No you need to run something that looks stock , you think the stock turbo has a carb number?i run a t28 n fmic and I passed easily.

Front mount should be okay. I have a 16g in a downfiring housing that looks like an oem turbo. Depending on the smog tech I pass visual (there are some that know what it's supposed to look like)

CARB doesn't allow upgraded turbos, they don't issue EO's for them as far as I know. You need a "stock appearing" turbo to pass visual or a shop that is more lax than others. Vehicles that came with an intercooler from the factory can upgrade to a front mount but technically the piping for a front mount is illegal. Most shops won't ding you for the I/C, especially if you don't have any other obvious violations. If you are running a external gate you won't pass anywhere unless you either know someone or can slip the tech a buck or two. Find another shop that isn't so tight on their visual and as long as the car sniffs good you should be able to get away with it.