Resurrecting '88 Formula and need to pass CA emissions/smog check (Page 2/4)
IMSA GT NOV 30, 11:26 PM
I'm wondering if your catalytic converter isn't burning off the excess crap like it should. Has it ever been replaced? Most of them disintegrate internally.
theogre DEC 01, 12:14 AM
Could be miss fire... Could still have vac leak and ECM think running lean adding extra gas. Old GM engines often run rich at low speed won't help making small vac leaks a big pain to fix even w/ smoke testing. ECM can run BLM at rich/lean limits and not setting codes because Integrator isn't pegged long enough.
See my Cave, Scan Tool Help

Check All grounds bolted to engine/trans... Clean and lube w/ silicon or brake grease.
Example: A Tan "Ground" is Return path to O2 sensor and crap connection mess up sensor reading for ECM.
Other iffy "grounds" can have same problem for other sensors/senders, ICM, etc.

Did you drive on highway for awhile before testing?
If not, the cat may never get hot enough to burn old crap functionally blocking it.
Before OBD2, I've seen many people fail then just drive and retest same or next day and pass.
Example: Many here get in line for inspection barns then shut off the engine to wait for them to open then fail because cat didn't get hot. Had big signs to run the engine but often didn't help first few cars on a given day.
Dennis LaGrua DEC 04, 10:46 AM
Here in my state any car 25 years or older is exempt from inspection and can apply for historic plates. If newer and driven less than 5000 miles per year you can additionally apply for a classic/collector car exemption . If you have something like this in Kalifornia take advantage of it. If your CAT is original I would change it. That might clean things up measurably.
Then try this: CRC Guarantted to pass Emissions Elixer

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 12-04-2020).]

skywurz DEC 04, 12:38 PM
Id not run that snake oil through a new CAT. But i do recommend a new CAT. I dont think you are going to drop those numbers with just vacuum . What I would suggest is getting a new cat. After you remove the old one get some sea foam fog and run that through the engine while running. Then install the new CAT. I did just the sea foam a couple years ago on the wife's car when it was borderline failing and it dropped HC by 150 points. Her car had been borderline failing for the past 2 smogs and then failed. Did the fog and it helped. Last time she went to smog we just did an oil change and it passed no issues. Also each stations machine is a bit different. They don't calibrate them worth a crap.
theogre DEC 04, 10:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
Here in my state any car 25 years or older is exempt from inspection and can apply for historic plates. If newer and driven less than 5000 miles per year you can additionally apply for a classic/collector car exemption . If you have something like this in Kalifornia take advantage of it. If your CAT is original I would change it. That might clean things up measurably.

If you only drive to car shows and related or ignore state rules then get one.
Antique Vintage Historic and others special tags have rules to limit driving in most states with them and NJ is one.

You cannot drive to school work or other places most or all of the year depending on state.
Many won't allow mod'ed car on many of these tags and can't mod after getting one too.

If get caught violating rules at minimum state can force you to surrender the tag. Some cases can get change w/ various crimes.
skywurz DEC 05, 12:04 AM
CA is actually way more strict. They want all sorts of proof the car is original and has never been in an accident or repaired from an accident. They don't allow you to drive the car except to car shows or parades. Stuff like that. I think you actually have to go to a referee and do the same inspection as if you were doing a v8 swap.
statue4 DEC 17, 03:48 AM
Failed a third test today.
Before taking it in I made sure there was no vacuum leaks, fixed the idle: someone had messed with the screw on the throttle body, replaced the spark plug wires, and replaced the O2 sensor. I also overinflated the tires and drove it for a long time before taking it in to warm up the cat.
This time my HC readings were better, but still outside of limits. My NO went way up though.
I called a local shop that said they'd do a new cat for 450, parts and labor.
Dsanchez214 DEC 17, 02:35 PM
I dealt with the exact same issue a few months ago myself and I also live in Cali.

Timing was off, no real maintenance done to it.

Did a full tune up and replaced the CAT. Paid about the same. Mine was falling apart and it sounded restricted and smelled like smog (stunk), if that makes any sense. Passed the smog with flying colors.

Ask to see your CAT after they take it off. Mine was plugged up and no honey comb left.

As a side note,

I had a harder time finding a station that would test it. Seems like we are loosing all the test station that can do or want to test pre OBD2. I called about 12 shops non would do it. They kept telling me "It takes to long" or " The machine has been down for months". They just want to plug the OB2, take 30 seconds to read it and take your 70 bucks. Best legal scam out there.

Second hardest was finding someone who had a working test test station and could drive stick. Had to wait until the older gentleman worked so I could take it in.... lol.

Good luck.

Patrick DEC 17, 02:42 PM

quote
Originally posted by statue4:

I called a local shop that said they'd do a new cat for 450, parts and labor.



Just for a cat? That seems like robbery to me.
Notorio DEC 17, 04:07 PM
Yikes, your 15 mph NO emissions are getting close to the Gross Polluter level (i.e. 2 x the Max spec.)