Tell me about IL emissions requirements.

[Jamie79SC]

I'm moving to Chicago next week with my (mostly) stock 79 911 SC. (No air pump and running a cat bypass 'test pipe'.) The car passed Washington state smog tests until it aged out and I didn't need to take them any more.

What's the story in Chicago?

- Any age rexemptions?
- Is a physical inspection required?
- What is the process?
- Horror stories?

Thanks in advance for your help.

[1978targasc]

Hope this helps:

http://www.dmv.org/il-illinois/smog-check.php

[Jamie79SC]

hmmm... According to the IL DMV, "All 1968 to 1995 vehicles not in compliance with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 on February 1, 2007 and all 1996 and newer vehicles except diesel, electric-powered, and certain vehicles specified by law as Exempt."

What in blazes does "...vehicles not in compliance with the Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 on February 1, 2007..." mean? They don't define the Vehicle Inspection Law of 2005 anywhere that I can see.

[Steve 82SC]

"Not in compliance" means that if your car did not successfully pass the emissions test prior to Feb 1st, 2007, you'll have to have your pre-'95 car tested before it falls under the exemptions. However, the test they're running now for pre-'95's is a tailpipe sniff test only. Your SC will probably pass if you lean it out prior to the test.....the problem is getting it back to the proper running position. My car passed the test some months before the law went into effect, meaning that I was "in compliance" and the car no longer was required to be tested once every two years. That same afternoon, I ordered headers and a M&K exhaust. You won't have to worry about it until you apply for Illinois license plates.

Steve

[Slow911]

Well when my car would not pass emissions no matter what, the solution was antique plates. Your car will qualify as it only needs to be 25 years old....and cannot be your daily driver (you could probably get away with this without much effort). Here's a pic of my 2 cars and their plates.

[carsngolf]

Absolutely! So long as it's 25 years old, you qualify for antique plates. No emissions and even better - it's cheaper than the $78 a year the politicians swindle us out of every year. You'll save on insurance too.
Go for it!
"Illinois Antique Plate Brother"

[Steve 82SC]

Hold on a minute regarding the antique plates. Back in November '06, realizing that my '82 would be 25 years old in January of '07, I called the Secretary of State concerning antique vehicle plates. I was told that in order to secure those plates for a car that required emission testing (post '67), I would have to present the Secretary of State my current test results showing that I passed my emission test, their reasoning being that they want to make sure you're not applying for antique vehicle plates because you couldn't pass emissions testing. It became a moot point because I was already "in compliance" prior to the February '07 law going into effect concerning '95 and older not requiring testing any longer. Jamie could get the antique plates for his car, but he'll probably have to take the tailpipe idle sniff test and if he passes, he'll never have to take the test again anyway.

Steve

[cnavarro]

Just move down to Kankakee, no emissions testing whatsoever!

[Jamie79SC]

I happen to have a copy of the last test I passed in Washington. I wonder if that will allow me to skip the IL test.

[PorscheGuy79]

I wouldnt sweat it, I have a 79 Euro SC with SSIs and a twin out. I passed about a year ago with my car as it was set up I was pretty close to a low emissions vehicle for that year.

Let me know when you get here, if you like we could grab a beer and chat.

[930LDR]

I wouldn't worry about the antique plates.

I have managed to get my fairly well modified (and very rich) 930 to pass the last two times with the simple addition of a small cat and resonator. I would guess that you will probably pass as is.

Once you get it cleared you are done for life in Chicago with your car's age.

I have a great Porsche mechanic in town if you need one.

[Drago]

Glad to hear you're keeping your car Jamie.

[Jamie79SC]

Matthew and 930LDR,

Thanks for the info and the welcome. I'll take you up on that beer as soon as we're settled in. I might go for the antique plates anyway as this car will become a summer time weekend toy.