Im in Hawaii now and will be relocating to the San Diego area, Coronado to be more specific. I have already heard that emissions there are strict but some of the best street cars come from Cali. As a prospective buyer, I will be purchasing with the intentions to add some power to the beautiful body of the TC. One of my options is TRD S/C and TRD exhaust all legal. Do I have a chance at a turbo kit?

Another question, who's tunning there? Is there a link to the best local performance shops so that I could become oriented? Thanks and hope I can join your meetings in the near future.

 

www.autofashionusa.com The absolute best in the area. As for checking emissions items, see if it is CARB legal. Check out the scion evolution forums in the San Diego chapter, we have another Hawaii recruit like yourself.

 

be careful on Coronado Island. I work there also and cops are very "interested" in sport compact cars. It's a small residential island for the very rich and we all know that money talks. They crack down a lot on imports. I was pulled over for factory tint on my windows and an aftermarket exhaust. The guys at the CHP office told me I was fine and said "figures" when I told them where I got the ticket.
Anyway,
There are a ton of tuner shops in the area, PANN AUTO, Syndicate, so on...
As far as a turbo kit, there is nothing "street legal" out yet. a few companies are trying to get CARB Exempt status but don't hold your breath.

 

^^ Agreed!

Auto Fashion!

 

As others have stated, not legally at the moment. However, if I recall correctly, new cars don't require a smog check for 4 years. At least that would give you a lot of time with a turbo before having to worry about the legal issues, provided you don't get pulled over by a cop who's "inspection happy".