Moving to Southern California - Have many questions about taking my D

[uhhair]

So my company is relocating me to Southern California (Ontario area) and I'd like to bring my D with me. I have a bunch of questions concerning California and what I will need to do for my D. Is there a way to register my car without passing an emissions test? If not, what needs to be done in order for my car to pass the emissions test? Currently my Delorean is stock, though I'm sure my cat is no longer very functional and wouldn't pass any real emissions test in any state. Anyone care to help me navigate some of these issues so I can pal around in sunny California with my D? Also, how is the club out there? You guys like hanging out and playing cars a lot?

[DavidProehl]

Smogging is required by county, and some counties only require it for certain zip codes. Not sure what your specific county requires, but odds are you'll need to smog. Here is some info: http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/smog-check.php

You have to get smogged every 2 years. Your stock configuration is a good thing, in fact the law says you must use factory emissions equipment. This means that even if you did an engine swap and had better than factory emissions levels, you may not pass the visual inspection depending on who does it and how tough they are on you (and if they know what a factory DMC setup looks like). Crazy I know.

I was nervous about my car when I moved to Northern California, but was pleasantly surprised that my car passed as it was. You likely will be as well unless you know it runs rich or know that your cat is burned out.

[TTait]

Not sure why you think you won't pass - the emissions standards aren't as tough as new cars. In general a car that runs well has a good chance of passing.

If the exhaust smells rich or acrid, you probably have an issue, but in general the catalyst (platinum?) in the catalytic converter doesn't get used up. It can burn off if you run rich and the cat overheats or the honeycomb material inside gets damaged, but don't assume the worst. If anything you probably want to make sure your AC is up to snuff.

The good news is that you will only be about an hour from DMC-CA. Danny is great and he's been joined by Cameron from Houston - great team and a pleasure to do business with. If you do have issues they can fix you up pretty well. Plenty of great owners in CA as well.

Ronald ferguson is the main point of contact for the So-cal club. Not the most active club, and there are not a lot of tech sessions or anything like that, but there is a parade or drive at least once a month it seems. Nice guys.

As a transplant from back east myself - be ready for great weather and endless things to do. No matter what you want to do - its all here - including Deloreans.

Tom

[uhhair]

Thanks for the info guys! Based on your info, I don't think I'm going to have any issues as my car appears to be running great, but I'm glad to be so close to DMC-CA just in case. Guess I will have to wait and see once I get it out there, which probably won't be until June. As for the AC< it was all recently replaced so I should be in great shape!