Passed Smog in CA
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Just wanted to share that my 87 S4 with Custom Exhaust, Headers, 19# Injectors, 55psi Fuel Pressure at idle, and Random Cats Passed the CA Smog with 225,000 miles without Air Pump connected (Belt on, but tubes disconnected), and was pretty clean. It was about 80F ambient, and the motor was nice and warm... I think it's pretty good considering the mileage.
FWIW, I went the first time with the belt totally disconnected, and the tech asked me to put the belt back on so the Visual would be fine... He did not realize however, that the pump was not connected to the engine etc...
Cheers,
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Due to the custom exhaust, I had to make sure the cats were nice and hot, so I took her for a run on the freeway before going to the station.. Th first time I went there, the car was too cold, and it was showing not too nice on the meter...

One of my goals is to complete my design and build the 600rwhp supercharger system that passes the smog requirements. Still a few issues to solve though. Nevertheless, progress is good, even in small steps..
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Gonna go for it to slip it past the visual initially. My design allows most of the items to be covered, with just the snout of the blower protruding. I also plan on replacing the smog pump with a Crankcase Vaccum, or possibly going to a dry sump setup. For now, the smog pump will stay with the belt on.
I think the finished product will be able to do this (sneak by visual). Ideally, in the long run, if I can get the bugs worked out, it may qualify for a CARB Exemption... Then I would be home free. I would not mind even leaving the smog pump connected to achieve this. It means reattaching the hose from the pump to the exhaust, but it may be worth it to get the exemption if possible. If not, sneaking is always an option...
All of this is good news. I'm about to install a similar exhaust system on my car. The idea of getting a CARB exemption for an SC is encouraging. Keep us informed of your progress.
Are you running a custom ECU? or controller?
Thank you,
Pappy
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So far so good though.... As promised, I will update the forum as I progres, and have results to support the mods. The theoretical calculations all work out so far, but nothing really sure until asembled and tested.
Many many mods going into the car. Some are a part of replacement as the car is 17 years old, and I planned to build the supercharger system for quite some time. However, I want to achieve certain design requirements, and making it all work can be a handful at times.
The exhaust I have is pretty unique, and can flow a lot of air and be street legal.... Small proven steps, but eventually I think I will get there...
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Love your setup! Keep up the great work!
Last edited by Nicole; Sep 21, 2004 at 03:43 AM.
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Gonna go for it to slip it past the visual initially. My design allows most of the items to be covered, with just the snout of the blower protruding. I also plan on replacing the smog pump with a Crankcase Vaccum, or possibly going to a dry sump setup. For now, the smog pump will stay with the belt on.
I think the finished product will be able to do this (sneak by visual). Ideally, in the long run, if I can get the bugs worked out, it may qualify for a CARB Exemption... Then I would be home free. I would not mind even leaving the smog pump connected to achieve this. It means reattaching the hose from the pump to the exhaust, but it may be worth it to get the exemption if possible. If not, sneaking is always an option...

CARB testing for certification costs a pile, doesn't it?
Those referees are a damn waste of skin AND oxygen, but they can make your life miserable.Best of luck.
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The cats are not further away, but I think that due to the configuration of the system, and the design, the velocity of the air is less, and the cats take a little longer to get warm. The cats are about 12 inches from the end of the header flange, but after the X-pipe. The X-pipe serves to improve the flow dynamics and as I have 3 inch piping throughout, I am certain the velocity and pressure of the air is less than in the 2.25 inch stock system.
I also cannot move the Cats, as this would entail refabbing the entire exhaust, as it is all welded together from the Header/X-Pipe connection Joint all the way to the tail pipes with mandrel bent tubing.
No worries there though.. If I connect the air pump fitting, all should be fine, as it was not running very rich, with the cats cold.. MAX HC at idle is 120, and it was about 140 +/-. After warming up, it measured 30 at idle and 26 at 2500 Rpm on the HC , and .03 at idle and .07 at 2500 Rpm on the CO. This engine has 225,000 miles, and has never been apart..... AMAZING in my book..!
Another option, could be to use an electrically heated catalyst during warm up, like Alpina used on its B12.... But, $$$$$..
Joe S,
As I mentioned earlier, I will inform everyone when I am finished.
Bill,
I am fully aware of the referee deal, however, I chose to go to a shop that was willing to be fair, and not rip me off (I always use them for smog, for all my cars). I actually prefer to have the car pollute as little as possible, and make as much power as possible. As for the CARB cert, yes, it's expensive, but if I can get the system to pass the test parameters, then I think it would be great.
Dave,
I hear ya man..! I think many smog shops see a P-Car, and $$$$ takes over their thinking. If you showed up with a Crown Victoria, it might not be so bad..... But, part of the deal of driving a P-Car, most common folk go "he's Loaded" Oh well..
I hear ya man..! I think many smog shops see a P-Car, and $$$$ takes over their thinking. If you showed up with a Crown Victoria, it might not be so bad..... But, part of the deal of driving a P-Car, most common folk go "he's Loaded" Oh well..
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Joe--
Where did the $250 go? I'm on the ragged edge on NOx, and could use some more hints before I dive in too deep.

