The dreaded emissions test

Headers, cats, uppipes, downpipes, midpipes and mufflers.

Moderators: Helpinators, Moderators

Post Reply
Bdub
Second Gear
Posts: 444
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:59 am
Location: Connecticut

The dreaded emissions test

Post by Bdub »

I just purchased a 91 SS 4eat from New York.
I live in CT, so in order to register the car here, any out of state vehicle must pass an emissions test. I'm slightly worried, because it has a custom exhaust with a highflow cat. There aren't any other mods to the engine, and it's not throwing any codes, but its pretty loud. I guess I'm just nervous. I'd hate to go through the trouble of rigging up an OEM exhaust just for this stupid test.
Through The Generations...
91 SS 4eat
95 LSi 4eat- Sold
07 2.5i 5mt- For Sale
13 STI Sedan
asc_up
Fifth Gear
Posts: 2473
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 9:15 am
Location: University Place, WA

Post by asc_up »

Well try to get it passed as is.

If it passes then it passes. If it doesn't, then throw in another cat and you'll pass for sure.
-Aaron

2000 Audi S4 - 2.7L Twin-turbo, 6 Speed

[quote="evolutionmovement"]It was me. And those are my balls. Happy Sunday![/quote]
Subaru_Nation555
Third Gear
Posts: 819
Joined: Wed Oct 27, 2004 6:54 am
Location: Arlington, VA

Post by Subaru_Nation555 »

What are the laws in Connecticut? Could you theoretically pass with the custom exhaust or is it a matter of finding a shop that will pass you? I've always been told to warm the car up completely before emissions testing.
'06 Impreza 2.5i wagon
Bdub
Second Gear
Posts: 444
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:59 am
Location: Connecticut

Post by Bdub »

Well you can pass with a custom exhaust, as long as it has a cat. The test is automatically void if there isn't one.
All the sensors are there, and the car runs excellent. I don't know why I'm worried, my 95 ran like shit when I brought it in, and it passed with numbers expected of a brand new car.
All the shops have the same equipment, and are all monitored really close by the DMV. So, it really doesn't matter where I bring it.. The only benefit is because the car is AWD it won't be tested during acceleration, because the dyno machine doesn't do all 4 wheels. So, it'll just be idling taking the test.
But, like stated, if it passes, then there's nothing to worry about. I'll find out Monday.
Through The Generations...
91 SS 4eat
95 LSi 4eat- Sold
07 2.5i 5mt- For Sale
13 STI Sedan
evolutionmovement
Knowledgeable
Knowledgeable
Posts: 9809
Joined: Mon Jun 16, 2003 11:20 pm
Location: Beverly, MA

Post by evolutionmovement »

It will likely be fine. These engines are pretty clean. Not like the older ones. MA has the same kind of emissions test, but there are shops that can cheat the system by putting a known good car on the dyno and using the registration info from the car in question. Don't know where you'd find one of those guys, but that's what they can do.
Midnight in a Perfect World on Amazon or order anywhere. The first book in a quartet chronicling the rise of a man from angry criminal to philanthropist. Midnight... is a distopic noirish novel featuring 'Duchess', a modified 1990 Subaru Legacy wagon.
vrg3
Vikash
Posts: 12517
Joined: Sun Nov 03, 2002 2:13 am
Location: USA, OH, Cleveland (sometimes visiting DC though)
Contact:

Post by vrg3 »

The fact that there's a high-flow cat on the car actually works in your favor -- your car has a much newer catalytic converter than most of our cars do.
"Just reading vrg3's convoluted, information-packed posts made me feel better all over again." -- subyluvr2212
Bdub
Second Gear
Posts: 444
Joined: Mon Nov 12, 2007 1:59 am
Location: Connecticut

Post by Bdub »

It passed, with no problems. The kid that did it thought there was an exhaust leak when he first started it up, it was so loud.
Through The Generations...
91 SS 4eat
95 LSi 4eat- Sold
07 2.5i 5mt- For Sale
13 STI Sedan
Post Reply