Nice, didn't know that smog checks started only after 6 years down there on new cars, they start after 4 up here. Since I brought an existing plate over, I had to go by it's tag date, and after 6 months old, I renewed for 2 years without a smog check, so I guess no smog check again this August for 2 more years so first one will be August 2022 at 4.5 years old if I keep it that long. Side note: We pay between $101 and $186, depending on the area and if smog check or not, for 2 full years, no car value assigned, so not bad...
But yeah, good to hear they aren't going to freak over an intercooler, but they may very well know what a stock induction hose looks like (dull black with accordion kinks in it) over a shiny black one that usually has a visible aftermarket logo... Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable with any more than a stock or black lid ST200/style airbox and a crossover, but screw it, if you have 4 years to go you can always very easily throw on the stock induction hose at that time when it comes down to it.. But the bottom-line is that the things that help the most, intercooler (and even a crossover does add some torque compared to any other intake or exhaust mod you can get away with) and hot side pipe, and of course any full recirc DV will never be an issue...
If I was to go turbo upgrade, then on top of those/what I've done so far, I'd go with "only" a hybrid and run a catted DP w/stock heat shield to look as stock as possible, have the de-foluer and everything set as ready in the tune, etc...
Speaking of exhaust again, there are pretty much near zero gains with mods anyway, even hybrid, so maybe a plugged Symposer with stock hoses on over it and sound legal exhaust mods like just swapping to a louder rear muffler or deleting resonator after the DP are fine to get sound after doing a Symposer block. I think some people have failed for having the Symposer fully removed and cap sitting there exposed? As ridiculous as that is, I'm pretty sure I've heard that happen.
Again, I say this not even living in Cali, but one state up but I do spend time down there, including driving down at least once a year and there is the chance I move down there so I've been researching this stuff as well...
Good chat guys!