Just Failed CA Smog. Now what?

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by mike100

What happens in CA won't necessarily stay in CA. The above examples of lowered NOx levels on our emissions tests come from what I believe were EPA limits that kicked in during 2012 or so from some law passed back in the 90's setting tiers to be met at certain future dates. We just happen to follow that trend (or actually set them in many cases that the EPA adopts later). What worries me is if they can/will lower them any lower knowing full well our older cars were designed to meet limits of the day, not modern ones.

As it sits now...big deal, you can definitely pass the testing- it is just that oxygen sensors don't work that well when they are 20 years old- you gotta get new ones. The problem is not clean tailpipes, but the rigid visual in this state.

I can see that I will have to try to get you to help me to pass when the time comes. I have not even looked into all the stuff I have to replace to pass visual since no C.A.R.B. approved stuff. I did buy a stock air cleaner so far and exhaust manifolds/cats from a 95 take off with 2K miles.

[-=Jeff=-]

Off topic:

Hawaii, when did you relocate to Cali? I must have missed that

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by -=Jeff=-

Off topic:

Hawaii, when did you relocate to Cali? I must have missed that

I had to suddenly relocate to Cali last May after I returned to Hawaii from Japan in March. Long story, but basically for a job offer after my position in Hawaii being obligated to someone else returning from overseas. Thanks for your thoughts.

[mike100]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

I can see that I will have to try to get you to help me to pass when the time comes....

The one saving grace you have is that your car is not yet assigned to any particular zip code and bringing it in-state for the first time will get your target limits assigned to unenhanced area levels (higher limits). The next time will be the enhanced urban area test at the tighter limits though.

[Z51JEFF]

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

I can see that I will have to try to get you to help me to pass when the time comes. I have not even looked into all the stuff I have to replace to pass visual since no C.A.R.B. approved stuff. I did buy a stock air cleaner so far and exhaust manifolds/cats from a 95 take off with 2K miles.

I can help when the time comes.

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by mike100

The one saving grace you have is that your car is not yet assigned to any particular zip code and bringing it in-state for the first time will get your target limits assigned to unenhanced area levels (higher limits). The next time will be the enhanced urban area test at the tighter limits though.

Thanks for the info and I have to dive into this more. I know they are going to penalize me for not changing title and all over knowing I brought it in last summer. They want their money (use tax) even if it is sitting in my garage with Hawaii storage title. I thought I might sell it so did not want to bother until I make a decision. Thanks again!

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Originally Posted by Z51JEFF

I can help when the time comes.

Thanks for the offer and greatly appreciated. I have a few issues to address when I have some time before I can even think about trying to SMOG it. I wish there was a way to get a test to just see where I am at without them putting the car in the system.

[Z51JEFF]

I see on reason why you can't do a pre test. Getting the car to the testing facility is the problem. Use a trailer or get a temp pass from the DMV.

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by KILLSHOTS

Did you have the power key in the FULL position during the test? If so, you may want to switch to NORMAL and run the test again. Ask me how I know.

Ok. I'll bite.

How does some one from Mesa AZ know you can "pass" the CA Smog Check only with the secondaries disabled.

[Hib Halverson]

Originally Posted by tf95ZR1

What's really frustrating is that the pass levels are much tougher now
than when the car was originally designed and built. So how are we
supposed to clean them up? In their minds, this is how they get rid of
the "smog machines".

I agree that the air is MUCH better now than in the 70's, so there has
to be a comprimise. As others have said, if a stock Z is running (really)
well, it should pass, maybe with a few changes/tricks.
With mods is a different story.

"tf95ZR1" gets a "Beacon of Reality" Award.

The reason the max. limits for the Smog Check have been getting incrementally higher is that the State of California wants to drive old cars it believes are "high-polluters" off the road and the 2G ZR-1s are considered "high-polluters". Because there are so few of them, the politicians have nothing to loose by forcing them off the road or out of the State. Sadly, this NOx problem is really tough for 90-92s which lack the EGR valve.

Here are some tips:

Fresh fuel
Clean combustion chambers and piston tops
Stock spark schedule
Proper O2 sensors. I use Densos. I think they are better than Bosch or Delphi. PN 2343005 $28.79 from Rockauto.com
Cats really f'ing hot.
ECT as low as it can get after getting the cats really not

For those with '93-'95 who flunk NOx...buy a revised cal from Marc Haibeck which turns the EGR on at 14-mph rather than 17-mph.