It will NOT pass visual..
Unless you go to a place that is 'Pass or don't pay' they usually over look stuff like that if it passes the sniffer.
Make sure your catalytic converter is in good condition. Before the test, run your car at a *steady* 2krpms. This will heat the cat up, making it work very well. Dont drive hard on your way to the smog place as will will load up the cat and fail.
If they have a pre-test, run that first. All official smog checks in CA go to the DMV. No second chance. Get a pre-test done before you get it smogged.
If it doesnt pass, get a new catclytic converter. They run about $100 @ places like Midas, Pep Boys, Kragen etc etc. If you take the new cat to a muffler shop they can weld on flanges to make it bolt on instead of weld on. Keep in mind, a $100 cattalytic will not last 2 years, you will have to get a new one next time you smog.
An OEM honda Cat is like $900+ There is a reason for that. It has a 10yr warranty and has lots of the expensive rare metals that make cats. work, The cheap replacements dont have enought of the elements to last. Thats why they're only $100. They work good enough to get you to pass smog in the nex few weeks or so.
Call around, find a place that does a pre-test. Find a place that looks a little shady, and bring extra cash :wink:
IBsmogtechsson