California One Step Closer To Move Smog Exempt Cutoff Year from 1975 to 1980

"DailyTurismo" (thedailyturismo) 04/21/2016 at 15:21 • Filed to: Blog, DailyTurismo, CA, Smog

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Yesterday, the CA Senate Transportation and Housing Committee passed (by 6-5 vote) !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , which is a bill that will move the smog exemption cutoff year from 1975 to 1980. This means that a few late 70s classics will now be easier to keep away from the crusher.

If this bill passes, any 1980 model year cars will now be the newest to be exempt from bi-annual and title transfer smog inspection. The bill was introduced earlier this year by Senator Ted Gaines (R-El Dorado) who !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! saying: “Collector cars and trucks are a unique and important part of California history and need to be preserved. Extending the exemption to 1981 is a common-sense way to encourage that these vehicles remain on display for all to see, drive and enjoy.”

The bill has passed committee and is now moving on to the next committee in Sacramento, and with any luck we will have Sen Gaines on the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! next week to talk about the bill (still working on details). However, if this goes into law, it will be a game changer for the value and usability of 1976-1980 classics here in California. Perhaps now is a good time to pick up a 1976 - 1980 model year car that has trouble passing smog. For pennies on the dollar of course — however, you’ll be stuck with the car if this bill stalls somewhere, so choose wisely. DT’s picks for 1976-1980 classics:

Poorsche 924 : The era of watercooled Porsches started after 1975, and these front engine and rear-transaxle equipped classics are notoriously complicated, particular the turbo version. Rejoice and be glad that you won’t need to replace 30 feet of brittle plastic tubing in the hope that you’ll pass on the next test, and be happy that a few more of these might avoid the crusher.

Toyota “Mini Mach 1" Celica : The later 1st generation and early 2nd generation Toyota Celicas fall into the realm of being horribly slow in stock form, but they are cool looking and the ones that haven’t rusted should last much longer if tightening tailpipe standards don’t wipe them off the planet.

Mazda “Seal Killer” RX-7 SA/FB : The Mazda rotary engine puts out a ton of heat and pan sears catalysts (and all manner of under hood hoses/plastic bits) for fun, so when it comes time to smog you’ve got a bunch of work to make sure it doesn’t have vacuum leaks or anything crispy. You’d sleep better knowing that even if the apex seals are on their last legs you’ll still be able to get stickers for this thing each year.

Porsche “German Camaro” 928 : Another from the files of a the front-engine watercooled Porsche era — the 928 has an extremely complicated relay control system for the powertrain that can now be replaced with something less likely to leave you stranded in Death Valley on a hot summer morning. I personally think these are undervalued for something with a Porsche emblem on the hood and avoiding the hassles of a smog check should keep a few more out of junkyards and on the street.

Fox Body Fords : It isn’t just the 1979-1980 Mustangs that you should consider, but also the Fairmonts, Zephyrs, Durangos, Capris, Thunderbirds, and Cougars (oh my!!). The engine to get is the 302 cubic in Windsor V8, which was marketed as the 5.0 and produced 140 horsepower through a carburetor. Or, you know, swap in a Coyote.

Pontiac Thunder Chicken Firebird: As the gas crisis and emissions standards sucked the power out of Pontiac’s massive V8 engines, the product planners did the next logical thing and added a gigantic bird shaped hood decal. A few more Bandits on the road is always a good thing for California traffic morale.

Saab Story: A Saab 99 from the early emissions era has hard time with the biennial inspection because parts availability is nil, but the same applies to the 900. Some random part of the plastic gas filler enclosure is cracked — good luck passing the evap test, and forget about getting a new filler assembly. Part of the reason I sold the Draken (a ‘78 99 EMS) was because I had Smogmares frequently, but this new legislation could mean a price war for anything Saab from the 70s.

CVCCCVCVVC Civic: The guys at Honda really thought they had something special when they figured out a way to meet late 70s emission standards without a catalyst in the exhaust system, but the complex stratified charge cylinder head with compound vortex controlled combustion can be tricky to adjust and debug.

Alfa Romeo “SPICA Italian?” Alfetta: The Alfetta GT/GTV6 was the spiritual successor to the Giulia Sprint GT/GTV and today it lives somewhere in the land of rust and amongst the few guys who know how to tune the SPICA fuel injection system. Save the Alfas.

Datsun by Nissan S130 280ZX: The S130 280ZX was the grand touring focused reboot of the original Z-car, and it may have been softer, but it was nicer on the road. Nissan found a way to increase horsepower with each year of development, but it came at a cost of increased complexity. Keep an eye out for the 1980 limited “10th Anniversary” edition that came with leather seats, and with black/gold or red/black paint jobs.

There are many more cars that could fit in this category — what awesome classic from 1976-1980 did we miss?

Originally posted as !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Blondude > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:22

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Alfa Romeo “SPICA Italian?” Alfetta

Fucking lol

Gripevo1 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:28

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This would be awesome...its about time... I would love an early rx7 or a 928(sentimental value as my father, who passed away many years ago, had a 928 when i was a kid)

LongbowMkII > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:31

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Any 75-80 BMW should be on the rise if this passes.

ZoopZoopLoops > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:33

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2JZ Celica time? 2Jz Celica time...

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:34

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928s are undervalued? Around me, a really crappy example will go for $20k easy.

dogisbadob > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:35

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They should go back to a rolling 30-year exemption.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:35

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1978/9 Buick century turbo coupe. Up the power a bit more, and paint it like an AE86. Win.

DailyTurismo > Gripevo1 04/21/2016 at 15:36

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I remember when the rolling 25 year thing was marching from 1973 and then it stopped at 1975 and everyone was like...wut?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:37

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1978 lil red express.

DailyTurismo > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/21/2016 at 15:38

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Maybe the later GTS and special editions go for serious cash, but the early 928S models are just about worthless if neglected.

DailyTurismo > LongbowMkII 04/21/2016 at 15:38

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Yup. Get ‘em while they’re cheap.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:39

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Lincoln continental MkV. Because sometimes you need a mobile helicopter landing pad.

DailyTurismo > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 15:39

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Yes.^ This X 1000000.

http://www.dailyturismo.com/2015/01/5k-pic…

DailyTurismo > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 15:40

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That is Malibeautiful.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 15:41

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Sorry, I must have been thinking of something else. Here’s the cheapest one that I could find.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/…

kinjastolemyaccount2 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:17

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They need to move it on to ‘85

beerdrinker > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:18

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LOL all pre 1998 diesels are smog exempt in California.

RodRAEG > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:19

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Glassback C3 vettes!

AntiLag > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:21

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Good. Because i couldnt for the life of me understand why they’re so idiotic to think that the most sparse vehicles on the road are the ones causing this pollution, as opposed to the dirtiest ones on the road. Maybe shut down that Budweiser factory spewing thick clouds of fumes into the air 24/7. Or maybe limit all the fucking 30 year old diesel box trucks hauling scrap around that are smog exempt?

bwwooster > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:22

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That one of your state assemblyfolk from San Jose for that.

DirtJunk > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:22

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There are a whole lot of 1976-1980 vehicles that will be bumping up on price soon. I better stock up now.

bwwooster > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:23

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Cool— but you haven’t mentioned the two I’m looking to pick up if this bill passes.

Dream Theater of the Absurd > LongbowMkII 04/21/2016 at 16:25

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Nice. I could get me an early 630CSi and ditch those damned thermal reactors.

DipodomysDeserti > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:29

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Damn California commies trying to take my classic car off the road...oh wait.

SOCdriver > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:31

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Still sucks, I wish it was only cars that were 25 years or newer. There are so few 1990 and older cars on the road that it would not cause an issue. And I don’t see people flocking to late 80's Civics and Camry’s to get around the law. They are mostly trash now if they are on the road at all.

Dream Theater of the Absurd > dogisbadob 04/21/2016 at 16:31

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I vote for a 25-year exemption - because I drive a ‘91 Miata. :)

RallyWrench > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:32

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Well, ‘76-77 911s just got more expensive. The 2.7L cars were the last bastion of semi-affordable G-body cars here because they can be hard to smog.

Wolfgang-Gullich > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:32

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Now Californians can mod post-75 2002s

Dream Theater of the Absurd > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:32

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Sounds like that would be a good time to get me a Screamin’ Chicken and fit it with a hotted up 455 as God and John Z. DeLorean intended.

wholettheriffraffin2 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:32

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What’s the timeframe on this?

Can't wait. My 78 fj passes, but it's a PITA, and requires an artful hand at the screws of the carb. This would make things a lot easier and a little added value would be great too.

CommonSenseIsn'tCommon > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:34

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I was going to make a snarky comment about late 70's cars... but there really are some that are worth saving.

Ad_absurdum_per_aspera > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:36

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Three words: Fine Corinthian Leather. Also, California needs to get real about eight letter license plates so you can get enough a’s in “Khaaaaan”.

I’d imagine that a malaise-era Jaaaaaag or two will get LS’d as well.

I guess technically you are still supposed to comply with the rules, including original equipment, but where the exhaust meets the atmosphere, using a modern FI/computerized engine will let you have a clean conscience... there’s actually a lot of truth to the old joke that modern cars put out less smog-contributing pollution when running than their carbureted predecessors did when parked.)

I wonder what percentage of the fleet such cars make up, anyway, and what percentage of those would be daily drivers rather than weekend toys or hobby cars. Miles and years as well as the hassle and uncertainty of smog check have doubtless weeded out a lot of them... That’s important from a policy standpoint because it goes to the impact of extending the exemption.

Jonee > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:37

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Halle-fucking-lujah. As someone who drives a 1978 Renault, this’ll really save me a lot of frustration.

CalBearsFan99 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:40

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Ooh, LS2 powered 928...this sounds fun.

Smokin5ohV8 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:41

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This is good news I’m hoping in the near future it will apply for cars up to 1990. I’ve got an 88 Mustang and while I’m not against passing a smog test I’m against having to pass a visual test for OEM/CARB EO parts. Who cares what parts are on it as long as it is below the limits for HC, NOX, CO, and CO2.

Stiiles > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:44

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That’s great news! I hope it passes. A little common sense and some relief for classic car owners in California would be really welcome right now.

ThatsAgood1jay > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:50

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Or they could be more sensible and make it a Rolling 25 years. Like Texas.

Yup, in 3 years the first Whale Body Camaro will only be liable for safety inspection.

Modern daily driver drag car, confirmed.

Rick Cavaretti > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:54

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Email every damn senator and who ever in the state that has a hand in this. PASS PASS PASS it.

OttoMaddox > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 16:56

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That with a later GN turbo engine would be awesome.

CleverUsername > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 16:57

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1976 BMW 2002

It's the last year of the 2002, which is the only year rendered impossible to own in California because of the ridiculous smog equipment that you're required to have.

CleverUsername > LongbowMkII 04/21/2016 at 16:59

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75's are okay, but owners of the 76 2002 and 320i cars from 77-80 would be pleased.

MotorsportsAustin > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:04

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Ted Gaines! Republicans for promoting automotive freedoms!

dogisbadob > Dream Theater of the Absurd 04/21/2016 at 17:04

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That’s good too.

But that might not pass in California, whereas a 30-year exemption has a better chance, because that’s what they used to have before freezing in 2005 (to only cover 1975 and older).

Also, NJ just exempted all pre-96 cars

luvMeSome142 & some Lincoln! > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/21/2016 at 17:08

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Wow, that is cheap.

MotorsportsAustin > RallyWrench 04/21/2016 at 17:09

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Actually the 2.7's suck in many ways, they always have hence the low value compared to previous and after. At a certain point with vehicles, model year suck factor is forgotten and people buy them anyway, guess we’re at that point.

Karfreek > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:10

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Does this mean I can register a 79 Trans Am with a 400/4-Speed in Cali if it passes? IIRC the 400/4-Speed was illegal there. 403/Auto only in 79. I may be wrong, tho.

DailyTurismo > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 17:11

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That is a beauty.

MotorsportsAustin > Dream Theater of the Absurd 04/21/2016 at 17:12

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F yeah it is! I’ll take a Tremec box with mine please.

Duke Best > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:13

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Suddenly the values of 1975 and 1975 BMW 2002s increases...

NeonBlaqk > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:13

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I really wish all states would adjust this to about 1985 or so. Some of those early 80's cars are kinda holdovers from the 70's, but you get stuck being held to a modern standard simply because your year isn’t quite there. Every other year I have to hope and pray my way through emissions with a C3 Vette that is the only friggen year of C3 in my state still having to get probed up the tailpipe.

DailyTurismo > RallyWrench 04/21/2016 at 17:14

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The bill isn’t law yet. You might be able to find a few that don’t pass smog and the seller doesn’t know about this bill. Like this one.

DailyTurismo > Jonee 04/21/2016 at 17:15

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Your baby will no longer be in the Renaulty spot.

RallyWrench > MotorsportsAustin 04/21/2016 at 17:16

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I know they do, but now they’ll be easily swapped to 3.0s or 3.2s without dealing with getting them BAR-tagged in CA. Most 2.7s still on the road have had the reactors and air pumps removed, only to be used for smog, and the head studs replaced by now.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:16

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Why don’t they just make it so that anything 35 years or older is smog exempt?

That way they won’t need to revisit the issue.

DailyTurismo > Ad_absurdum_per_aspera 04/21/2016 at 17:17

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Ricardo Montalbán approves of this message.

DailyTurismo > NeonBlaqk 04/21/2016 at 17:17

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Step in the right direction.

MotorsportsAustin > RallyWrench 04/21/2016 at 17:19

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Nice. What’s a 3.2 with motronic box going for these days now? Still like $5500?

DailyTurismo > AntiLag 04/21/2016 at 17:21

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Box trucks that spew black soot are almost certainly illegal or have been converted to motor homes — CA has some strict commercial truck retrofit laws passed in the last few years.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Cali…

DailyTurismo > Stiiles 04/21/2016 at 17:21

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Yup. That is the plan.

DailyTurismo > Karfreek 04/21/2016 at 17:23

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I thought that 49 state legal cars could be imported to CA as long as they have minimum number of miles on the odo.

Full of the sound of the Gran Fury, signifying nothing. > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:24

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Was something wrong with the previous 25-year rolling exemption? Can we have that back please?

Craig > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:25

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That 1976-1980 window is definitely not considered a great time period for cars. I guess the saving grace is you can now ditch that Firebird's 6.6 litre, 200hp boat anchor, for something that actually puts out some ponies.

DailyTurismo > Duke Best 04/21/2016 at 17:26

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1976?

NeonBlaqk > Ad_absurdum_per_aspera 04/21/2016 at 17:28

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I usually put 1500-2000 miles on my 82 Corvette per year. She sure as hell ain’t a garage queen, but not a daily either. More like “it’s nice out, think I’ll take the Vette today.”

DailyTurismo > RodRAEG 04/21/2016 at 17:29

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http://www.dailyturismo.com/2012/08/15k-19…

AMIDOINGITRIGHT?

DailyTurismo > bwwooster 04/21/2016 at 17:30

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What are they?

AntiLag > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:31

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Only if they’re heavier than 14,000 lbs unloaded though.

DailyTurismo > CalBearsFan99 04/21/2016 at 17:31

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Hey go bears! C/O 99 BSME here...

Harlard > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:34

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Duder is that you??

Thud Slamrod > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 17:35

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GO PACKERS

Bytemite > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:36

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Is it too much to ask for a rolling 25 year? Maybe 30?

RodRAEG > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:37

0

DailyTurismo > Harlard 04/21/2016 at 17:39

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Not today, but do you want me to deliver any secret messages to him?

Niquemarshall > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:39

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any info on the volvo 242?

DailyTurismo > Niquemarshall 04/21/2016 at 17:40

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It passed smog a few years ago, sold to someone else.

http://www.dailyturismo.com/2013/09/dtpc-s…

wætherman > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 17:42

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There’s one in Santa Rosa that is only $1400.... but then again “ran when parked” and no pic of the rust that is “getting a hold of the front cowl and rear corners... but still - $1400!

Dream Theater of the Absurd > Craig 04/21/2016 at 17:42

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If the 6.6L in question is a Poncho 400, there is quite a bit more power to be had if emissions compliance isn’t a consideration.

Rick Cavaretti > kinjastolemyaccount2 04/21/2016 at 17:43

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I’m sure at some future point it’ll be modified as a rolling exemption.

Phil > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:12

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Is a Poorsche 924. When you're too poor for a Porsche.

