DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #52
     



From: Asa Jay Laughton <asajay.laughton@mailserver.itron.com>

Subject: Re: Tips to pass Smog checks

Date: Fri, 07 Feb 1997 09:54:39 -0800



I've owned a 71 Mach I with a 351C for 10 years now and have passed the

Washington state emissions every time.



Then engine has almost 100K miles since my rebuild.  The cam is a

Motorsports mechanical 560 lift with 292 and 302 duration I/E.  You know,

the kind that says "not legal for sale or use on pollution controlled motor

vehicles".  I also run 4V open chamber heads, a 4V Carter AFB (650+CFM).



Here's basically what I've done:



First, I got rid of the old CD ignition, in favor of a "stock" Duraspark II

system off a later model Mustang.  This was a drop in modification, with

the only trouble coming in wiring the new ignition module.  A few extra

wires, some split wire loom, and it looks stock as a rock.  I run the plugs

at a .045 gap or so and have absolutely no performance problems.  The carb

I simply lean out (both jets and mixture) until it surges, then back off

one jet or rod size and back off the mixture.  Amazingly enough, this

combination has given me great performance at all times, without worrying

about smog checks.  As for timing, I tune it for quick off line

accelleration without ping or hesitation.  I couldn't tell you exactly what

the setting is, since I never look, I just tweak it until it's right.

Every car is different, so you'll have to play anyway.



Okay... now it comes to the actual test day.  This is the part that I think

makes all the difference in the world. If you have your car tuned to the

best driving and mileage performance you can get, this next series of steps

is what will help pass the smog test more than anything ( in my opinion ).



Just before driving to the test station, grab a couple bottles of HEET.

Yes, not just one, but two.  It helps to have at least half a tank of gas,

if you don't, just use one.  Pour them in, and if you have one handy, add a

bottle of your favorite fuel injector cleaner.  Even if you don't have fuel

injectors on your car, this helps break up carbon deposits in the next

step.  Warning, if you haven't done this for some time, you may find it

necessary to change your fuel filter.  You might want to do all this as a

dry run prior to the test.  If you keep this up though, you should never

have to worry about "changing" settings before each test every time, and

your fuel system will stay clearner too.



Hit the freeway, and hit it hard.  I'm not saying break the speed limit,

just don't drive it in third, or fourth.  Hit it in second or third

depending on your individual ratio.  Get the motor turning around 4K RPM

constantly for a few minutes, really heat it up, break up the deposits and

get them flushed.  Last stop.... the test facility.  Pick a short line on a

non-busy day, because the longer you wait in line, the more your engine

cools down, the greater your chances of failing.



So there you have it.  It's worked for me, but then again, I don't have to

conform to CA emissions.  Though sometimes the Mach I has had so few

emission, they've often wondered if it was really running.



Happy trails,



Asa Jay



Asa Jay Laughton

General Engineering Specialist



Itron, Inc.

2818 N. Sullivan Rd.

Spokane, WA  99216



(509)891-3306			asajay.laughton@itron.com



Visit our web site at http://www.itron.com