I haven't been able to find the answer by searching, but will having this kit cause an automatic smog fail on the visual inspection in California?

 

Not unless you tell them.

 

It will not matter visually. What they really look for is if the car is equipped with a mid/test/straight pipe that is otherwise an OEM Cat-Converter. That will fail the car visually before they even initiate the sniffer test. Besides those, they look for a CEL. That is why you will notice the referee revs the engine at around 2k RPM to see if the CEL lights up. If you do fail, most shops will allow you come back within 14 days to retest for $10 rather than paying $50, again.

If you are concerned, one of the member who have performed SMOG tests on RX-8s, PM the fellow below...

 

When I first bought my RX8 had to get it smogged 3 times in less than 1 1/2 years. Once to transfer ownership, second when it was time to renew the reg a couple months later and 3rd when the registration was due the following year. I've only had one year in between when it wasn't required and its due again this year.


I was thinking of getting a BHR kit since its time to change my plugs and possibly my coils? Its been just a lil under 20k miles since I've done both and want to be sure its tip top before going to smog. I've already ordered plugs, but sitting on the fence about the BHR kit. My car runs great, starts quick, accelerates fine... but above 7k seems like it doesn't pull as much, which I hear the BHR can help with.


I was just wondering if anyone has had any negative experiences with CA smog and the BHR kit. Thanks.

 

Nines: above 7k, the OEM coils often struggle to deliver consistently. We've been able to verify this countless times with different RX8's on the dyno.

I don't know of anyone who has had a negative experience with the BHR coils and CA smog.
I myself have smogged the RX8 several times with the coils installed without any issues.