California smog issues

[dmarv]

Has anyone had issues with getting their mid 70's 911 to pass California emissions testing? Time to get my '76 tested, and wanted to know what other people have encountered. My engine is a standard 2.7 CIS non-catalytic exhaust. The engine was rebuilt 20,000 miles ago with all necessary undates, (fan, inserts, studs, oil cooler, tensioners, etc) The reactors were removed and replaced with tubular headers. I know the reactors must be on to pass the visual part of the test, but I have had the car tested without the reactors on and it passed. The problem is that it was not tested on the dyno tester. It was tested the old way with the tail pipe probe at idle and 3500 rpm. The engine did run slightly rich at idle, but fine at 3500. My fear is that with the newer dyno testing, the car may run richer under a load than it did with the static test. My old mechanic said it may run leaner under a load.

What have your experiences been?

[dmarv]

Ka-Bump!

[addictionMS]

I regret I can not help you, but a better question might be, "has anyone NOT had trouble"

Goodluck,

Jim

[Jeremy Cottrell]

You really need to get a baseline reading. Take it to a pass or don't pay facility and have them run it. See if they will do a pre-test on it first. That way if the car is a gross polluter it is not in the Ca system. Take those numbers to your tech and let him analize them to determine what needs to be done as far as adjustments. The other way to do it, is to lean it out yourself before you go to the station and bring your lucky rabbits foot. Good luck.

[robkep]

I was just looking through the smog check web site recently and found some interesting information. I think if you can wait until next year, you might not need to pass a smog check for your vehicle.

The text below is from the CA smog check web site:


"Not all vehicles must get a Smog Check. Additionally, some vehicles only need a Smog Check when they are being sold or being registered in California after previously being registered in another state. Whether or not a vehicle needs a Smog Check depends on the type of vehicle, the model-year, and the area in which the vehicle is registered.

Some vehicles are exempt from the Smog Check program

All 30 and older model-year vehicles are exempt from all aspects of the Smog Check program, but owners of these vehicles are required by law to keep their emissions systems intact. Vehicles built in 1975 for the 1976 model-year are 1976 vehicles and must be tested accordingly.

Additionally, vehicles with diesel engines, vehicles with two-cycle engines, vehicles with engines smaller than 50 cubic inches of displacement, electric vehicles, and motorcycles are exempt from the Smog Check program."

CA smog check site

[smestas]

I just had my '78 tested.

First I paid for a pre-test and the guy allowed me to adjust my mixture while the car was hooked to the machine so I could get it to the right CO level (leaned it out). Then I was off to get the real testing done. I passed the sniffer test but not the visual. I later took it to a different testing station where they overlooked the visual stuff and passed me.

Some things they were checking which could also make you pass or fail.

Timing at stock settings 5deg. at 950rpm for my car

Tested gas cap

Catalitic Converter

All OEM SMOG devices

This is not everything but I hope it helps.

[dmarv]

Thanks for the info regarding the website. I read that a few days ago. I have heard two conflicting issues about California exemption staus. First, California was to return to the pre 1974 exemption, eliminating the 30 year and older rule. Second, the 30 year exemption was to stay, but end at 1975 model year vehicles. Meaning, 1976 vehicles would need to be tested indefinately.

Does anyone know more?

[cowtown]

The 30 year rolling exemption has been cancelled. The 1976 and newer model-year cars will need smog checks indefinitely. There are a couple good threads with pointers to the Assembly Bill that caused this change.

[robkep]

This post contains the details:

Ultimate smog question

[Superman]

a

[dmarv]

Thanks for all the replies! Looks like I'm screwed for having a '76. Guess I'll just have to keep playing the smog game with the state.

[nhromyak]

Originally posted by robkep
This post contains the details:

Ultimate smog question

Yep, thank Lieberman for that.