3.2 turbo guys... what to do at emission testing time?

[david.avery]

Hey guys

Thought this would be a good seperate thread. I'm all over the map with this one.

CT has implemented a new crazy emissions program, probably similar to what is happening in CA now. If I go turbo, what to do during my test period every two years?

As the program is now suspended thanks to Agbar technologies, there is a chance that I will get a letter for a testing appointment within the next two months to 1.5 years! How's that for precise!

My thought was that if I went with a system that was flange compatible with a 930, I could bolt on a stock 930 muffler with cat which could at least pass the visual (and lean the CO down to pass the actual dyno test) The stock stg1 J-pipe proto kit (I was told) be worked to feature the cat (gutted) in use on the system after the turbo, but I still worry this will fail visual.

I don't want to have to de-turbo my car every two years... how are you guys doing it now?

[raceman]

come on David,with a turbo on that car you can stay ahead of the emissions guys..or just spend a day to convert back.Here in the old west of New Mexico we don`t worry none `bout dat . Lots of open road to put the hammer down also,with little chance of run ins with lawmen. l hit 100 mph every single day,safely,driving to work.Porsches and the old west...

[midlife]

YEEE HAAA!

It must be nice not to deal with traffic.

Back on topic, do the turbo conversion on an older exempt car.
I purposely bought a pre 1975 to not worry about testing. (No turbo yet though.)

[rick conrath]

The emissions question depends. In Virginia they punch in your vin number and expect to see the engine configuration based upon that model. The Technician will also look up what emission devices are to be on the car based upon the computer printout for that model. The only real way to guarantee that you won't have problems, is to go with an early car that is emission exempt.
Rick
'78 930

[rick conrath]

Sorry...I meant to add more.This seems like a real pain. If you are starting with a 3.2 and converting to turbo, then you could probably change out the exhaust every two years. But what about the intercooler and injection plumbing,wastegates etc? That would definately put a damper on this type of setup for me.
Rick
'78 930

[david.avery]

Yeah, what Rick C. Said...

That's what I'm afraid of, this new whizbang emissions control system will do the same... the only thing I am wondering is whether they will know where to look for a cat. However, if shown in a picture that it is between the headers and exhaust (where there will be just header tubing after modification) this will raise a flag.

One thing I was thinking of was cutting the header near the stock location of the cat, before the turbo, and making a set of flanges allowing a straight pipe versus a cat... If I buy two of these @ 45.00 ea:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7919186943&category=33629

and one of these cats from maremont:
I would be meeting the factory req. in that I had catalyst on the car... I know it's sub-optimal before the turbo, but it would be an emissions only event... what do you think?

[juan ruiz]

Theres a few options.

1) Remove everything for the inspection, every 2 years what be great, we used to do it every year, anything in the name of HP.

2) Will you be runing the motronics? if so remember that theres 7 adjustments on the ecu, you can check at home whats the best setting, drive to the place stop at the corner and change the setting to the one needed.

3)Another way we used to get around it , we use to register the car in another county one that dint requiare emissions.

of course my0.02

[david.avery]

Hey Juan

Yep, was planning on hitting the altitude switch on the dme before emissions. I don't think I'll run too rich, I'm more worried about the visual.

Which of the three do you do? Know any friendly foreign nationals that would lend me their address? Just kidding

[juan ruiz]

Back them I removed my J pipe with turbo install the spare pipe and muffler which I had , must of the times they dont even know where the muffler is, so you can even point at anything under and will pass.

[klaucke]

What about just finding a shop you can bribe? Works for me and all my vehicles... I once passed with an out headlight.

[juan ruiz]

What about just finding a shop you can bribe? Works for me and all my vehicles... I once passed with an out headlight.

[david.avery]

Welcome to Orwell's 1984, as per CTemissions.com:

Fraud Prevention Measures - What Procedures Are in Place to Protect the Public and Integrity Of the Program?

The program relies on cutting-edge technology to give the Connecticut Emissions Program an added measure of integrity.

Before each test, Certified Testing Inspectors' identifications are confirmed via a sophisticated verification device that actually scans their iris for positive ID. They will also have bar-coded identification cards. There will be three surveillance cameras photographing every vehicle during each test, ensuring the proper vehicle is inspected. The DMV will actively monitor the testing process on a real-time basis via the three cameras and the Internet. In addition, each test site will receive periodic covert visits by a DMV representative.

[rick conrath]

You have got to be kidding.............
Rick
'78 930

[david.avery]

nope, cut and paste, baby. Did you see the section about the polygraph with respect to modifications?

[avendlerdp]

You can just call the California smog referee and ask! It is conceivable that you can make the car pass and leave the bulk of the turbo system on there. They will make you run a cat but the new hi-flow versions don't really take away performance.

There are all sorts of complex rules regarding how much can be spent on returning a car to legal and they may be able to work with you. These laws are designed to help less wealthy folks keep their only car on the road but perhaps you can take advantage anyway.

Alex

[JP911]

You could always go the simple route and trade the Carerra for a 930.

[WydRyd]

I recall Todd saying that their systems are emissions legal?!?

[juan ruiz]

Their systems are "Smog Legal' but here we are talking about a home made system, BUT if we have a muffler and the "Chip' Oh Yes the Chip, I dont see a reason why she should not pass?

[KobaltBlau]

In my area if I had a cat (and passed the limits, which shouldn't be a problem with a cat on) they would be happy, even if the car had a turbo and it wasn't a turbo originally. I would think it should be possible to add a high-flow metallic core cat after the turbo.

[david.avery]

Originally posted by JP911
You could always go the simple route and trade the Carerra for a 930.

Nah, had an 84 euro 930, didn't like a few things about it. My carrera's a cab, like the open air thing. For me, I'd have to find a turbo cab, which is around 40K+, probably not going to happen.

If all works out well, I'll have a 350hp 911 cab for the grand total of 20K