WTB California m100

[Grosbard]

Hi all!

I'm based in Southern California, and I'm looking to purchase an m100 that won't have an issue with passing the California smog test. Please let me know if you have one available, or can point me towards one. Thanks!

[tigerdog]

Welcome! I'm in San Diego; there's been a few good cars for sale in the area over the years, but I'm not aware of any at this moment. I'll keep my eyes open!

[sideways]

Mine is for sale - unfortunately north of the border (Vancouver BC).

[tigerdog]

Mine is for sale - unfortunately north of the border (Vancouver BC).

Hopefully that's not a photo of it in your profile

[sideways]

Mine is for sale - unfortunately north of the border (Vancouver BC).

Hopefully that's not a photo of it in your profile

No, that WAS as Esprit...apparently Esprit in english translates as "inferno-in-waiting".

[risingson]

Hello! I'm in Orange County. Seldom do I post on LEC, but i'm really trying to change that. It would be nice to see other owners here in California. There is currently one of the rare M100's in black on BAT.

[esprit888]

Hello! I'm in Orange County. Seldom do I post on LEC, but i'm really trying to change that. It would be nice to see other owners here in California. There is currently one of the rare M100's in black on BAT.

As noted previously the black M100 on BAT is a 49 state car so not originally California compliant, that’s not to say it won’t pass smog, and it looks to have an aftermarket cat, which may or may not help the cause. I often wondered why Lotus didn’t make all of the very limited number of Elan’s 50 state legal, possibly because in the early 90’s California smog tests were a moving target and Lotus produced different ECU’s for Federal cars?

[Grosbard]

Yeah, the fact that the BAT car is a 49-state car is holding me back. It's probably safer to get a 50-state car, I think.

[risingson]

I am 99% sure my Elan is a 49-state car and passed CA smog the first time. Knock on wood I am not jinxing myself moving forward.

[sideways]

Grosbard, don't know if this will help with your CA smog question but...



viewtopic.php?f=21&t=27011

[tigerdog]

Yeah, the fact that the BAT car is a 49-state car is holding me back. It's probably safer to get a 50-state car, I think.

You can tell CA from 49-state cars by the VIN. CA cars end with 3nnnn, 49-state 2nnnn.

I agree, a 49-state car should probably pass just fine. The major difference is in the programming EEPROM in the ECU. It should be possible to retrofit a 49-state car with a CA memcal chip. I know the original Mountain chips were available as based on California EEPROM, for example. You
might have more trouble trying to pass a visual inspection for initial titling, or during smog at a STAR-certified station. I took Smaug to the same place for years; they stopped inspecting him about 3 years ago, citing lack of familiarity and documentation for the visual piece. They would not risk their license on an unfamiliar car. Luckily, another local is fine with it. You're welcome to PM me if you want to discuss.

[Grosbard]

Thanks for the info sideways and tigerdog! Looks like 49-state should not be a problem (assuming I can find a place that's willing to do the test, that is).