Cali, Cops, and SR20DET's in 2011

[jontron5000]

Hey guys,

I'm coming up on the end of my SR swap and will be on the road soon. This is gonna be my daily driver. For your viewing pleasure, I have uploaded a pic of my progress so far. As you can tell, nothing too outlandish on my car that would make me stick out like a sore thumb on the road.

I have heard horror stories about people in Cali getting pulled over, popping their hoods, and having to visit the ref for as much as a modified exhaust. However, all these stories were posted in like 2003. I would to get a better idea of what cops are doing nowadays since the "ricer" phase is pretty much come and gone (in my opinion).

However, my question for you all is for those with SR's running in your cars, what are your experiences with cops in regards to getting pulled over? I would rate myself as a pretty defensive driver, I hardly run yellow lights in fear of getting a ticket, I don't speed or drive erratically or anything of that nature, pretty much eliminating any reason to get pulled over.

[rollout240]

ricer phase?? lol

dude from 03 to now shit got worse man.
this question is to broad. None of us can answer this because we all have different experience.
This thread is going to get nothing but opinions that in the end wont tell you much.
you wont know till you drive your big boy car out on the road man.
ive gotten pulled over 2'wice in a month for modified shit on my car. and my car isn't "flashy". Now-a-days you can get pulled over for having a stupid sticker on your car and that gives them all the reason to pop your hood.
You vs. them. you loose.
drive safe.

[s13boy89]

^^^^^^^^^^this

[jontron5000]

ricer phase?? lol

dude from 03 to now shit got worse man.
this question is to broad. None of us can answer this because we all have different experience.
This thread is going to get nothing but opinions that in the end wont tell you much.
you wont know till you drive your big boy car out on the road man.
ive gotten pulled over 2'wice in a month for modified shit on my car. and my car isn't "flashy". Now-a-days you can get pulled over for having a stupid sticker on your car and that gives them all the reason to pop your hood.
You vs. them. you loose.
drive safe.

Damn, I was kinda hoping thing would have gotten better. But yeah, I completely believe you when you say I won't know until I'm out on the road myself.

I think what I'm getting at with this thread is to get more "up to date" experiences people they had with law enforcement, regardless of if it is good or bad. In these responses I would like hear both perspectives of the story (cop vs. driver, or at least what the driver tells us what the cop says), reason(s) for being pulled over (moving violation/modifications/stickers), and how the situation ended (ticket/warning/ref, etc)

[nrg]

"rice phase"? it's still around. Look for them with "i heart jdm" stickers, sportmax wheels, roof rack. the 240 bubble pop (in 08) and everyone that had nice cars sold them all.

dont drive like a dumb-ass and obey the traffic laws.
I've daily my previous sr20 s14 from 2003-2008 and have never been pulled over.

[jontron5000]

"rice phase"? it's still around. Look for them with "i heart jdm" stickers, sportmax wheels, roof rack. the 240 bubble pop (in 08) and everyone that had nice cars sold them all.

dont drive like a dumb-ass and obey the traffic laws.
I've daily my previous sr20 s14 from 2003-2008 and have never been pulled over.

Did you have any visual mods, like rims, exhaust, lowered?

[VG30Drift]

It's nuts. I got pulled over 2 days in a row. They're looking for low & loud cars apparently.

The law says you can't have any part of your car lower than the edges of the wheels. On top of that, you must have 22 inches from the ground to the center of your headlights.

Exhaust violations are given by the discretion of the officer.

Either of these are grounds for being pulled over, and just about every time I get pulled over, they ask to pop my hood.

I'm assuming a lot of the reason they pull me over is the stickers on my car, I have an obnoxious windshield banner etc... I was going the speed limit.

[Om1kron]

depends where you live to be honest, most 909/inland empire cops pull over people doing stupid shit or obnoxiously loud cars. You don't have an oversized cat I recommend getting one instead of having a straight pipe.

That's normally the number one give away you're driving a turbo car when everyone can hear it spooling through your loud ass fart cans.

I only got pulled over and reffed once and that was my fault, I normally drive my car around police DAILY like I'm in a school of fish, even without a front plate and I don't get harassed or followed.

[Gizmo_S13]

It really comes down to you man. If your car looks flashy, slammed, sticker bombed, anything too out of the ordinary you'll get pulled over but like I said it depends where your at and the cops get familiar with the modified cars around the area. For example: most of the Rialto PD knows me from getting pulled over like 2 years ago and it seemed like the whole department was there. Now they just thumbs up me from time to time.

