Alright, I just got my car tested today and it failed on every gas ( I hate Connecticut emssions). The limit for HC (PPM) was 53 and I pumped out a 146. For CO% I was allowed 0.28 and my car read 1.53 and finally NOx (PPM) I was allowed 614 and I put out 771.

My car is stock aside from a catback and CAI so I have no idea why it would have failed by so much. What is the cause of all 3 gases? I am 99% sure my car has the original cat, plugs, wires and O2 sensors and the car has 119k miles on it.

I already ordered O2s and those will be going in as soon as UPS delivers them. Do you think new plugs/wires/cat will help lower those numbers enough for me to pass? If not, what else should I try to pass? I've read before how some guy unplugged 2 injectors and passed. Does anyone have more info. on that?

The ironic thing about this is I will be going with a nice heads/cam setup and all of my emission crap will be ripped out of the car in the up coming months. Fortunetly after I pass this damn test I wouldn't have to worry for 2 years, and by then I'll have my C5 So help me pass

 

Uhhh I'm gonna go ahead and say that having 119K plugs, wires, and cat is what made you fail. I'm surprised your car is running - those are basic maintenance items that should get replaced alot more often. Do a tune-up, then you will probably pass. May need a cat too though, it's hard to tell.

 

It might be time for a good tuneup (plugs, wires, fuel filter) and a new 02 sensor, but after that I would run a can of GM Top Engine Cleaner or some Seafoam through. Unless your cat is clogged and or bad, there's no reason why a good running LT1 shouldn't pass, and in some cases, cars without cats can pass a sniffer.

Jason

 

I know, I know. I really should have done plugs and wires before. I'm just dreading to do them, I hear horror stories about doing them and taking days to do. Any helpful tips on doing them? That is probably what is hurting my gas mileage too.

What are recommended plugs/wires?

 

For wires I use MSD Super Conductors. They havent given me any problems at all, and were pretty cheap. As for plugs, I have had good luck with Denso Iridiums (kind of pricey). I have a Yamaha FZ1 and it loves them, really improved starting and idle. I havent tried them in my car yet, but i was planning to get some the next time i'm due for a plug change.

Iridium is harder and more durable than platinum, so in theory they should last longer. http://www.densoiridium.com/ might want to check them out and decide for yourself.

 

MSD wires definitly, NGK plugs work out well for everyone as well. A new cat will easily make you pass...go a few days after it's put on. Don't seafoam with new O2 sensors in the car cause it will probly kill them.

 

Since we are on the subject of emmissions I figure I'd tell everyone a funny story about my dad and his friend back in the late 70's early 80's here in Memphis.

My dad's friend had an L88 vette that was pretty hopped up, had some long tubes and stuff. Anyway, he and my dad drove it though emissions and BARELY passed all the emissions crap, but then when they went to the safety check, the tester noticed a blinker was out. So, in order to get the "PASSED" sticker, they had to go back through emissions again, with the fixed light. Well, you know how emissions lines are, and they had already waited quite a while. So they went and fixed the light, and came back to the emissions testing site. Here is where it gets interesting, Bucky (my dads friend) decided to unbolt the exhaust pipes comming off the collectors. So they came rolling in with open headers on a hopped up rat motor with a cam and it was LOUD AS NUTS. All the people at the emissions place were lookin like and the funny thing is, because he had already passed the emissions, and fixed the light they had to give him the sticker and green light that he had passed.

I would bet that Bucky is probably one of the only people to ever pass emissions with open headers, what do you think? lol

 

If I opened my cutout before getting the car tested, would that do anything?

 

I had an idea about that a while ago. Have the exhaust pipes comming out the back with whatever mufflers you want, flows or whatever. And then have a cutout comming off to a seperate exhaust, so when they tested from the rear, there would in essence be less emissions. I'm not sure if that would work well or not, it makes sense to me though.

Here I dont think they test for noise level, but then again I live in the county and I dont have to get tested.