California smog tech says you need a k&n air filter

K&N should be one of the few brands that's CARB certified so that shouldn't be an issue. I ran an aFe Pro Dry filter for a few years and had no issue with smog in CA.

Some shops are ultra-sensitive around any aftermarket parts likely because they've been dinged before and don't want to deal with it, in that case I'd find another shop. Smog shops are a dime a dozen out here.

 

The issue is the shop is saying the factory equipment won't pass smog and they need to buy aftermarket. Not that there is aftermarket stuff installed and they won't pass it on a visual.

 

Yup plus I bet this sleaze would install a cheapo and charge for the expensive one. Grrrrr...people are awful that do this.

Definitely report them. And blast them all over social media. Prevent someone else from falling prey to this scam that isn't as smart or knowledgeable about cars please.

 

I was referencing the post right above mine, just forgot to quote it

 

I'd love a recommendation to the smog shop you know! Don't need it now, but will at some point.

also FWIW, I have an K&N Filter in my truck, and it did make a mild difference. I definitely get slightly better power going up hills and accelerating. Its not just subjective, before I almost always had to make the truck downshift, with the K&N, a rev increase is all it take to maintain speed up a hill. As far as long term effects and downsides, I guess that remains to be seen. I'll make sure to clean my MAF and TB regularly to avoid any issues in those.

beyond that, and just to add to what everyone is already saying, its by no means required, and that smog shop is definitely trying to scam your mom.

 

Sounds scandalous for sure and I would go somewhere else and not look back.

I can recommend two places in the San Gabriel Valley, and @eon_blue has a recommendation as well. So that makes for three places in the SGV to get a proper and legit smog certification.

 

Monrovia actually

 

Small world, haha. Actually I remember our PM convo now from awhile back. Have them head over to Reliable Smog in Duarte, it's the town bordering Monrovia to the east. It's right off Huntington, really small one garage shop run by the owner. I've done my last 3 tests there and he's really cool. If you tell him you know the guy with the red supercharged 1st gen he'll know exactly who you mean

 

Thank you.

 

Name the shop, they need to be put on blast for this shit

 

LMAO - only for those idiots who can't oil it properly.

 

While yes, an over oiled filter can mess up a MAF a simple cleaning would fix it.

The bigger issue is the LACK of filtration KnN continuously proves to provide. OEM paper filters gauze filters are the best and hardly if any effect engine performance of an NA'd 4.0L

 

Is this in writing? Unless mom has a photographic memory, I really doubt she would remember "K&N". There must be some miscommunication here. Have the shop put it in writing.

 

K&N first sure.
She is more all together with car/ truck things than most people I know. She also has a history of offroad racing and knows her stuff

 

Then, she would know the hogwash she was given. What is the end result?

 

Put it in writing? A 20$ air filter? Lol

 

Went to a different shop.
And the stock filter is still in it.