools are needed and how long will it take?

 

It won't pass the visual at smog check. It can get you a fix-it ticket and a date with a smog referree if a police officer chooses to inspect your engine. Most relevant, it isn't doing much good.

Also, under California law, it is the seller's responsibility to get the vehicle smogged before it actually changes hands. I would be suspicious of why it hasn't been done already (even though all the smog-related stuff is still under warranty- with no mods you can take it to a dealer and get it fixed under warranty). However, it's unlikely there is a problem with such a new vehicle. Some people just don't want to deal with smog when they can get away with not doing it.

 

so if i install back the aftermarket intake that doesnt comply with the cali emmisions regulations what will happen.

should i risk putting it back or not?

i know it doesnt provide a performance boost but still, its another item to add to my list of would be mods