[Quentin]

Hello,

I'm new to this board as well as an excited new Porsche owner (there is no substitute!). Lets just say I'm anxious about an upcoming VA emissions test. I've read through previous posts on this subject but if anyone knows of a guy I can confidently go to for an emissions test please PM or email me: qrobinso_22182@yahoo.com.

I'm glad I've found a local Porsche board!

Regards,
Quentin
Burke, VA

[Charlie Stylianos]

Welcome Quentin,

Unfortunately all emissions stations in VA are plugged right up to mother DMV. Once the car is strapped in and they press the 'GO' button there is no turning back (i.e. no test runs, etc) and all data generated goes right to the DMV. If you are worried, take your car to a shop and have your co% adjusted to spec, make sure the car is in tune and O2 sensor and smog equip is working correctly. You can always just 'do it' and see if it passes or not. If not, report your failing #'s here and we may be able to offer advice.

[William Miller]

In MD you test first. If yuo fail, any money you spend counts twards a limit. If you spend the limit you get some kind of waiver. I think the limit is like $450. It can't go twards replacing stuff that was missing. But on my car they really didn't check for equiptment.

I failed, put on a cat and set mixtures and passed.
I think most cars should be fine. Especially an 86 with DME. If it's got a cat and mixture set it should pass. If something was wrong you would priobably notice it. If you feel that you don't know the car well enough have someone else drive it. They will know if it feels right.

[Quentin]

Thanks guys. It has no cats, no emissions equipment whatsoever. Am banking on general ignorance of these engines to get past visual inspection. Its currently with Pat Williams in Memphis getting an EFI conversion performed, and I'll probably have him (as he suggested) create a pro-emissions ecu map and get that put on for emissions time. Either that or hiflow cats.

Thanks again for the replies!

Regards,
Quentin

[William Miller]

Look like your way ahead of the game.
If I was going to get a turbo, I'd be excited too!
If your guy can do the maps he knows a lot about this!

[rickc]

I have friend with an emissions station in Mclean. I brought my '78 to him and he didn't look for the air pump since they are typically buried in the engine compartment. The cats are another story. Most inspectors will look for those. Since my car was catalytic exempt, it wasn't an issue. I can say that you should easily pass the sniffer test without the stuff installed, the visual will be challenging.
Rick
'78 930

[William Miller]

There seems like there are different rules for different parts of VA?

[Trak Ratt]

Same rules… human factor. I’ve been to a number of Stations that don’t verify the owner’s card against the VIN. Which certainly adds several interesting options if you could count on it

[William Miller]

In MD theye are owned and operated by the state. I guess that's different than VA. We do have independant inspections for safety befor you can get registration.

[type954]

i think the different rules include NO EMISSIONS testing in rural counties... no catalytic converters on the tractors....