My 2002 Altima has an adjustable intake manifold where a vacuum actuator opens and closes portions of the runners depending on engine load, rpm and other crap.
I removed that and just have a plate covering the hole where the actuator went.
Not a singe time I've had it smogged has any tech ever questioned the plate.
The plate isn't small, it's at least a 6 in by 4 in aluminum plate with the name of the manufacturer embossed into it.
My guess is they are clueless about the intimate details of the VQ and since I have never been flagged to see a referee, no one has ever had the spec sheet out while looking under the hood.
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