i hear ya. i've been using the same guy for a cpl tests. he says the same thing. they have to "look" but if nothing looks amiss and the emissions are ok, you're good. as far as mufllers although they are "supposed" to have a bar number? as long as they have visual cats, then thats usually ok too. but that might be the shops discretionary call. not sure.

but i don't think there are many shops left that would risk losing their star certs. it's quite a lucrative hustle, and part of their whole parasitic false economy. it's just wierd going for a smog test with "dread" lol

 

Tried to remove the emission stickers and they just flaked off like a registration tag.

Next going to snap some pics (a little photo shop too for the edges that crumbled off) and make my own using a laminate film.

There is a different part number for every model year too.

 

^ i'm curious why are you doing that? purely aesthetics? or do you believe they would know if the original stickers were missing? the newer rules may be dumb but i'm thinking that might easily be mitigated by the test center "technicians", and their degree of awareness, from one car to the next lol.

e.g. obvious stuff will be an issue ( if they want ) whereas, less obvious stuff will still go largely unnoticed. ( hope lol )

 

Having the sticker is a valid point, they often make Cayman owners peel back the engine cover to verify. Any "CA cat" should have a special EO number stamped in it. Hence the extra cost (and same materials) vs. 49 state cats when using magnaflow etc.

EDIT: I forget off-hand but if the sticker is just on the bolt-on plastic plate under the stock spoiler, cut it off. Rivet or JB weld to aftermarket. They just want to verity it is there.