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1989 Chevy G20 Van Smog Check 49 State Emissions

I'm interested in buying a 1989 Chevy G20 van originally from Iowa and need to know if a regular smog check is all that is required for the purchase and registration of the van in California.

This Chevy van was brought to California over 20 years ago. Nothing has been changed or tampered with the van regarding the smog equipment, etc. It has current California registration but has never been required to get a smog test. I believe it's been registered in a county An impact fee was paid when it was originally brought into the state.that doesn't need biennial smog testing.

My question is can I just take this Chevy G20 to any smog station for a smog test to see if it passes or will any modifications be required?

Answer:

The van will need a smog check in order to complete the title transfer / registration process with the California DMV. Depending on the county in which you intend to register the van it may or may not require a STAR smog check (as opposed to a regular smog test), which you can get at any STAR certified smog station. We recommend checking with the DMV first so you don't end up wasting money at the wrong type of smog station. In terms of emission equipment, if in fact no emission system modifications (tampers) have been made and the van's exhaust emission fall below California's smog cut scores, it can pass the California smog check without any additional emission parts or upgrades. Whatever emission equipment the van was equipped with from the factory (as a 49-State emission legal vehicle) is all that is needed in order for it to be registered in California; after it passes a smog test. We should mention you can always obtain a smog check "pre-test" from any smog check station in order to see if this Chevy G20 van will pass an actual smog test. posted by SmogTips Support

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