[ivymike1031]

I'm not very familiar with the smog laws in california, but I can say that there is a strong possibility that adjustable cam gears would not be permissible.

Valve timing can affect emissions levels, so I would guess that an adjustable cam sprocket would be regulated equipment. If it is such, then it would likely require a special sticker (or similar) to identify it as "okay."

If you only go in for a smog check once a year, perhaps it would make sense to keep a spare of the top portion of the timing cover, so that you could swap your cutout version for the closed version before going to get tested, then swap back after you've passed.