The wife and I are considering a move back down to Atlanta/Athens and I was wondering how they smog tested? When I went to Tech my car was still registered in FL so I never had to have emissions done but I remember my x-piped, no cats Fox-body Mustang pal used to sweat it big time. But then again, my girl had her car registered in Athens and never had smog done to my knowledge.

So what's the deal? I'm planning on some LT's, ORP, and a cam - will GA emissions put a stop to those plans.

FYI - no testing in either MI or FL, the only states I've ever had a car registered in

 

I think the problem mainly lies in the greater atlanta area, and marrietta and areas like that which are close to atlanta. Simply move to a small town about 50 miles away from atlanta, and I think youll have no problem. Or you can just slide the dude a $50 and not worry about it.

 

It all depends on the county. Some require it every year, some every other year, some not at all. I know here in Cobb it's every 2 years. Typically there is no visual inspection, only the sniffer (my experience, anyway).

 

Thanks guys, by county makes sense. If we go back it will be in Clarke county (we still own a house there) and if my wife's experience there is any indication there's no emissions testing.

As for the $50 bill... I didn't want to say anything but that's how my Mustang bud always handled it. Just drove around from shop to shop until someone would take the cash.

 

Georgia has gone to a scanner that hooks up to your computer to check if all the emmisions equip. is working properly. No sniffer so if you can fool the computer you might be able to pass with some O2 sims. They only do this with OBD2 cars hope this helps.
Matt

 

I am a licensced ET tester in Ga. As of 1-13-03 the same counties as always are testing for emission's. For 96 and up cars/light trucks Obd II testing is in effect. 95 & older car/truck's get the 25/25 & 50/15 dyno testing. OBD II testing is now a little tougher than 25/25.50/15 testing, IMHO 96 up no dought on outcome, if your 95 or older car has the SES light on you may or may not pass. OBDII testing is probably coming nation wide fairly soon!!

 

So if I get a dyno tune after a header and cam install and have them LS1edit the rear O2 sensors and AIR, would it pass an OBDII scan? Is the scanner looking for readings from emissions equipment or just checking for DTC's?

Thanks again guys. By the way, it too frickin' cold up here.

 

That is a good question. From that explanation, it sounds like that a computer reprogrammed to think everything is functioning properly, will pass the test no matter what the actual emissions are. ss rally red, could you elaborate a bit more?

 

As far as OBD II testing is concerned we have come across one car with custom tuning that would not pass even though the MIL was not on. It appeared that the readiness moniter that covered the EGR system was deleted with the custom programming,because the owner had deleted the EGR. The car was a 99 MIt's Eclipse and one of the other guy's here at work hang's out on whatever ricer board (he's a good guy,just have to give him some s**t don't ya know) the Eclipse owner hangs out on. As I understand it the people that did the custom tuning told him he would just have replace his stock computer & egr for the test. We just started OBD testing in May of 02,so I don't have a lot of stat's on how often this problem with custom tuning has come up. I'll pass along more info when I come across it.

 

I don't have to get emissions on my 69...hehe, I hate Cobb emissions cause I live there during the summer.

In Athens/Clark County I believe they don't check emissions very strictly...

 

Its only the 13 "metro" counties. Athens is not included in the 13. Register it outside the 13 and your good for now. Eventually there will be more conties added but not anytime too soon. Even then, like someone said up there, slip a guys some cash and your good. Around my area, its not $50 anymore though.

 

ss rally red is right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OBDII is comming nation wide in the months and years ahead. Its' a Federal Mandate. We got it here in Wake Co., NC this month. No tailpipe 'sniffer', but part of the inspection is a visual check to see that all the original emissions parts are in place which includes cats and O2 sensors.

A little friendly advice.............Retain your cats and O2 sensors and keep your car on the road.

 

I wouldn't try to bribe the guy either. I've heard the Georgia Clean Air Force is starting to send auditors to check up on stuff like that.

 

SVD, you are totally right. It is getting harder and harder for people to do illegal emissions. It is against the law and inspectors get either a huge fine or could possibly even get jail time. Bottom line is its not worth it for them or you. They are doing something good for the environment. Who really wants to breathe nitric oxides and hydrocarbons? NOT ME! Like NC Dude said, keep your emission system up and running. Just my .02.

casebuzz, good luck with the move and your mods.

Bo

 

It is true that In my case 50.00$ would not even make me think about falsifing test results. Fine's for "clean piping" a car these day's are 1 yr in jail and 10,000 dollars in fines!! But in realility you can do quite a bit to OBD cars and still pass ET's in Ga. On 96 & up cars we don't have to check for cat's any longer, so you could go with ORP and sims and any other mods that don't set off the SES light. Also any exhaust is OK along with most mods you want to do because there is no safety inspection involved.Just don't try to just clear your code and have your car tested, it will fail on the readiness moniters. I manage a business in Snellville and if I can help anyone on this board just email me and I will see if i can help you.