hmm.. dunno if this is the best place to post this, but cant think of anywhere else.. basically, just picked up an 85 iroc, the guy was living in a county where emissions werent required (i didnt know this.. thought all of wa was mandatory.. oh well?) so anyway, i went to get it registered and they say i need an emissions test.. failed that, took it to a reputable shop.. and apparently the o2 sensor isn't functioning, and since its inside the manifolds near the firewall, they cant really get it off to replace it, apparently its stuck inside there.. basically all they could come up with to fix it was to have it machined off and then install a new one, which is gonna drop me several hundred bucks.. anyone else have any ideas? i thought about just putting on new headers, but i dont have the time or skills to install em right now, and thats still hundreds.. and im poor any ideas guys? thanks in advance

 

First off, post this in the TPI section. Or if you have a rare IROC that has TBI then post it there.

Secondly, I have never seen a factory O2 sensor that was that hard to get at. How is it they can get to it to 'machine it off', but can't get to it with a wrench to unscrew it? Maybe it's aftermarket? Does the car have headers?

I'd take it to another shop and get someone with some know-how and some muscle to get that sucker outta there. Or maybe even try it yourself.

Overall it's up to you though. I can't imagine having and IROC and not being able to drive it because Uncle Sam says I can't. I'm sure you're desperate to drive it. But the shop you're talking about may sense that, and be taking advantage of it.

Emmisions arent' in effect where I live. Not yet anyway.

But

 

I agree with the previous post. Replacing an O2 sensor is not difficult. The part itself is about $20 - $30 and takes less than a half hour to install.

Other things you need to consider for emissions is a catalytic converter, making sure you can pass a visual inspection (if necessary), and a tune up.