[aladdin]

I got pulled over in my blk 08 gti for everything and anything. it was sitting low and rear was shaved so no exhaust outlet. I got pulled over for that and the cop asked me where my exhaust was..idiot.

But in my sr 240 that was dumped with -12 white wheels and a white cage shinning through the rear window in the heart of chula juana... I never got pulled over. I cruise and dnt speed. At nights i like to open her up to say 5500 rpm's every now and then. Oh and i never drove with a seat belt either.

[upsdude]

you live in southern california so you'll be living in fear constantly lol. no matter how well you drive or how closely you follow the rules you will get popped eventually. remember california's got budget problems so ppl with the stupidest violation are easy targets to grab money.

[unlegendary]

parking violations, traffic violations, and drug violations make the most money. traffic violations are the number one revenue generator for the police.

most of my tickets were the result of my stupidity and i have gotten only one chippie that decided to pop my hood. now i drive like a grandma and annoy everybody else that is driving but it is definitely worth my money.

another thing that would help is get an exhaust with two mufflers like apexi noir, no stickers, and put dirt and flat black paint on everything lol.

[upsdude]

i mean i know it's cool to have a turbo'd car and all...but really if you're not planning to race on the streets (stupid to do anyways) and this is like, your DD that you're trying to mod, the money would be better spent to make it look good instead. but that's just me and i'm old lol.

but if you're set on going down that path, then drive like a senior citizen and pray you don't get pulled over-that's about all you can do.

[klrbee7]

My DD is an RX7 Turbo Vert, i had 240SX KA-T and Sr20DET. Make it look simple, dual tip and a high flow cat or a pre silencer. and Obey they rules. good luck buddy and have fun. If you live around pasadena or eaglerock area hope to see you around. just remember " You have to PAY to Play" =)

[imnatelol]

Drive like a fuckin grandma and know when to have your fun

[1quk240]

Live in Arizona!!! Or at least register your car in AZ that way when/if you do get pulled over they cant do anything about it. Ive gotten 2 tickets while in cali but they never asked to pop my hood.

[Tye132]

I honestly haven't had much of a prob yet. I was in LA for the weekend and pretty much if you want a subtle exhaust I got the Isis N1 dual exhaust which in reality is the same as Apexi but its pretty quiet and my SR swap got done recently. I've passed acouple cops and vice versa and haven't had problems but just be smart and know when to have your fun.

[ddf2006]

lately i been hearing that the state cant afford to keep doing ref tickets but most likely false. but from my expirence driving a low loud car, i get followed sometimes but usually as long as i have my tags up to date and registration is good they dont bother pulling me over. i even talked to a local cop at a station by my house and asked him "if he saw a import car with big loud exhuast, and a mustange next to him with loud ass exhaust, who would he pull over???" he said neither cuz he has better things to worry about then a stupid exhaust.

[240AZ]

Live in Arizona!!! Or at least register your car in AZ that way when/if you do get pulled over they cant do anything about it. Ive gotten 2 tickets while in cali but they never asked to pop my hood.

I agree. Arizona's the shit for car regs/laws. You can do almost anything to your vehicle and you wont get pulled over. Plus, you dont have to have a front license plate :)

[koji187]

remove tint from all windows even the back, remove all stickers, megan type II exhaust or stock, run a cat, keep recirc valve, paint intercooler black, stock body, run a clean factory 16 or 17'' wheel

[Run NoeL, Run!]

If all else fails.
Lowkey pass them a washington.
If you know what I mean.
:)

[Jared0934]

I drive a 240 w/ tinted windows, no body kit and stickers and crap but its low with a 5in pipe on it and I haven't been pulled over *yet*... I don't drive like a douche and every time I see a cop I push the clutch in a stroll on by. Not to mention I have to pass cops every time I get back onto base.

[sidedrifts13]

I live in hawthorne and I was never pulled over the main reason was my car wasn't loud and I drove like an old man..

[jdm240sx122]

Live in Arizona!!! Or at least register your car in AZ that way when/if you do get pulled over they cant do anything about it. Ive gotten 2 tickets while in cali but they never asked to pop my hood.

Not trying to go too far off topic and fuck up this poor guys thread ,but does anybody know is Southern Nevada is like Arizona in this aspect. Im just curious since it would prob be easier for us socal guys to register there instead of AZ.?????????

