California Smog Update | FerrariChat

California Smog Update

Discussion in '348/355' started by vvassallo, Nov 18, 2024.

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  1. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,324
    Palos Verdes
    Full Name:
    Vince V
    This is for my fellow CA residents regarding a recent change to the BAR practices when it comes to smog checks. I believe this affects everyone, not just the pre-OBD and OBD I vehicles.

    Went in for a check and was informed by my tester that, in addition to the ridiculous roller test they do on my 348, I MAY be subject to a random recheck by the BAR at one of their local (wherever that is) facilities. This amounts to double jeopardy, IMO. If you pass, there is no guarantee that it will stick if you get called in for a subsequent test. I cannot tell how threatening this is, but given the number of BAR test centers and employees, it's probably not that much. Still, be aware - it's out there.

    On a test note, my car failed by 2 points! The HC was slightly high at the 2500 rpm level. Given the mods to my car, not too surprised, although I prepped it pretty carefully. I am installing new spark plugs just in case since that seems to be the easiest action to take.

    My car has new O2 sensors, new plug wires, new modern adjustable fuel pressure regulators, new ignition parts, upgraded injectors for better atomization (4-hole versus 1-hole OEM) and modern replacement cats. If it doesn't pass later, then my next step is to adjust the fuel pressure regulators down and adjust the MAF sensors just a hair. Further, and more involved steps are to clean out the cats (yes, this is a thing) and burn lower octane fuel just for the test. Relax, I won't be redlining it in this case. Alternatively I could add some fuel additive, Techron, which I do periodically anyway because, you know, we live in CA.

    The car is a 1993 348 TS Serie Speciale, somewhat modded. ECUs and chips are newer 1994 Challenge spec which are not significantly different from stock. Remember all I need is 2 HC (hydrocarbon) points. Everything else is perfect. Any more ideas from the brethren? Keep it simple.
     
  2. sfcarguy

    sfcarguy Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 9, 2018
    525
    Earth
    I've never heard of the BAR requesting vehicles come in for a random re-check.

    I've always had good success when getting the car really hot right before getting on the rollers (i.e. driving the car slowly on the freeway at high RPMs).

    Lower octane fuel will not help you on the HCs because the car will run like crap due to high compression and Motronic's adjustment limitations. Remember that the BAR97 (pre-2000) test is 15mph and then 25mph in 2nd gear so it's fairly low RPMs.
     
  3. JoeCab

    JoeCab Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 27, 2014
    426
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Joe C
    From my experience with other cars, adjustable FPRs can have a really big effect on the mixture. So I think backing them off a bit should get you down by the 2 points you need to pass.

    BUT - I would caution you not to lean out the mixture too much, as it can make NoX skew high. A small adjustment should do it.
     
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  4. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,324
    Palos Verdes
    Full Name:
    Vince V
    @sfcarguy Thanks for that; I guess I will leave the gas alone.
    @JoeCab This is what I was thinking as well; just a small FP adjustment. Stock is 3.8 Bar for my car. Earlier 348s used 3.0 Bar FPs. Mine are set to 53 psi but I can back them down to sub 50 and see what happens, maybe 48 would do. I think I have lots of room on the NOX scale.
     
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  5. Ob917

    Ob917 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 7, 2024
    350
    Cardiff CA
    Full Name:
    OB
    That’s what Montana is for
     
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  6. vvassallo

    vvassallo F1 Veteran

    Aug 4, 2006
    8,324
    Palos Verdes
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    Vince V
    Yay! I passed!

    Bought new Iridium plugs and made sure they were all gapped properly to 6.5mm. Guess what? They were all different. Only 1 was at 6.5 or close. The rest were over 7mm. I gapped all to 6.5 per factory spec which is between 6 and 7mm. Then I checked the ones I removed and not one was at 6.5 and all were over 7mm.

    Then I backed the fuel pressure down to 48-49 psi. Ah, the wonder of adjustable FPRs! And the car tested below the limit. Escaped having to sell the car, relocate it or register in a Montana LLC for now.

    Sometimes the good guys win. :cool:
     
  7. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,549
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    A knowledgeable good guys with tons of experience ... wins sometimes.
     
  8. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
    Consultant Owner

    Aug 10, 2002
    28,979
    socal
    Awesome vince!!!!
     
  9. JoeCab

    JoeCab Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    May 27, 2014
    426
    Colorado
    Full Name:
    Joe C
    Good job! Since you were so close to passing, you did the right thing by changing just a couple of simple things.
     
  10. JSBMD

    JSBMD Formula Junior

    Mar 17, 2007
    450
    The OC
    Full Name:
    John
    Glad to hear this strategy worked, Vince! I'll note this as my car is also equipped with adjustable FPR's, I hadn't thought this was something that can be so influential on exhaust gasses (though it's obvious once I think about it).

    Thanks for sharing!
     
  11. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    37,089
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Why run higher than stock fuel pressure? More fuel delivery does not equate more power.
    Also too high HC is indicative of a problem causing less than optimal running. Unless the cams have been changed or the compression has been raised very high, low, down at the bottom of the range HC indicates highly efficient combustion and more power. High HC is just horse power out the tailpipe.
     
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