So, I just took my FD over to the VEIP in Abingdon and failed to HC (hyrdocarbons) part of the test. The tech said "you just bairly failed" but wtf does that mean?

HC allowed: 1.0000 GPM
HC tested: 1.2008 GPM

I didn't have an issue with being close on the CO or NOx tests at all. Could this be as simple as my plugs have 10k miles on them and need to be replaced? Could it just have been that the car wasn't warmed up enough? I just don't quite understand this crap, so any advice would be helpful.

mods:
Apex'i Power Intake
Apex'i PFC & commander
Magnecore spark plug wires
downpipe & catback

I had Dee tune the PFC about 2 years ago and when he did it he said he was going to tune it a bit more conservatively since I was using it as a DD at the time. Does this mean it might be running really rich with slow ignition timing or something? Anyone? What happens if I fail again? Do I just have to keep trying until I pass or does the 'ole car lose its registration? Just assume I'm a complete idiot and explain this to me guys, I've tried to read through the 3rd gen FAQ and the 3rd gen archives, but between all the mixed answer, I can't tell what is real and what is fake and it all looks like it says "blah blah blah blah" to me.

 

You might want to have him check that again. I just went through emissions on 17 march and my paper says the state standards on HC is 1.4000 GPM, so you passed . I had mine done in Clinton, MD, but state standards are state standards.

 

WHAT! are you serious? is there somewhere on-line that i can look that up?

 

I would suggest find someone who \"knows\" someone to help you pass. I not saying that I did that or anything, but it is just a though. You could also possibly get it temporarily retuned to run a little lean and get it adjusted back later.

Are you running the stock cat? Anyway, just some ideas. No guarantees on any of the above posted ideas.

 

yeah, its the stock cat still.

 

Call this number 1800-638-8347 and check it out.

 

make sure to notify the guy doing the test that once the engine gets above 2300 rpm, the air pump turns off. short shift it all the way. it's a roller test right?

 

If you want a 2yr. waiver, lower your car. IF you have coilovers slam it. It won't go on the rollers. If you don't have coilovers, consider getting them for performance and future waivers! lol....Good luck.

 

Ernie, I've been contemplating that... trust me

Will that work even if I don't have side skirts? I'm thinking I'm going to change my plugs and try the alcohol trick and then do a high-flow cat and some lowering springs.

 

I got a waiver last year, I got the notice while the car was at PFS for the turbo. Ray took it over near his place and he said they told him there was no way in hell my car would clear the rollers. My front is about 3" from the ground LOL

 

I e-mailed Ray on Friday, since I'm dropping the car off there for some work this Friday coming up. Hopefully he'll have some suggestions or being willing to help me out.

I really appreciate all the input guys.