[ayororo]

Ive been pulled
Over in my sr s13, gabe me a warning for exhaust and i was pulling hard at night not speeding.

Cruising in my s14 sr with blitz realize TT and got a
Muffler ticket cop obv jus looked for somethin to pull me over for..

Now i hope i dont get
Pulled over cuz im just a kid

[ShimiBoi]

i live in hawthorne near lax and the only time i got pulled over was cuz i was going 30 in a 25 and the cop was bored. but ya, like everyone said...drive slow and dont make ur car too loud. add resonators if you have to. plus dont make ur car look like a honda with all the stickers everywhere and the flashy rims and stupid blue hids. gluck and welcome to cali! hahaha :wavey:

[repda916]

i drive a RHD coupe no tint fully caged white with gold rims as a DD. FML i think the only reason why i havent got pulled over yet is bc i never get a cop behind me or even see me but when one does im Fukd. till then i mob

[VQZ33]

I've had my sr swap in my s13 for a wile now and never have I been pulled over... The key is dont have a ricer ass loud exhaust and put a cat on your car... They will pull you over for a stinky exhaust! Also don't have a cheap body kit that flaps around everywhere that helps as well! Finally be reasonable on how low you go, it's gonna be your dd and you dont wanna scrape over every little bump you go over anyways (cali roads suck) you dont have to slam it out. (I'm over pushing my car off of speed bumps anyways...) haha

EDIT: BTW my intercooler isn't painted and my HKS bov isnt recirculated, keep in mind you control boost with your right foot! Cops give me thumbs up!

[Mark IVDX]

Drive maturely and don't have glaring illegal mods and you will be fine 95% of the time. The other 5% I would say is if you're in the wrong area at the wrong time and your car happens to fit a profile, i.e. during a sting operation where they're looking for those young adult males (usually fresh out of high school) at one of those meets... you know which ones I'm talking about. Another thing to keep in mind is to keep your vehicle looking clean and presentable, cops underneath it all are just like everyone else and can surprise you by appreciating your tastefully modified car.

For reference I drive a 98' with big wheels, carbon hood and modified exhaust and commute a lot between Pasadena, downtown LA, and Santa Monica and I have never been pulled over for something I didn't deserve. That's not to say I've never been followed (very rare). From my experience cops generally don't have a problem with modified cars until you are using them recklessly and they will slap a ton of fines on you for doing so, just learn when to let it loose and when to keep calm. If you have trouble doing that buy another daily.

[ayororo]

To sum it up, if you drive and follow the traffic laws, it is just a gamble and depends on the cop, cops arent aliens they are people like us

[boobs13]

depends where you live to be honest, most 909/inland empire cops pull over people doing stupid shit or obnoxiously loud cars. You don't have an oversized cat I recommend getting one instead of having a straight pipe.


^EXACTLY!

OP Don't drive like a dumbass and you'll be good.

[daryl337]

To sum it up, if you drive and follow the traffic laws, it is just a gamble and depends on the cop, cops arent aliens they are people like us

Cops are aliens. Heartless, cold blooded aliens with compounding jaws. /thread.

[nujabe]

i have a blue s14 with an sr. the car was a ugly primer teal fading i never once got pulled over. after i painted it in the past two months i have been pulled over two times. they target any thing thats shinny and low . i have apexi dual n1 all oem with just a lip. i have been pulled over for tint and being to and some what flush in the front rear not so much lolz . i already new the consequences of what color i chose though. but im already thinking of getting it repainted cause its just to much heat. =( its sad im a student i work a full time job and work my ass for my car. i have never once been arested for any thing never even had police contact until i got my car painted. i feel this is wrong that i pay taxes and trying to be a contributing member to this shit whole state and there going to try and take shit i worked for cause they dont know how to manage there money! im sorry im raging but its a cat and mouse and most of the time cat will win ! im moving out of this state nothing is really that good here 10 % sales tax along with ass whole police.

