Tech Article

Ahh, the wonders of California Emissions!

As most of you know, Renegade Hybrids has introduced the LS-1 944 conversion kit with great success. We now have quite a few of these cars that are running and driving, or are nearing completion. Our customers have been overjoyed, the press is buzzing with inquiries, and we couldn't be happier!

A few of our customers are residence of California. We knew this would be a challenge when we started selling kits to our neighbors just to the west of us, but "a challenge" was an understatement.

Before introducing the LS-1 kit late in 2004, we did our homework in an attempt to assist our customers in Cali. Just our luck, within one month of the kit introduction, the laws governing our interpretation of the allowed procedures have changed yet again. So, we have made some big changes (again) to comply with the new set of laws.

BUT... this time we went all the way. Basically we have installed the entire motor and related smog systems regulated by the state into a 944, and we have our first street legal car registered and driving in California. (Update! Several cars have been completed and certified by late 2009 with some that have driven successfully for over 20,000 miles.)

Here is how we did it...

1. Our original Renegade motor mounts we shipped with our LS kits from day one are working extremely well. For California customers, however, we made some changes. Our new mounts allow for the stock manifolds to be used and have an appropriate support for the steering shaft modification required. (If you have not purchased the conversion kit and you wish to use these mounts, add $100 to the cost of the kit.)

2. We have developed a steering shaft modification kit that uses extremely high quality "U" joints and related parts. In order to insure proper installation of this sensitive modification, please send in your steering shaft from the joint at the fire wall to the joint at the rack. Include both joints please. We will take it from there. Cost = $290 parts and labor.

3. Please send us your exhaust manifolds with the heat flanges as well so that we may make the necessary modifications. This will include some machining to both sides that will not hinder performance, and they will be ceramic coated inside and out to reduce heat transfer to sensitive systems nearby. Cost = $320 parts and labor.

4. California customers do not need to send us your fuel rails for modification. The state requires a returnless system so a very high quality fuel regulator is now available. This regulator with fittings may be ordered from Renegade. Cost = $320.

5. We have made another handy part that will make the installation of the smog pump MUCH easier. This smog pump bracket allows for the electric air pump to be located adjacent to the battery box. Cost = $48.

6. We need a little more space, so we have a spacer kit available to drop the cross member down a bit more to make room for our added parts. Cost = $140 when used with kit spacer kit.

7. Thanks to K & N once again for making our lives a bit easier, they have built a smog legal filter system that will help the performance of your "F" body LS-1 without upsetting the emissions referees. This kit is now available through Renegade. Cost = $379.

Cleaner air is certainly a priority with Renegade Hybrids no matter what state or country. This is why we have embraced this process with responsibility to our air quality and to our customers. The early 2000 Camaro LS-1 allowable emissions are far less than a mid 80's stock 944, so the conversion process itself has helped with our air quality.

Since we are not located in California, this does not constitute a guarantee that the addition of these systems will insure compliance with the EPA. Condition of motor, proper programming and tuning of ECM, correct application and installation of related emission systems, condition of emission systems, and even future changes in the standards within any given state may be grounds for rejection. Additional parts such as catalytic converters, O2 sensors, canister vent valve, etc. may be required to comply with your states emissions standards.

Thank you once again for your interest or purchase of the Renegade Hybrids LS-1 944 kit. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us!

- Scott and the crew