So i'm looking into installing a turbo on my 91' miata and i want to do the home brew thing, but i'm wondering does anyone know what the requirements are to be california smog legal, obviously with a home brew set up there's no C.A.R.B. number but do i need one for this application, cause i'd rather not drop 3k for a turbo kit.

 

You can not get a special CARB sticker for your one off homebrewed kit.

 

You are out of luck. Without an Executive Order exemption you won't be California legal. That's not the same as saying you can't get away with it, but you're on your own and you might have a problem come smog check day.

A BEGi-S kit is under $2k. You can add power later as funds become available, but it get's you started pretty easily and cheaply.

If you have any other questions it's best you introduce yourself in the "Meet and Greet" section first.

 

BEGi-S with the right parts added is CARB approved. Add the right parts (adjustable FPR, fuel pump, aftermarket timing controller, intercooler) and you can be 100% smog legal with a pretty DIY setup. That's basically what I did, and I have a BEGi EO on my firewall.

 

The thing i'm looking for really is whether or not i need a CARB number to pass smog in California for this sort of situation. My thought is that the smog check guys will treat an aftermarket turbo the same as a cold air intake in the regard that anything behind the MAS will require a CARB number, and was just looking to confirm whether or not that is true.

 

I dont know where in cali your from, but ive seen people fail with just colored vacuum lines. Anything installed that effects air going in and out tends to need a CARB.

 

nm, I shouldn't be discussing that publicly.

 

sounds like i need a kit thats got a CARB number and can't make one. i'll do a little mor e research before giving up but thanks for the help guys

 

Yes, you do.

Forced induction (turbo / SC) is one of the most extreme modifications you can possibly make in the eyes of the CARB, and there is virtually zero chance of your being smog-legal with a homebrewed turbo kit. It is technically possible for a referee station to pass you, however this is unlikely to happen on something like a Miata- refs deal principally with classics, customs, kitcars, etc.

 

the ref station just made me think that the thing to do is go to them and ask what would need to be done. the local one knows me because of a one off car i have been working on for a while so they should give me the answers i'm looking for. thanks for the response.