News Flash!!

[Doug Zielke]

This may be of some interest to SC owners who face an annual smog tax....er....I mean test.

I took the Blue Bomber in this morning. Our test is touted by the government smog-nazis as being as tough as CA. This is what I did to the BB to help get her through....

1.) Added 1 bottle of Chevron Techron to a full tank of gas on Saturday, and proceded to drive the hell out of the car down to JW's swapmeet in Seattle. The trip home was also at top speed, with some twisties thrown in for good measure.

2.) This morning I re-connected the (new) O2 sensor. Operation determined to be normal.

3.) Filled the almost empty tank with a local brand of gas that contains 10% ethanol.

4.) Drove the car around for an hour 'til it was good and hot.

5.) Took the test....

Remember I took the cat off in the spring, and tested with a...what else...test pipe.
There were also new Bosch plugs, cap, rotor,
and ignition wires installed a couple of k miles ago. The rest of the CIS was unmolested since the PO had it tuned.

The drones at the test station normally put a mirror under cars to see the cat. The Bomber is so low, they didn't bother.

When they asked me to leave the drivers seat, I asked the operator drone if he could shift the trans without damaging it. He said, "Of course...." I watched and listened carefully.
For once, considering all the other tests I have put cars through, this drone was actually careful. At the end of the test he even said: "Nice car!", and wished me a good day.

Result: The cat-free, 911 motor passed with better numbers than my '97 F-150!

I feel so good about this, I think I'll go out and hug a tree!

------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[makaio]

Doug,
Congratulations! I hope if I have to have my car smogged this year, that it goes as smoothly as yours.

------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

[davis911s]

Congats Doug

Aren't you in BC Canada? I never knew the smog nazis had made it up here to Canada yet, none in NB or Alberta. And I thank the good Lord for that!

[Doug Zielke]

Matt,
Some local guys told me taking the test with the Ethanol-blended fuel was a big help in getting passed. Looking at my result sheet, I'd say it's a fact. If you can find a brand of gas in your area with alcohol formula, give it a try when you test.

I might add...I will not be using "Gasahol" after this tankful is gone. It's not supposed to be any good for fuel system parts. It says in my SC owners manual to avoid it if possible.

And yes...the "Smog Nazis" are here in force in Beautiful BC. And the test stations cost the taxpayers a bundle 'o cash. Arrraggh!
------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[This message has been edited by Doug Zielke (edited 08-13-2001).]

[kamikazepilot]

There is some good news for you if you have the documents....

They can not make you install any equiptment on a car that was brought into the US legaly and was aproved by the Government at that time. Unless....

You don't have the documents!

Then the exemptions can take over from there (does not apply if you removed installed equiptment) I belive that they can not make you install equiptment that is in excess of $1,000.00 (may have changed a bit)

You can research the laws on this site... Hope it helps...

http://arbis.arb.ca.gov/html/lawsregs.htm



------------------
Randy
"Dragon"
1978 911 SC

[nhromyak]

Check with the DMV, there are $ limits on what you need to do for older cars regarding how much ($) smog equipment you can put on it.

For instance, my once trusty '86 Jeep Commanche (truck) was not passing smog and was told it needed an air-pump and a new cat the total of price was around $1k. I took the quote to the CARB and on their board it specified if repairs of original equipment cost more than $500 for repair, I was then smog exempt.

This was some years ago, not sure if still in place today.

Good luck!


------------------
Nick Hromyak
'85 Carrera 7 & 9 Fuchs
Havin' Fun in Sacramento

[Doug Zielke]

Here in BC, there are also repair cost ceilings. I don't know the exact figure, but they can make you pay the max each year until your vehicle is in full compliance. I'm sure their idea is to just have you give up and junk the car.

------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[kamikazepilot]

here are some extracts....

H&S 44200 Definition of Direct Import Used Motor Vehicle


44200. For purposes of this chapter, "used direct import
vehicle" means any 1975 or later model-year direct import vehicle
not required to be certified as a new direct import vehicle pursuant to
this part.

For purposes of this section, the age of a motor vehicle shall be
determined by the following, in descending order of preference:

(a) From the first calendar day of the model year as indicated in
the vehicle identification number.

(b) From the last calendar day of the month the vehicle was
delivered by the manufacturer as shown on the foreign title document.

(c) From January 1 of the same calendar year as the model year
shown on the foreign title document.

(d) From the last calendar day of the month the foreign title
document was issued.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 859, Sec. 6.)


References at the time of publication (see page iii):


Regulations:
13, CCR, sections 2047, 2048

----------------------------------------

H&S 44201 Certification Program


44201. The state board shall adopt, by regulation, a certification
program for used direct import vehicles. The state board shall issue a
certificate of conformance to each used direct import vehicle which
meets the requirements of this program.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 859, Sec. 7.)


References at the time of publication (see page iii):


Regulations:
13, CCR, sections 2047, 2048

------------------------------------------
H&S 44202 Registration of Uncertified Vehicles


44202. A used direct import vehicle which was not registered in
this state prior to the adoption of regulations adopted pursuant to
Section 44201, may not be registered in this state unless it has
received a certificate of conformance from the state board, except as
provided in Section 44210.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 859, Sec. 8.)

---------------------------------------------

H&S 44203 Components of Direct Import Used Motor Vehicle Certification

44203. The certification program established pursuant to Section
44201 shall require all of the following components:

(a) A test of the vehicle's emissions performed at a laboratory
licensed by the state board.