[beeracing s14]

All these stories make feel for better being KA. Lol

[rollout240]

If all else fails.
Lowkey pass them a washington.
If you know what I mean.
:)
There shall be none of this!! lol

remove tint from all windows even the back, remove all stickers, megan type II exhaust or stock, run a cat, keep recirc valve, paint intercooler black, stock body, run a clean factory 16 or 17'' wheel
yes, but that really wont do much man. like it was stated before. cops will pop you for ANYTHING. he can b.s. and say that your music was too loud and go from there. feel me?

parking violations, traffic violations, and drug violations make the most money. traffic violations are the number one revenue generator for the police.

most of my tickets were the result of my stupidity and i have gotten only one chippie that decided to pop my hood. now i drive like a grandma and annoy everybody else that is driving but it is definitely worth my money.
At a time like this when Cali needs money who they gonna pop....us!!! so yes drive safe because thou shall get popped.

depends where you live to be honest, most 909/inland empire cops pull over people doing stupid shit or obnoxiously loud cars. You don't have an oversized cat I recommend getting one instead of having a straight pipe.

That's normally the number one give away you're driving a turbo car when everyone can hear it spooling through your loud ass fart cans.

I only got pulled over and reffed once and that was my fault, I normally drive my car around police DAILY like I'm in a school of fish, even without a front plate and I don't get harassed or followed.
i think a big thing is were you live like Om1kron said, i got pulled over 2 blocks from my pad, cops here suck. i drive in pasadena. no biggie. cops don't mind it. location location.

and yes not all cops are douchebags as people think. like stated before some cops look because they like.
i got pulled over for having my car too low. Cop asked me more questions about if i scrape here and there and how to i manage to drive my car in alhambra and whatever. didn't even bother to run my license. Continues to talk about his dodge truck that scrapes everywhere. He just wanted info, not to issue a citation.

It's all about being in the right place at the right time.

[spooled240]

let me tell you something about my experiences lately..

i get pulled over for modified exhaust while i'm doing 40 in a 40 tackin 1500 rpms and he gets me for tint also.

5 months later (this past friday) I get pulled over while I'm STOPPED at a driveway leaving the gym. This douchebag pulls in from the street and gets right behind me so of course he didn't hear or even see my exhaust..he pulls me for no front plate and after I tell him I juuust paid the fine for the modified exhaust and I'm in the process of changing it he gives me another modified exhaust ticket.

I have respect for cops and what they do, but some of these guys are just chicken shit i swear

my advice: You are NOT safe simply driving well, I always drive safely as I have never gotten a moving violation and I'm being harassed like a ex-con out here.. have a front plate and have a super stock looking exhaust and you should be good...unless they start pulling us over for having wheels that are too wide or some shit

[worangejuice]

I can sympathize with all you'ze guys on here. I moved on to a bmw e30 and cops kinda turn away from em. stock exhaust, lowered.
When I had my 240 it was such a magnet, slammed,kit,exhaust, (ripped off my tint cus i was sick of getting pulled over).
It was at a point where cops said 'did you make your car louder?" 'sounds different' me 'haha, I actually just got my second resonator installed on there last week'. Driving the car here in Socal left me with tons of modified exhaust tix, tint, front plate, yadayada. I was mainly in hollywood/santa monica area. I hear mainly people gettin harassed in the Inland Empire.
It got mad ridiculous though, even my gf would be ready to get pulled over if we even saw a cop. I drove like the gentleman of oldmansville in town! simply driving anywhere was suspect enough in that car. I still miss the car though =].
Never got my hood popped, cops always asked me dumb questions cop:'you a fan of transformers?' me:'yea' (steering wheel button had a transformer on it).
Even got questioned on my tyco Silvia rc car in the back seat! Cop:'is that legal? Gas powered or electric" Me: "Tyco". Cops flashlight tapping on my back windows when questioned about the tint. But usually let go cause I abide by the law, just had a cool car haha. Still very annoying and unsettling.

So now, I have a Maxima now and still 'shocked' when cops fly past me. And Id assume the bmw would be suspect cause its low, but I think it still counts as a 'turd' on the streets to cops haha. But parking citations are getting way out of control here. jeez.
On a side but still on topic note. I've been looking at getting an exhaust for the bmw cuz I like the raspy lowness of it, and want a single N1 style can, but remember what a hassle it was to have a can on the car. oy, shits weak man.

[worangejuice]

Oh yes, also got a parking ticket in the mail the other day. I was in my car waiting or my gf to get outta work, in a red zone, but no parking on this busy street, in front of a club. He flashed a light at me, so I waved back. So I backed out andn went to a parking spot, 4 days later, PARKING TICKET in the mail?! Trying to fight it.......no results

[jamg]

so cali sucks.

at the same time it's great. lol

[maxtrbo93]

Enough with this "im scared to drive my car in the States" bullshit, come up to Canada, pick up a 180, do a 4" straight pipe, screamer pipe and put a "COPS LIE" sticker across your back window and you'll still be able to shoot the shit with a cop at the local coffee shops.

