I know the v band by the turbo side of dpf, but what about the other side that leads to exhaust? Is that a normal clamp too or you cut it off there?

Your soot looks normal. Regen temperatures probably keep it from getting nasty. Tdi's look much worse even stock mk4 tunes can be smoky especially with boost leaks (which confuse the maf for mid power fueling)


I understand with the readiness. I can't just skip it. I thought California was worse but i think they don't test new cars, where we have safety and obd check every year