C3 California emissions testing
01-29-2003, 02:04 PM
#1
C3 California emissions testing
I am curious about what the inspectors check when testing a C3. I assume that, where applicable, the catalytic converter must be in place, but what else is checked? Despite its environmentally friendly culture, Vermont has no emissions testing (although OBD II systems are checked). Thank you.
01-29-2003, 02:23 PM
#2
Race Director
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Re: C3 California emissions testing (DSKRALL)
The first stop is to inspect the under-hood emissions label. This will tell whether it is a Federal or a California model. Next will be to verify that all the equipment is ON and CONNECTED under the hood and elsewhere.
You should have most of these if in CA and fewer if it is a 49-state vehicle.
EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
TVS Thermal Vacuum switches (several)
EFE Early Fuel Evaporation Valve or a Heat Riser
TAC Thermal Air Control (?)
TCS Transmission Control Spark (79 and later?)
Evap Cannister and sealed fuel system with non-vented cap.
Once all these devices are checked for hookup, the vehicle is checked on a Dyno at 15mph and 25mph I think for emissions.
I hope this helps :cheers: :auto:
[Modified by SanDiegoPaul, 11:25 AM 1/29/2003]
You should have most of these if in CA and fewer if it is a 49-state vehicle.
EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
TVS Thermal Vacuum switches (several)
EFE Early Fuel Evaporation Valve or a Heat Riser
TAC Thermal Air Control (?)
TCS Transmission Control Spark (79 and later?)
Evap Cannister and sealed fuel system with non-vented cap.
Once all these devices are checked for hookup, the vehicle is checked on a Dyno at 15mph and 25mph I think for emissions.
I hope this helps :cheers: :auto:
[Modified by SanDiegoPaul, 11:25 AM 1/29/2003]
01-30-2003, 12:39 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
Re: C3 California emissions testing (DSKRALL)
Paul is right on the money with two small corrections.
1. Only certain counties have the so-called "enhanced" inspections which include the dyno test.
2. Several counties like Calaveras and Alpine are exempt and have no smog check whatsoever. Which is why I have a second home in Calaveras County. :lol:
1. Only certain counties have the so-called "enhanced" inspections which include the dyno test.
2. Several counties like Calaveras and Alpine are exempt and have no smog check whatsoever. Which is why I have a second home in Calaveras County. :lol:
01-31-2003, 03:46 PM
#4
Re: C3 California emissions testing (KENS78SILVERANNIV)
Ken and Paul,
Thank you for your replys. I appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. Take care, and have fun with your cars. DSKRALL
Thank you for your replys. I appreciate the time you took to answer my questions. Take care, and have fun with your cars. DSKRALL
01-31-2003, 05:47 PM
#5
Re: C3 California emissions testing (DSKRALL)
Its worth continuing on this topic for a moment...
Some C3's I see at car shows and weekly get togethers have been obviously modified in significant areas and still manage to get registered... for instance - last week I saw a triple duce carb set up on a car that "legally" should not have such... same thing with headers and mufflers and no AIR injection back to the catylic converter (if it even has one)... yet - every now and then you see this kind of stuff in a state where every smog tester I go to thinks they'll go to prison if they pass a car with anything but stock or qualifying mods.
At least the inspector can't tell the difference of parts INSIDE the engine!
Some C3's I see at car shows and weekly get togethers have been obviously modified in significant areas and still manage to get registered... for instance - last week I saw a triple duce carb set up on a car that "legally" should not have such... same thing with headers and mufflers and no AIR injection back to the catylic converter (if it even has one)... yet - every now and then you see this kind of stuff in a state where every smog tester I go to thinks they'll go to prison if they pass a car with anything but stock or qualifying mods.
At least the inspector can't tell the difference of parts INSIDE the engine!