Let me sum up living in Canada for you all:
1) Bikini Bitches in -30 Celsius
2) GTR's go for 7 grand.
3) RHD? Mine as well be a majority population.
4) Catalytic Converters nd Pre-Silencers and all that bullshit? Cop will ask you why you didn't straight pipe it for better flow, then call you a pussy.
5) Pollution Laws? huh?
6) Free health-care.
7) Our dollar isn't showing signs of hyper-inflation, suckers.

Cant wait to see you all coming to work the oil patch in Alberta!
High school diploma? A week worth of training? Thats all u need to make $350+ a day!

[jamg]

interested in working on the oil patch.

gona drop out of college to pursue that.

but i hate the cold...

[maxtrbo93]

interested in working on the oil patch.

gona drop out of college to pursue that.

but i hate the cold...

Dont drop out of college, finish college and work the patch for a few years after. Dont give up your future for quick money.

[rollout240]

...unless they start pulling us over for having wheels that are too wide or some shit

oh lets keep this one under wraps before they catch on to u!!! lol. Everything can and WILL be used against you...... haha

[[email protected]]

best way to avoid hood pop

1) STOCK EXHAUST
(ugly, no sound)

2) Re-circulated Bov

3) Front License Plate

4) No Illegal Tint

5) No Stickers

6) No A pillar gauge pods

7) Don't drive like a jack ass

8) Murdered Out FMIC

Done deal, good luck trying to avoid it. I've been popped before as well.

Shit happens.

[MADE]

5 years in Socal, living in San Diego and droving alot in Orange County, I would have to say if you don't bring attention to yourself you'll be ok. Iv'e been pulled over twice both I was a fault and was given a warning. Now now my car was lowered, with tinted windows, no front plate and full N1 exhaust but it's far from Zilvia slammed -camber stickered approved. All in all drive like an adult and dont cause attention to yourself and you'll probably be ok. But if it happpens so be it. You know the rules and are choosing to break them.

[zerodameaon]

Drove my sleeper Hatch with a RB25 in San Diego for over a year with no major problems from the cops when driving responsibly. Only once did I ever get questioned and that was at a DUI checkpoint when the guy saw my turbo timer kick in and keep the car on (did not even think about it). Ended up talking my way out of it.

[whats_a_sr20]

it sux but all we can do is follow the rules......well we're all dying next year according to the aztec calendar so screw it......hahaha

[benks]

Don't be a dick when you get pulled over, I broke my hood latch on my corolla so I can't POP it when asked and just show them I can't and they generally just leave me alone and say that my car is at a higher decibal then it should be

[upsdude]

my advice: You are NOT safe simply driving well

dude you're young, asian, and you drive a bright red car :( but you're right driving safe (which is a good thing lol) will increase your chances of staying under the radar but it goes with the territory of owning an import 'sports' car.

[Drift N Dragg]

Hey guys,

I'm coming up on the end of my SR swap and will be on the road soon. This is gonna be my daily driver. For your viewing pleasure, I have uploaded a pic of my progress so far. As you can tell, nothing too outlandish on my car that would make me stick out like a sore thumb on the road.

I have heard horror stories about people in Cali getting pulled over, popping their hoods, and having to visit the ref for as much as a modified exhaust. However, all these stories were posted in like 2003. I would to get a better idea of what cops are doing nowadays since the "ricer" phase is pretty much come and gone (in my opinion).

However, my question for you all is for those with SR's running in your cars, what are your experiences with cops in regards to getting pulled over? I would rate myself as a pretty defensive driver, I hardly run yellow lights in fear of getting a ticket, I don't speed or drive erratically or anything of that nature, pretty much eliminating any reason to get pulled over.

Damn, I was kinda hoping thing would have gotten better. But yeah, I completely believe you when you say I won't know until I'm out on the road myself.

I think what I'm getting at with this thread is to get more "up to date" experiences people they had with law enforcement, regardless of if it is good or bad. In these responses I would like hear both perspectives of the story (cop vs. driver, or at least what the driver tells us what the cop says), reason(s) for being pulled over (moving violation/modifications/stickers), and how the situation ended (ticket/warning/ref, etc)

Did you have any visual mods, like rims, exhaust, lowered?

I am closing this thread...

Reasons are pretty obvisious.