(b) A determination that the emissions of the vehicle meet
applicable emission standards adopted by the state board.

(c) Any vehicle labeling and description of any emissions-related
modifications to the vehicle that the state board finds appropriate to
assure that the emission-related system of the vehicle can be
inspected, serviced, and repaired successfully throughout the state.

(d) Any other requirements the board may determine appropriate to
assure the used direct import vehicle will continue to comply with
emission standards in use, except that no requirement may be
established to warrant the emissions control system or to recall
vehicles which exhibit a defective emission control system subsequent
to receiving a valid certificate of conformance.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 859, Sec. 9.)


References at the time of publication (see page iii):


Regulations:
13, CCR, sections 2047, 2048

--------------------------------------------
H&S 44204 Board May Issue Confirmatory Test


44204. The state board may perform a confirmatory test of the
vehicle's emissions prior to issuance of a certificate of conformity.

(Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1138, Sec. 2.)


References at the time of publication (see page iii):


Regulations:
13, CCR, sections 2047, 2048

---------------------------------------------

AND HERE IS THE IMPORTANT ONE!!!!!!!

_____________________________________________

H&S 44210 Exemptions


44210. The requirements of Section 44202 do not apply to any motor
vehicle having a certificate of conformity issued by the federal
Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the federal Clean Air Act
(42 U.S.C. Section 7401, et seq.) and originally registered in another
state by a person who was a resident of that state for at least one
year prior to the original registration, who subsequently establishes
residence in this state and who, upon registration of the vehicle in
California, provides evidence satisfactory to the department of Motor
Vehicles of that previous residence and registration.

(Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1138, Sec. 2.)

Clean Air Act

Hope this helps...




------------------
Randy
"Dragon"
1978 911 SC

[ljonespwc]

Hey, Doug, you should move to Vancouver Island. Here in Victoria we don't have AirCare testing. They tried to implement the program, but for some reason it never took. Go figure. I run a Borla and test pipe with no worries.


Lance

'88 911 Club Sport

'92 968

[rattlsnak]

Could you post the HC and CO readings for me? Just curious on that. My car is a euro SC and when I had the stock engine in it which did not have any smog stuff (cat, air pump, egr) it passed fine.

[makaio]

Doug would you please post your smog numbers. I will look and find mine from the PO when he smogged it to sell to me.

------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

[Doug Zielke]

rattlsnak, here ya go:

Idle HC: 39.00 ppm (390.00)
Driving HC: 46.00 ppm (222.00)

Idle CO: 0.31% (4.40)
Driving CO: 0.50% (1.57)

Driving NOx: 997.00 ppm (2267)

The figures in brackets indicate the max allowable. The "driving" test is a 30+ second run at a dyno-simulated 40 km/hr.


------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[This message has been edited by Doug Zielke (edited 08-13-2001).]

[makaio]

Just for comparison, here are mine from when the PO had it done.

IDLE (1000 RPM) HC 99 ppm (allowable 220)
co 1.18% (" 2.00%)
co2 13.8%
o2 0.8%

2500 RPM
hc 22% (allowable 180)
co 0.15%(allowable 1.70)
co2 14.0%
o2 1.4%


------------------
Matt Chamblin
78 911 SC

[kamikazepilot]

Noah,

You are most welcome!

But just some copy paste work on my part...

I hate the smog folks, and am glad to help ease the pain...

Randy

------------------
Randy
"Dragon"
1978 911 SC

[JAE]

I don't think you have to worry about the numbers. I cranked my test pipe SC up at lunch, drove it 3 miles to the emmissions shed, and passed with pretty close to zero's.

Of more concern is the mirror. But the attendent shoved it under my car, shrugged and issued the certificate.

Joe
'80 SC Targa

[DEL]

I live in tree-huggin Oregon, we have what we call DEQ Nazi's down here. I only have one question for you...where do I get a test pipe!

I was able to get Special Interest permits for my other toy. She runs wide open and with VP racing gas all the time

------------------
Dave Loney
1982 911 SC Targa
1986 Buick T-Type 10.43 @ 129

[Rod Walter]

Congratulations, Doug!

Perhaps I'm missing something but the visual inspection for missing parts seems absurd. Especially when you've demonstrated that one can meet the goals of the program without a cat. If enough people experimented with alternative ways to meet emissions goals the big manufacturers might even be able to learn something. People working for corporations get locked into certain ways of thinking and doing things - even those in the best companies.

Three cheers for the inventors, tinkerers and eccentrics around the world. What a boring place this would be without them.

------------------
Rod Walter
'88 911 coupe

[Doug Zielke]

Rumour has it that our smog testing is soon to include motorcycles. Then I'll be in trouble!! My highly modified, 120" S&S stroker, Harley Shovelhead will never pass.


------------------
'81 SC Coupe (aka: "Blue Bomber")
Canada West Region PCA
The Blue Bomber's Website

[Rod Walter]

Well, after deciding to test motorcycles then I suppose that you can expect to have to take your lawnmower in for its annual smog check. Actually, lawn mowers are one of the biggest sources of pollution left, especially when you consider the two-cycle mowers running out there. They are much worse than newer cars.

At one point, not too long ago and maybe still, if you took a car manufactured for the U.S. or Canada to Mexico City the exhaust would be cleaner than the intake air!

------------------
Rod Walter
'88 911 coupe