Air pump removal-- weight reduction

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

Removing any component that simplifies this complex car seems a good project to me! I already have my secondary air pump off and would love to leave it off.
What is the best way to get an ROW reflash:
1. PST2
2. Softtronic
3. Sharkwerks
4. ECUDoctors -they charge $500
5.Other??
Thanks

2000 & newer will fail CA smog check if SAI is not working.

[Gelbster]

BYdriver - thanks for the warning.That would kill the idea.
I thought the benefit of the ROW re-flash was that it [I]would[I] pass SMOG
I realize that if you simply disconnect(not remove) SAI it will throw codes and therefore fail SMOG but if you do the ROW re-flash,surely that will prevent the codes occurring and therefore pass smog? Obviously it would fail a visual but on a Boxster ,I don't think even the most zealous Smog Tech is going to go through the whole service-position procedure to do a visual?
Very possible I am missing something?

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Gelbster

BYdriver - thanks for the warning.That would kill the idea.
I thought the benefit of the ROW re-flash was that it [I]would[I] pass SMOG
I realize that if you simply disconnect(not remove) SAI it will throw codes and therefore fail SMOG but if you do the ROW re-flash,surely that will prevent the codes occurring and therefore pass smog? Obviously it would fail a visual but on a Boxster ,I don't think even the most zealous Smog Tech is going to go through the whole service-position procedure to do a visual?
Very possible I am missing something?

According to a thread I read on Rennlist as of 2014 CA smog check for 2000 & newer vehicles consists of a OBDII scan for software modifications, & visual inspection of engine & catalytic converters.

[Gelbster]

"I read on Rennlist as of 2014 CA smog check for 2000 & newer vehicles includes an OBDII scan for software modifications"
The reason for an ROW re-flash is that it will not show as a software mod.
The visual inspection is a risk that would not be an issue except at a "Gold" Smog Station IMHO.
So the question becomes :
"Does an ROW re-flash self identify to the Smog test computer as a modification" ?
This is getting tricky because I read that the Gold Smog Station now connects your car directly to the AQMD computer .This takes the local Smog Station computer out of the loop. This may be junk info(??) but if true it kills off many ,many mods sold by the ECU-mod companies. That leaves you with the need to be able to store the original code for the DME and substitute that each time before you go for Smog Testing. That is doable and indeed several of the re-flash companies offer that facility with their latest products - no cable to your laptop -instead a separate piece of hardware that is dedicated to storing and re-flashing the two sets of code - ROW and USA.Ideal for a car that enjoys life on the Track & the street.

[eezz]

I know this is an old thread but I am relatively new to owning a Boxster even though it's a '99. I am hoping to get it to pass the DEQ in Washington without spending a ton of money right now because I am pretty sure I want to install a 3.4 or larger (whatever will bolt up to the 5 speed automatic transmission) at a later date but would like to be able to drive it while I am prepping for that project.

Any new developments on this issue since the last comment in 20174?

Thanks

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by eezz

I know this is an old thread but I am relatively new to owning a Boxster even though it's a '99. I am hoping to get it to pass the DEQ in Washington without spending a ton of money right now because I am pretty sure I want to install a 3.4 or larger (whatever will bolt up to the 5 speed automatic transmission) at a later date but would like to be able to drive it while I am prepping for that project.

Any new developments on this issue since the last comment in 20174?

Thanks

We always appreciate readers who do a proper search before posting questions that have been discussed before, also makes it easier to find answers in the future by minimizing duplicates.


You should carefully review what will be tested at the DEQ prior to the test & address any issues 1st.
Any non-Turbo M96 engine will bolt up to your 5-speed Tiptronic & it is stronger than a manual trans. The 99-2001 3.4 engine is the most prone to premature wear so it is very hard to find a engine that doesen't need a complete rebuild. For the best trans info call California Motorsports for their input for what ever engine you will install with your 5-Speed. I have a built 3.6 engine that will fit just like your 2.5 but you would probably want to modify the cam timing for max performance & get the full 310 HP.