Deck Plate Mod SMOG Legality in California

I'm looking to do the deck plate mod on my '98 2.7l, but I don't know if it'll pass the CA smog check with my air intake modded. I would by another stock air intake box to put on for a smog test but they're pretty pricey.

Does anyone have experiences with the deck plate mod and smog tests?

 

Just put the deck lid on while it's being smogged. Returns the performance back to stock.

 

I was concerned about this when I installed my deck-plate. I purchased a used intake housing, then modified/installed that one, just in case I had to un-do it all. Like FirstGen Jer, I installed the lid before the smog check. Passed with no issues.

However, I DID NOT mention the intake modification at the smog shop, so they may not have even noticed it.

 

Just paint it black and let it get dirty. Most inspectors don't really care to seek out things that aren't blatantly obvious. Especially if the vehicle passes a tailpipe test and the casual safety (lights, wipers, horn, etc) test.

They are in it for the steady work and easy money, not the good of the environment.

 

The 1st time I went to the shop to smog my truck w/ the deck plate lid screwed back on and the owner and smog tech just were looking at it like what is this with smiles on their faces. Then the next time I had to take it in to get smogged they had a new tech that was strictly by the book and had just got a job there, fresh out of the college auto shop. So he started giving me a hard time saying, you're lucky I even pass this thing with that cut out you have on that air box. I just smiled and he passed it anyways! Same shop that is why I went back there! Anyways I have another year before it has to be done again but hopefully I don't have to deal w/ Captain Smog Boy again!

 

When I did go in for smog with my deck plate mod installed...
I just screwed the deck plate cover in place.

I never took it in for a smog test with the DP cover removed.

The numerous CA smog stations I went to...
Never had any issue with it.

Being the DP cover was black... they either didn't notice /or didn't care.

Now I run my K&N FIPK most of the time and it is normally installed when being smogged.

But it has the CARB compliant smog certificate (serial #) label stuck to the underhood...
so it is ignored and passes as well.

 

My deck plate cover is clear. Maybe I need to paint it black