[ffr1352]

I live in metro Atlanta where emissions testing is required for all automobiles and apparently the rules are changing again for kit cars. The governing body in GA over emissions testing is the EPD (GA version of EPA) and their rep said by state law any kit car regardless of what appears on the title (i.e. even if your title said 66 cobra)is treated and must pass the emissions requirements of a new car built in the year the kit car was first registered. This applies to me buying someones kit car from out of state regardless of what year the kit car title describes the car. The rep said not only will cats be required on the car, but Federal law requires OBD computer controls (during the emissions testing the equipment is connected to the OBD computer)and the state is trying to decide this week if they must force all kit cars to comply! That is not a misprint! I was told that adapting an OBD would be expensive. Metro Atlanta (essentially 1/3 of GA)is in a non-attainment zone requiring all cars to be tested.
Anyone else in GA ..what did you hear? Any suggestions? How expensive is OBD? I wonder if other states are considering the same type of actions?

Phil

 

[bwana50]

It may be small consolation, but the Ford EFI computer is OBD-compliant. (OBD-1 for our '87-'93 systems.)

 

[thumes]

CT has somthing similar - as long as it passes emissions (correct amount of emissions) it shouldn't matter what system you have hooked up to it. Just get some cats and give it a whirl, you can always take them off afterward. I'd ask somone what exactly they check, they usually just check if the fuel system has any leaks (fuel cap pressure test of some sort) and then the sniffer at the tailpipe to check what emissions you have under a small load (like 25mph). You might pass withoout any problems with the cats.

----------------------------

 

[Rod K]

In North Carolina the inspection laws regarding OBDII went into effect this summer. You have to have a dianostic port for the inspection machine to read. There is no other way for a 1996 or newer car to be inspected than through the diagnostic port. They did exempt kit cars as recreational vehicles though.

 

[Faststang]

Always get a second opinion when dealing with state agencies, then ask for it in writing. I'm sure the answer will be different each time. Then ask them what happens if you put a 60's motor in it.

 

[Daytona]

I would get a second opinion. Many states are encouraging kit cars and street rod production.

The requirement in Washington State is that they test all 1997 or newer vehicles by plugging into the OBD II diagnostic port and check for codes. Probably the same in most states.

My car was originally built in 1997 and I had to go for my first emissions test last week. I brought my paperwork in from the original inspection that showed that I built the car with a 1988 engine and transmission. I wanted to show that I was up front and had full disclosure when I built the car. They set the machine up for the 1988 standards and I passed no problem. I have the cats with no air pump and only showed 2 ppm on the HC (Max allowed 160 ppm) and 0 on the HC. Probably would have been 0 0 if I had the air pump connected.

I think any car with cats and EFI should pass the sniff test. Seems like the state emissions board is setting themselves up by no longer using the sniff tests. How hard would it be to come up with a plug connected to a small computer to fool the OBD II diagnostic tool? All it would have to do is not give any error codes and tell it what it wants to hear.

 

[Bart Carter]

How about if you buy a '65 Ford with a 289 and then rebody it? How is that classified? It probably would require 2 steps. First buy the Ford and title/license it for the street. Then take it in as a rebody.

Do any states still allow this? Isn't this how dune buggies were done from Volkswagens?

[ November 08, 2002, 09:37 PM: Message edited by: Bart Carter ]

 

[chad e coen]

The easiest thing to do is find a friend outside the metro Atlanta area. Use his/her address to avoid emmissions. If you can even do that anymore? I used to use a Cherokee address but that was years ago and now Cherokee requires emmissions. Or just get a second oppinion. EVERY employee you talk to will give you a different story. If it is anything like having a home made trailer inspected for use on the street, it is as easy as finding a cool state trooper that is interested in hot rods and he/she will pass you with out a doubt. Good luck.

Chad