NSX Friendly Smog Test Stations in San Diego

POWERED by HONDA

POWERED by HONDA

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Sandy Eggo, CA
It's time for my NSX's first smog test (while it's been with me). This means I also have to renew my registration at the tune of almost $1100! :mad:

Anyway, where is a good place in SAN DIEGO to get my NSX smog test done? Somewhere that will respect the car, know what they are doing (not leaving the TCS on, the engine is in the middle, etc) and not put grease all over it is preferable... ;)

Thanks in advance...

After this is all done and over with, it's turbocharger time. :D ;)
 
$1100??
is that because of the 3x rate increase??
mine was about $250.. before the increase (and it's a 94.)

regarding the smog.. why don't u try an acura dealer?
marc (transfixed) was talking about doing his at cush in escondido.
 
POWERED by HONDA said:
Anyway, where is a good place in SAN DIEGO to get my NSX smog test done? Somewhere that will respect the car, know what they are doing (not leaving the TCS on, the engine is in the middle, etc) and not put grease all over it is preferable... ;)
Click to expand...
I was not aware of having TCS on making a difference. How so?
 
Before having to pay for the VLF again, my NSX registration was a little under $500 for my 98.

Now with the VLF increase, it's a little under $1100. :mad:

regarding the smog.. why don't u try an acura dealer?
Click to expand...

I've had bad experiences at all San Diego Acura dealers... so I'm trying to avoid them. I'm also trying to avoid the wait time. Most smog places I've been to had zero to little wait.

I was not aware of having TCS on making a difference. How so?
Click to expand...

From what I understand, the engine won't be able to get up to the proper revs because the TCS would cut engine power because the tire is slipping on the dyno barrel (and the differences between front wheel speeds vs rear wheel speeds. thanks Ro). I've never had my NSX smogged but this is what some have experienced with their NSXs.
 
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Smogging in CA

Regarding smogging in CA, there are actually two separate issues (just did it last week). RPMs and TCS. When looking for a smog shop there seemed to be two different kinds, those that charge about $40 and those that charge about $60. Of course I started with the $40 shop. The $40 shop tried to clamp onto a spark plug wire to get an RPM reading. Didn't work. After an hour of watching the employees paw over my car, leaving a grease trail on floor mat and engine cover, and what seemed like incessant revving of the engine, I was told they couldn't they could get an RPM reading, and therefore, couldn't smog the car (no charge).

The $60 shop had a little black box that was laid on top of the engine and gave an RPM reading. (My belief is that the shops that charge more are doing so because they are using the newer equipment, which can detect/read RPMs on a car like the NSX. However, I could be wrong). My local Acura dealer could provide no insight into this issue.

After they get an RPM reading, then they need to rev the engine to whatever RPM level the DMV requires, with the car in gear. The second problem I encountered (after the RPM issue) was that with the Traction Control System (TCS) on, the car interpreted the spinning of the rear wheels faster than the spinning of the front wheels (which weren't moving at all) as though the car were spinning out of control and therefore would automatically apply the brakes, which prevented the car from reaching the RPMs/speed necessary to pass the test. My problem was the TCS "Off" button didn't work. As long as your's is working you shouldn't have a problem. My local Acura dealer provided no help disabling the TCS, however, 5 minutes on this site and I had the answer. Pulled the two (couldn't find a 3rd referred to in some postings) connectors from the TCS controller (located behind driver's seat, head level). After that car tested fine and was smogged.

I just brought the car to CA and was eager to get this done and to get the car registered before the higher DMV fees go into effect, I made it.
 
I go to this one shop on the corner of Miramar Road and Camino Santa Fe where the gas station is on the corner across the street from the Frazee Paint store. I used to go to a place one block east of it in the Miracrest Pl. cul-de-sac that did my other cars. But since they were a low $$$$ place, they always seemed busy. Plus, they never keep their CA Smog exemptions list updated. So I ended up at this other shop.

Price was a little higher (~$50 - $60 with certificate), but they rarely have a backlog of customers. I've taken my NSX twice, and have been in and out in about ten to fifteen minutes tops. Haven't had a problem yet. (That's why I'm not aware of the TCS concern.)

Conrad, if you can't figure out the name of the shop from my directions, let me know, and I can drive by one day and check the establishment's name.

-Randy
 
Ron, just wondering... how much was your registration? Because mine is also 95-T and will be here next week. I'm gonna try and get it registered before the big hike.

Regards,
 
Conrad,

Try the number that i gave you: 619-281-8888 (Fairmount Test Only.) You will not be disappointed with the place, work and price. Or you could always try somewhere else that makes you feel comfortable.
 
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POWERED by HONDA said:
Just got home... $1,053 is the exact amount for my NSX registration.

$573 for Keri's 2003 Honda Accord. YIKES!

Randy, please do. I'm not too good with that area. (Even though I work there!)
Click to expand...
What sucks for me is that I have 3 vehicles that have their registrations due November and December. :(

As for the name of the shop, I'll try to remember to swing by in the morning and get back to you.
 
why not try local AAA autoclub center.

They are friendly, and treated my NSX with respect, leave no grease anywhere.

The guy who did the smog test on my car, get into the car even more careful then me, and he is over six foot.

everything is done while I wait, more than 100% satisfied.
 
$1100!!! Holy Cripes!!!
What a joke!!! Hopefully by next summer they will repeal that nonsence or I'm screwed!!! ('99 528i, '00 4Runner ltd and my NSX) are all due in June and July...I better start saving now!!!
Arnold or who ever the next Gov is better hold up their promise of getting rid of that 3x car tax...

About your smog though...I had to have mine smogged before regerstering in Cali,( bought in Org) I just took it to Econo Lube on Mission Blvd off the 5 in O'side, was done in 15 mins and passed with flying colors for $28 bucks...All they did was put it on the dyno and stuck that probe in its tail pipe :eek: and drool over my car...:D
 
Just downstream of the throttle body is the very obvious igniter pack. Follow the electrical harness toward the strut bar and you will find the tach loop. Tell the smoggers to connect their inductive pickup here.

$1100 for registration? Ludicrous. N.M. charges $75 for two years, and its based on weight, not initial selling price. Somehow it seems fairer to charge based on how much damage your car does to the road instead of how much some bureaucrat thinks you can pay.
 
i own a shop here in san diego and i have a smog machine but im dealing with the BAR right now for the lic. what i can do is take it to a smog shop myself and tell the guy how to smog it and i can get it done for about35 dollars call me jerry sample greenlight auto repair (858)569-0693 [email protected] i used to work at the dealer for 5 years and about 2 nsx's a week. i know how you feel about it.
 
Like I said, try Fairmount Smog Test (619-281-8888,) you will not be disappontied. You better not be, given that it is my brother who runs that place, or else he is going to hear it from me.
 
De, I used your brother at 619-281-8888 (Fairmount Test Only.) He did a great job, my car passed easily. $40 cash was the total price.

He had an electronic wireless tach that worked without any connection to the car.

It was easy and painless.

Bruce
 
Bruce,

Yeah, he got the new smog-machine at the shop, so the process is very easy. Glad you liked the experience. Hey, when I get my NSX back (along with the MR2,) why don't we all get together one of these days and take off for another lunch?

Take care,
De
 
here in Denver CO. we only pay $24.25 for Emission Test.which is call Smog test over in Cali. in some of the City over here does NOT required to do that Test @ all.. my registration is only $50.00 like last year.. nothing changes.. sorry for you GUYS over in Cali that you have to pay Alot ! :D ;) ..
 
But as least as promised by Gov Arnold he reversed the triple DMV fees in CA today, hopefully retroactive for the folks that already had to pay the inflated rates.
 

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