Question regarding smog

[vinsanity]

I currently have a 89 7MGTE with intake and custom exhaust piping (3in the whole way) from turbo on down to the muffler(magnaflow turboxl). Everything else on the car is stock.

I am planning on selling my car and need to know what the best route is to get it to pass smog legally in California. I do not have the original exhaust system but I put a brand new 3in catalytic converter. The car failed the test smog so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[jdub]

It's impossible to help you unless you post the emissions numbers...including the allowed level.

 

[vinsanity]

I will get those up asap. Just need to find a scanner or camera handy.

 

[Rennat]

or just type them out. we just need the numbers of meas and max.

 

[vinsanity]

or just type them out. we just need the numbers of meas and max.

Here is the test smog print out. Hope it helps.

 

[jetjock]

That's with a new cat? I can only imagine what level of CO is coming out of the manifold. The engine is obviously not in fuel control. Start with the O2 sensor. Codes would be nice too...

 

[vinsanity]

That's with a new cat? I can only imagine what level of CO is coming out of the manifold. The engine is obviously not in fuel control. Start with the O2 sensor. Codes would be nice too...

Yes this is with a brand new 3in OBD 1 catalytic converter. There are no codes at all and those were checked on 3 different diagnostic computers. The car is running, driving, and sounding perfectly normal. I will try changing the O2 sensor and see if that helps.


Can a K&N intake cause my car to fail so bad? I thought they were carb legal.

 

[jetjock]

No, it shouldn't be a problem unless it's badly plugged, which is unlikely considering all the crap those things let through. You might want to check it though. You might also want to test the sensor first but then again if it's old just replace it...

 

[vinsanity]

A new O2 sensor was installed this morning and now the muffler shop is telling me that they are getting a check engine light and the car is still failing the test smog but they do not have a computer to diagnose/read the code. They have tried using an OBD1 only computer and a newer one that does OBD1/2 but still no luck. Do local parts stores have anything I can try out? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Rennat]

to check codes you just use a paper clip in the diagnostic box right above the fuse box in the engine bay and then put the car into the on position and watch how many times the check engine light blinks, should be.... blink blink...... blink blink bink....

2 blinks, then a seperation, then 3 blinks, would be code 23. (if there is a code)
if theres no code then it just blinks constantly...

 

[vinsanity]

did the 7MGTE come with 1 cat or 2 stock? I don't even remember what my stock exhaust looked like. It was changed a few years ago. Currently the shop is trying to smog it with 1 cat.

 

[figgie]

did the 7MGTE come with 1 cat or 2 stock? I don't even remember what my stock exhaust looked like. It was changed a few years ago. Currently the shop is trying to smog it with 1 cat.

Two cats stock. Specifically one was about 14 inches from the turbo and the other was prior to the exhaust portion.

Just remember that the catalytic convertor has to be HOT, I mean piping hot for it to do its job. What this means for you, PRIOR to testing, is to run around town for a good 30 minutes at speed (60+ mph up to your legal limit).

 

[vinsanity]

Two cats stock. Specifically one was about 14 inches from the turbo and the other was prior to the exhaust portion.

Just remember that the catalytic convertor has to be HOT, I mean piping hot for it to do its job. What this means for you, PRIOR to testing, is to run around town for a good 30 minutes at speed (60+ mph up to your legal limit).

Thank you for the information provided. I will report back as soon as I hear from the shop.

 

[NeatOman]

Just remember that the catalytic convertor has to be HOT, I mean piping hot for it to do its job. What this means for you, PRIOR to testing, is to run around town for a good 30 minutes at speed (60+ mph up to your legal limit).

I think this is also why they make restrictive exhausts, if it flows to freely then the cat will not get as hot. I think you might have to get a 2.5 inch cat. But that is just my opinion. Some large trucks come with heaters for there catalytic converters.

 

[MK3SUPRAPIMP]

Try a smaller cat and try to get a stock turbo dp with the cat on it thats what i am doing for smog

 

[vinsanity]

It turned out that I had a couple loose hoses and worn spark plugs. Now the car passes smog fine w/ a K&N, full 3inch piping from turbo on back with 2 cats.

I appreciate all you fellows helping me. Thanks a lot for your time.

 

[Zumtizzle]

Woo Hoo!