North American Turbocoupe Organization



The smog God in California
83zombi Offline
Senior Member
#1
Ever feel like your're being punished for something you havn't done. Took my 76 Malibu, sb 400 to the smog shop today. Happens every two years in CA. Last time it was so clean, the computer passed me without all the run ups. I was trying to give business to a new shop close to home, might be handy because the Bird's time is approaching soon (I hope). I passed emmissions, knew I would, but the kid failed me on "visual inspection" !There was a loose vacume hose, some kind of clip missing after thirty years and the timing was off. I knew the timing was off because I asked him to time it before the test (I just put on new intake manifold gaskets and on a Chev V8 you have to pull the dist) hell I told him the timing was off! He gave me a computer print out of all the things he reported to the state that I must fix. I asked him if I must return to him for a retest. He held his breath and didn't answer, so I gave him the answer. It will be difficult for him to continue business if he tries to operate his shop where I told him to place it. So this smuck is trying to build a business by snitching for the State? What is there to snitch? The car burns clean! Mustn't upset his sense of visual correctness. I had to pay him for it on top of everything. By the way it's not easy for a thirty year old car to pass inspection, they keep uping the spec's without telling you. Has something to do with the Dealer's lobby at the State House. Their new cars get a multi year waver while anything used (that reads no more car payments) pays for the State's upkeep. Thinking seriously of leaving California, wonder if I can really handle reality out there. Sorry if I put this in the wrong section Pete.
83 dead bird, in pieces however I'm reading from the book of the dead, should be running soon.
Reply

evintho Offline
Senior Member
#2
Amen, brother!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

1986 Turbocoupe 5-spd - New daily driver!
1988 Turbocoupe 5-spd - parts car.
1989 Mustang convertible (Thunderstang). Built '88 TC shortblock, head by Boport, R/R, T3, Bobs log, gutted, rotated, ported mannys, AFPR, LA3, NPR I/C, etc.
Check out Thunderstang!
Reply

grey88smokin Offline
Posting Freak
#3
A 1976 needs to pass the smogger in commiefornia ? After 25 years you only need a visual safty inspection here in NY.
84 SVO 1C
08 MKZ
Reply

Jeff K Offline
Administrator
#4
Around here anything after 1968 must be smogged. Laws are way different from state to state.

What is bad here: VERY strict IM240 roller dyno 3 gas test run at state inspection stations.

What is good here: They never open the hood, all they care about is what comes out the tail pipe.

I am often glad I dont live in sunny CA Smile
Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 24 psi, forced air IC, water injection, BPV, Ranger cam, subframes, etc., etc.
86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP N2O, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.
11 Crown Vic Interceptor
14 Toyota Camry (wifes car)
95 Taurus GL Vulcan winter beater
67 Honda 450 Super Sport - completely customized
Reply

Pete D Offline
Administrator
#5
No problem on the placement. I can't believe he cited timing when you told him to fix it first. I'd be reporting that.
Pete Dunham


Reply

evintho Offline
Senior Member
#6
In California it's a 30 year rollback, meaning 1976 and older is exempt from smog testing. Seems to me that 83zombi's '76 Malibu would be smog exempt!

Also, if he went to a 'test only' station, the techs are only allowed to run the test. They can't touch anything else, meaning they're not allowed to reset the timing or even reconnect a loose vacuum hose! Pretty stupid if you ask me!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5

1986 Turbocoupe 5-spd - New daily driver!
1988 Turbocoupe 5-spd - parts car.
1989 Mustang convertible (Thunderstang). Built '88 TC shortblock, head by Boport, R/R, T3, Bobs log, gutted, rotated, ported mannys, AFPR, LA3, NPR I/C, etc.
Check out Thunderstang!
Reply

Walsted Offline
Posting Freak
#7
From the CA DMV site: Beginning April 1, 2005, the 30-year rolling exemption has been repealed. Instead, vehicles 1975 model-year and older will be exempt. Therefore, 1976 model-year and newer vehicles will continue to be subject to biennial inspection indefinitely.
Mike Walsted - Sold my 1986 5-speed TurboCoupe
Reply

83zombi Offline
Senior Member
#8
This was not a test only station. Just a neighborhood repair garage/smog station. He did offer to set my timing, for $25, after he flunked me. I didn't time it because my old timing light I've had since 69, doesn't work on HEI dist. I had a friend with a auto shop all my years in CA till I retired and moved. Time to spring for a new one besides, I'll need one for the Bird in a few weeks. I'll double check with the DMV about the 30 yr exempt but it was on my renewal slip for a smog. Never under estimate those new car dealers at the state house.
83 dead bird, in pieces however I'm reading from the book of the dead, should be running soon.
Reply

ERIC J snowbird Offline
Posting Freak
#9
Here in Ontario it's an 18 year rollback. That means 88 and newer. I was anxiously waiting for my TC to be emissions exempt next year. Now my Brother-in-law(mechanic) tells me that he has heard that the gov. may do away with the rollback and leave it at 88 and newer. I may have to look for an 87.
- ERIC J
87 Black 5speed, 88 Black 5speed.
Reply





Users browsing this thread:
1 Guest(s)



Theme © iAndrew 2018 - Software MyBB