This is kind of an iffy forum to post this topic, but I figured that you guys would know better than anyone else.

I live in upstate NY where we have yearly vehicle "inspections" but no sniffer.

My concern arises because I am in the process of building up a carbed 383 stroker to replace my computer controlled 305ci TBI. Does anyone know how inspections are handled after the swap is completed?

The responses don't necessarily have to be tailored to NY specifically (although it would be helpful). I am really just wondering what experiences everyone else has had.

 

Do you get an inspection print-out when it's complete? That should give you some clue what they're looking for.

Here, the inspection is purely for emissions (although they can give you a no-test for bad exhaust, bald tires, overheating, etc., or if the inspector feels the car is not safe to run on the dyno). I bought my car in 1999 as a non-operating V6 and swapped in the 1986 LG4 305. When I took it for the inspection the first time, they entered the VIN, which of course says it's a 1982 2.8l V6 (however, I did have the proper underhood stickers for the engine now in there). They checked off the equipment required on a 1982 2.8l V6 based on questions on the computer screen, verified it was all there (fuel filler restrictor, catalytic converter, vapor canister, A.I.R. system, EGR, etc.), and pulled it on to the dyno for the sniffer test. It passed the 1982 requirements, they tested the gas cap for pressure sealing capability, and gave me a certificate good for 2 years.

Same thing in 2001 (except now I have a renewal card with a bar code that they scan for the VIN and all). With certificate in hand, I drove the car home, pulled it into the garage, and drained the radiator to start the mods in the sig.

Fast forward to 2003. It's due for emissions testing again. Starts off the same until they open the hood. Now he looked a lot harder, actually read the underhood stickers (took more time doing that than he did on the rest of the visual inspection), closed the hood, pulled it onto the dyno - this time it was clean enough for a "fast pass" reduced test. Handed me the certificate, said "Good job," and the printout still says "1982 2.8l". Fine with me, the 1986 standards are stricter (which I would have failed the first 2 times...).

Apparently, in California, I would have been sent to a "motor change" referee station under these circumstances. The results would probably have been the same, except they would attach a bar code sticker saying I need to meet the standards for a 1986 5.0l V8.

 

Every state's laws are different.

What happens in California or Massachusets or Illinois or Alabama doesn't have anything to do with what will happen in NY.

Best thing to do is to find out how your state actually executes the inspection, and what they look for, etc. If all they do is check for a cat and run it on the sniffer (like they do here in OH) then just make sure you put a cat on it and that it passes the sniffer. If all they do is take your money, bring some money with you. If, like CA, they pull out a book that shows where every single "device" is on the car, and they look there for it, and if it's not there they flunk you, and then they run it on the dyno, .... well, you can figure out what to do.

So, any response that doesn't come from someone in NY (preferably someone actually knowledgeable as opposed to someone just spanking off), has no meaning in your situation; except for any possible entertainment value.

 

Didn't you find my story entertaining???

 

I liked your story Here it is strictly a visual inspection of a few things. I have never once had a sniffer put on the car. So I am hoping that as long as it has a cat and a smog pump that i will be alright.

I suppose that my plea so go out to anyone in NY that had a TBI or TPI motor and swapped to carbed.

Anyone?

 

Might try the regional forum.

 

Hey DigitalMonarch, Im also getting ready to do a carbed 383 stroker swap into a previously TBI'd 88 sport coupe. I was wondering how you were going to wire yours up? Can I yank the ECM? Im still going to use the fuel pump in the tank. I got a TH-350 tranny and Ill be running all MSD ignition, an alternator and the starter. Its going to be a street car so i need all my asscories inside the car. All those wires under the hood are giving me a headache. HELP ME!!