I failed my test three times in arow now! And get this on Feb 1st they put a a standard on smog tests, but what really pissed me off is the fact that if the test was the same level as 2 weeks ago I would have passed with flying colors!!!!!!!!!!

So now I have to get a waiver(basically spend 450 dollars on emissions equipment) I already have the cat I paid for not long ago, so now I gotta spend 250-300 more dollars, I just want to know when in the hell did any of us get to vote whether or not we would put up with this ****?

 

Let me tell ya something.
I've lived in California for 20 years, now.
When I first moved here, I couldn't see more than 3 blocks, down the street, the smog was so bad.
NOW.......it's incredible.
I can see.
I really can see.
What's horrible is the fact that the biggest pollutants out in SoCal right now are:
1. Air Force base in dessert, using diesel fuel & jet fuel and stirring up dust
2. Soot from diesel trucks
3. Dust from fields and dirt roads and mountains.
I am not kidding. We have combatted ever other pollutant down to almost zero.
Again, I can finally see.

Has it come at a price?
Well.....
If you have a clean running car, it doesn't matter.
If you don't, fix it!
You have have your performance cake & pollution free running cars, too!
Honest.
You have to work it to your advantage and know the enemy.
I've played this smog station game for 20 years. I know the rules & I finally figured it out, which is why I did the 2.8-3.4 swap under my hood.

You can pass the tests, get to work, it's to your advantage to keep fighting pollution, in the early statges, than wait as long as California did.
Your lungs will be MUCH Happier! That's I can promise, too.
I know.
This response is from one that knows, first hand the down side to air pollution & the upside to smog laws.

Did you have the chance to go get smog test two weeks prior and just flaked on it?



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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Ked I have no problem with the smog tests if they are reasonable. This one isnt in my opinion. They just lower the hydrocarbons to .8gpm down from 1.2gpm. I scored a .92gpm, so if they kept the original standards i would pass. That is why I am pissed, I feel they are putting the squeeze on. BTW I passed carbon minoxide with flying colors. Why did they have to get so restrict, and why dont they have a certified mechanich there to help......instead they have people there who know jack ****.

 

Let me explain that one.
All the person is required to do is to run the test, not know your answers.
Ask several Hot Rodders or Ricers in your area to find a decent smog test place.
That's how I found my first one in California.
I went to a local speed shop, hung around asked the first "Hot Rod" that pulled in, found some guys. Ex-Bikers in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys.
Great guys. I gave them 2 six packs & cash & I got my sticker.
Simple!
But, the deal out of all of this is that your car really tends to run cleaner & faster & stronger & better & use less gas, when it does pass the smog test.
My 1974 Corvette, 134,000 original miles, engine never opened/worked upon, just a new timing chain, 2 year old tune up, fresh oil change, passed this last test so easy & fast. I gave out so few pollutants.
Figure out why your car failed that one smog detail.
Could it be the guy doing test?
Their favorite way to flunk ya is to do high speed/idle then lift foot off gas, immediately.
That backs up all the unburnt stuff and lets it linger and just flow out (not forced, like high RPM's), not in your favor.
Gentle lifting of gas pedal is the way to pass this test.

Use two bottles of Liquid Gumout, Preminum unleaded gas, clean air filter, fresh oil change (most important detail!), drive it like stink on the freeway, waste a whole tank of gas, really!
Ready for your test?
After you have driven it on the freeway, full of same combination, then go to test. Really heat up that cat convertor. Try not to wait with engine idling at test place. Shut it off.
Then when test, go start it, idle about 2,000 for a bit and find that right guy!
Get it pre-tested, pay the extra dough.
IF your car does NOT need a tune up (plugs, cap rotor, plug wires), all the above should get you passed.
Yet if you did invest in the above other stuff, also, your car should run like stink & pass test, easier, too!
ALOT of tax dollars into the local economy are at stake, because of results of these smog tests.
You can pass this test!

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA