Flyin' Miata : Tech : CARB information

If you don't live in California, CARB approval or EO numbers are irrelevant. Even if there is emissions testing in your area, the testing will involve checking the quality of your exhaust. It's not difficult to pass a "tailpipe" test like this with a car that is not CARB legal - such as any of our FM II turbo systems. It's also possible to fail it with a car that is CARB legal and is tuned badly. The test may also involve the checking of computer error codes. But CARB approval and exemptions? Doesn't matter one bit unless you live in California.

So if you do live outside of California, ask about the effects the parts will have on emissions - just don't be concerned if there's no CARB EO for the part. There are still federal laws against removing catalytic converters for example.

If you live in California, you'll need CARB approval on basically anything engine related. This includes things like turbo kits, catalytic converters and intake systems that involve replacing the airbox.

If you have CARB approved parts on your car and you modify them, they are no longer CARB approved. For example, if you put larger injectors on your 1993 FM I or add a boost controller to raise the boost, it is no longer legal for use on the street in California. Whether or not the inspectors will notice this is a different question, but be warned.