I had Larry install the stage 2 SFR kit with stock exhaust header and leaving the catalytic converter. I had him put in the adjustable boost controller guage so the boost could be viewed and controller from the dash. I wanted to have the power yet keep it quiet enough to listen to the stereo.....
We first installed Larry's muffler which faced down under the valence and later changed it to the one where the two exhaust tips come out the center as there was a delay in the shipping. There was a huge difference in quietness in the car I would suggest if you were getting a turbo to make sure the tips exit the bodywork.
Thanks for your follow-up. If I do the turbo, I'm looking to do just the straight stage-2 bolt-on. Not looking to go any further, as Larry has done. I, too, would do the twin-tip exhaust, as I also have a Brabus smart.
Thanks for your follow-up. If I do the turbo, I'm looking to do just the straight stage-2 bolt-on. Not looking to go any further, as Larry has done. I, too, would do the twin-tip exhaust, as I also have a Brabus smart.
I noticed that you too are in the bay area. If you want to drive my car which is not as extreme as Larry's, basically the bolt on stage 2 SFR turbo on stock exhaust with cats you would be welcome to. I think you will like it!
I would like to see what you have done to your suspension as I am looking to reduce the forward and backward rocking of the car. I think the car would look better lower too.
This is the same Turbo we have in our smart (Orange) and have put several thousand miles on it without any issues.
We have also shipped out a number of these kits to smart owners all over US and Canada. If you are local in So Cal feel free to stop by our shop. Lately we have been installing one in a smart every two weeks, so there is a good chance you can see how it is being installed if you are curious.
Spyder,
How do you plan to get past smog checks when it becomes necessary to take them? Is the system C.A.R.B. certified?
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY want to get my car turboed but I don't wan't to be hassled by having to remove the turbo whenever I need a smog check in the next few years.
And unfortunately, even though I have a cadre' of friends with smog licenses that would "look the other way" at the turbo, they have all advised me that the new test system that's about to come on line will now also take a picture of the top and bottom of the engine along with the VIN so my friends won't be able to bail me out going forward. The photo gets filed in Sacamento and will be accessible to all law enforcement agencies too. We can thank the "Fast and the Furious" types for adding the photographic aspect to smog checks.
I am looking high and low to find a loophole that will allow us to add turbos to our cars here in California, but I haven't found one yet.
Spyder,
How do you plan to get past smog checks when it becomes necessary to take them? Is the system C.A.R.B. certified?
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY want to get my car turboed but I don't wan't to be hassled by having to remove the turbo whenever I need a smog check in the new few years.
And unfortunately, even though I have a cadre' of friends with smog licenses that would "look the other way" at the turbo, they have all advised me that the new test system that's about to come on line will now also take a picture of the top and bottom of the engine along with the VIN so my friends won't be able to bail me out going forward. The photo gets filed in Sacamento and will be accessible to all law enforcement agencies too. We can thank the "Fast and the Furious" types for adding the photographic aspect to smog checks.
I am looking high and low to find a loophole that will allow us to add turbos to our cars here in California, but I haven't found one yet.
Spyder,
How do you plan to get past smog checks when it becomes necessary to take them? Is the system C.A.R.B. certified?
Don't get me wrong, I REALLY want to get my car turboed but I don't wan't to be hassled by having to remove the turbo whenever I need a smog check in the next few years.
And unfortunately, even though I have a cadre' of friends with smog licenses that would "look the other way" at the turbo, they have all advised me that the new test system that's about to come on line will now also take a picture of the top and bottom of the engine along with the VIN so my friends won't be able to bail me out going forward. The photo gets filed in Sacamento and will be accessible to all law enforcement agencies too. We can thank the "Fast and the Furious" types for adding the photographic aspect to smog checks.
I am looking high and low to find a loophole that will allow us to add turbos to our cars here in California, but I haven't found one yet.
Two Butts,
My plan for now is to take off the turbo and put it back to stock for the test. I don't know of any other way around this. If you find a loophole let me know.
This is the same Turbo we have in our smart (Orange) and have put several thousand miles on it without any issues.
We have also shipped out a number of these kits to smart owners all over US and Canada. If you are local in So Cal feel free to stop by our shop. Lately we have been installing one in a smart every two weeks, so there is a good chance you can see how it is being installed if you are curious.
Thank You, Next time we are in So Cal I will check out your shop. I have looked on your website and you have a lot of great stuff!
I noticed that you too are in the bay area. If you want to drive my car which is not as extreme as Larry's, basically the bolt on stage 2 SFR turbo on stock exhaust with cats you would be welcome to. I think you will like it!
I would like to see what you have done to your suspension as I am looking to reduce the forward and backward rocking of the car. I think the car would look better lower too.
I just saw this reply. Thank you for your offer. I may take you up on it. I live in Dublin now, but grew up in the city. My parents are still there, so I may take your car around the block the next time I visit them.
You are welcome to take my car around, too.
Getting back to the turbo. You mentioned you would un-install it for smog checks. How often are smog checks needed? And how much time would it take to remove the turbo and ready it for smog? Maybe Larry can answer my latter question.
BTW, love your stable of cars! My next door neighbor is also a dentist, and also has quite the stable
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