StayPutReachJump > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:16

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Yay! My 1980 E21 thats been in the family since it was purchased new in SoCal can go home again!

But, since I live in Oregon, its moot anyway. I guess it would be good if I pass the car on to a California-dwelling relative...

RedPir8Roberts > Dream Theater of the Absurd 04/21/2016 at 18:17

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Or a Ferrari V-12 as Bill Mitchell intended (see Pegasus show car, which Mitchell had for his personal ride). Auction houses should be lobbying for this so they can sell more cars here; late 1970s Ferrari owners will be overjoyed, though of course they will have to keep all the smog crap to sell it as original.

Harlard > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:21

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If you could let him know that Harlard decrees that flying to IPD this year should be prioritized that would be great :) Congrats on making it to the front page!

protodad > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:23

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THIS IS AWE....completely not helpful right now. Damn, I really need them to pull 1981-1985 into that fold.

klurejr > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:27

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Why no love for the late 70's trucks and suvs?

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/21/2016 at 18:33

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I’m still raising an eyebrow as to how it managed to lose against a WRX - yes, yes, with an EJ257 engine.

bwwooster > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 18:48

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One has a different name that it does in its native Italy; one sounds like a pastry. A third is a station wagon with an all-aluminum 16-valve twincam slant four. (under the hood, not tossed in the boot.)

bwwooster > CleverUsername 04/21/2016 at 18:49

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There goes the last bargain 2002!

RallyWrench > MotorsportsAustin 04/21/2016 at 18:50

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I’ve heard double that recently for a documented good running engine with no needs. They were around $5k maybe 6 years ago, no ECU. It’s nuts now, as with the cars themselves. All the RS clones, Outlaws, and swapped cars have not only made good complete engines harder to find, it’s also driven their value up. As the running street cars increase in value, they get driven less, get crashed less, and cost more to write off, which means there are less cars being parted out. Supply and demand, as applied to 30 year old Porsche parts.

I assume you’re in Austin? I just got back from COTA on Tuesday.

SilverPantherIsSilver > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 19:03

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Har! Although I had to pronounce it wrong for the pun to work!

Beer Conquerer > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 04/21/2016 at 19:06

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It used to be a rolling 25 year period until the exemption was frozen at 1976 back in 2004, or so.

Paul84 > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 19:07

2

What this really means is that a lot of 75-80 trucks will be brosterdized very soon.

SilverPantherIsSilver > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 04/21/2016 at 19:09

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Got you beat!

$1000 928:

http://santamaria.craigslist.org/cto/5536198863…

El Rivinado > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 19:10

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I’d hope that it passes, but knowing my state and knowing that it’s going oop north, I have a sinking feeling it won’t. All someone needs is some half assed pathos baiting convincing about how old cars will kill the penguin and unicorn babies, then BOOM!!, 1975 is still the cutoff year.

That said, if it does pass, 1977 FOMOCO barge Bitches!!.

https://classics.autotrader.com/classic-cars/1…

ThatsAgood1jay > ThatsAgood1jay 04/21/2016 at 19:34

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Image wouldn’t load from work.

Fix It Again Tony > NeonBlaqk 04/21/2016 at 19:39

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Yeah, my 1982 Corolla still passed smog last year, and I hope I can keep it that way until they exempt my car.

Jon > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 04/21/2016 at 19:50

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My state it’s 20 years for no emission and 25 years for no title or safety inspections

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/21/2016 at 19:58

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....I am reading this as you’re surprised that a pickup truck with a three speed automatic managed to lose to a car with more power, more drive train, better aerodynamics and is 30 years younger.

Did you respond to the right post?

Jon > beerdrinker 04/21/2016 at 19:59

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Don’t think diesels had any emissions equipment to fail then. My truck is a 96 powerstroke it doesn’t have a cat,def,scr,etc

shocontinental > Karfreek 04/21/2016 at 20:03

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I brought in a 49-state 1995 MY car in 2005. The DMV just verified VINs and checked the box for “US EPA” on their forms. Smog check was as normal, even though it didn't have EGR like the CA version. It passed the check and has been here since.

simon_C > DailyTurismo 04/21/2016 at 20:29

1

This means so much to me.