As a car enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of modifying my vehicles to improve performance. One of the most popular modifications is installing a cold air intake, which can provide numerous benefits such as increased horsepower, better fuel economy, and a more aggressive engine sound. However, in the state of California, there are strict emissions regulations that can make it difficult to legally install a cold air intake.
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Cold Air Intakes and California Law
In California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for regulating vehicle emissions. CARB has established a list of approved aftermarket parts that are legal to install on vehicles in the state. Unfortunately, most cold air intakes are not on this list, meaning that installing one could result in a citation or even a fine.
What are the options for getting a cold air intake in California?
Despite the strict regulations, there are still a few options for getting a cold air intake in California legally.
- Purchase a CARB-approved cold air intake: A few manufacturers have received CARB approval for their cold air intakes. These intakes are specifically designed to meet California’s emissions standards, and they are the only legal option for installing a cold air intake on a vehicle registered in California.
- Obtain an Executive Order (EO) Number: In some cases, you may be able to get an EO number for a cold air intake that is not CARB-approved. An EO number is a special exemption that allows you to install a non-CARB-approved part on your vehicle. To get an EO number, you will need to submit an application to CARB and provide evidence that the part meets their emissions standards.
- Install a cold air intake on a vehicle that is not registered in California: If you have a vehicle that is not registered in California, you can install a cold air intake without having to worry about CARB regulations. However, if you ever decide to register your vehicle in California, you will need to remove the cold air intake or get it CARB-approved.
Benefits of installing an approved cold air intake in California
Installing a cold air intake in California can provide several benefits, including:
- Increased horsepower: A cold air intake can help your engine produce more horsepower by providing it with cooler, denser air. Cooler air contains more oxygen, which allows your engine to burn more fuel and produce more power.
- Improved fuel economy: A cold air intake can also help improve your fuel economy by reducing the amount of fuel that your engine needs to burn. This is because the cooler, denser air that the cold air intake provides allows your engine to burn fuel more efficiently.
- More aggressive engine sound:< A cold air intake can give your engine a more aggressive sound by allowing more of the intake noise to be heard. This can make your car sound more powerful and exciting.
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Tips for installing a cold air intake in California
If you are planning to install a cold air intake in California, keep the following tips in mind:
- Buy a CARB-approved cold air intake.
- Obtain an EO number if necessary.
- Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully.
- Get your car inspected by a smog technician after installing the cold air intake. This will ensure that your car is still meeting emissions standards.
FAQs about cold air intakes in California
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cold air intakes in California:
Is it legal to install a cold air intake in California?
It is only legal to install a cold air intake in California if it is CARB-approved or if you have obtained an EO number.
How can I get my cold air intake CARB-approved?
You can get your cold air intake CARB-approved by submitting an application to CARB and providing evidence that it meets their emissions standards.
How much does it cost to get an EO number for a cold air intake?
The cost of getting an EO number for a cold air intake varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. However, it typically costs between $200 and $400.
Can I install a cold air intake on a vehicle that is not registered in California?
Yes, you can install a cold air intake on a vehicle that is not registered in California. However, if you ever decide to register your vehicle in California, you will need to remove the cold air intake or get it CARB-approved.
Conclusion
Installing a cold air intake in California can be a great way to improve the performance of your vehicle. However, it is important to remember that there are strict emissions regulations in California, and installing a cold air intake that is not CARB-approved could result in a citation or fine. By following the tips in this article, you can legally install a cold air intake on your vehicle and enjoy the benefits of increased horsepower, improved fuel economy, and a more aggressive engine sound.
How To Get A Cold Air Intake In California
Are you interested in learning more about cold air intakes in California?
Please let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below. I’d be happy to help you out.
