Redssrloader, I think it's a crapshoot. I put a cat back exhaust system on my toy in California and my engine light started to come on. I bought a cheap scanner to show me the code fault and be able to turn off the engine light. That tool is must for your brother. If he does trigger a code all he needs to do is delete the code , turn the light off and drive 30 miles. If he does that he will pass. The whole process is a pain and I wonder every other year if my car will pass.
I'd move away from a place that has that many rules! Maybe to place where there's nothing but hillbilly's!
In general all modifications like superchargers, cams, headers and the like are not allowed. However California Air Resources Board (CARB) has issued Executive Orders over the years which exempt certain engine parts on specific models of cars. They did issue a EO for a Magnusson Supercharger. Depending on what supercharger he has there may be an EO in effect to cover it. I think it's important to "guide" the smog check tech to accepting the installed supercharger as the same as the allowed one. The EO numbers for an 03 are D-488-4 and D-488-5. I have a pdf of it but it's bigger than the allowed size to post here. If you PM me with your email address I can send a copy to you.
