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Old 03-07-13, 10:13 AM
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Question Oregon Smog Questions

First off, I am looking for some well rounded advice. A friend and I are planning to move to Oregon from Minnesota in the next year or two. With that being said, we are wondering how hard it will be to pass the smog test required to register the cars.

Some info:
-We are planning on moving to the Hillsboro area.
-I own a completely emissions removed 88 NA FC (oops )
-My friend owns a heavily modded 03 WRX.

So what are your takes on this?

All help is greatly appreciated.

-DJ
Old 03-08-13, 01:55 AM
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Hmm... I'm pretty sure Hillsboro [mostly] is in the DEQ zone. Anyway, so long as you still have an air pump [you should be using one anyway for your 5th/6th ports ^_- ] or get one, and a cat you can swap in it's very easy to pass...

Run down to 1/4-1/8th tank of gas
Put two bottles of Isoheet in
Connect the airpump directly to the split air pipe [the tube that goes straight to the cat]
Drive gently to DEQ
Pass with flying colors
Immediately fill up with regular gas
Swap exhaust and airpump back to their normal connections.
Old 03-08-13, 06:23 PM
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Well I bought my car with the air pump removed, I do still have it in a box though. I also have the RB true dual. Is there any law regarding car age? Any insight on the modded WRX?
I could easily just pick up a cat.
I appreciate the info!

Last edited by djSL; 03-08-13 at 06:29 PM.
Old 03-08-13, 09:47 PM
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Nice on the true duals! Not sure how that'll factor in.. Maybe a shop could make a dual to single flange on both ends of the cat?

In Oregon's DEQ zones it sucks... Anything 1975 or newer must pass *FOREVER* ~_~

For the WRX, [1996 or newer] all they do is plug into ODBII and check for codes. No codes = pass. [They do stick a mirror down below and quickly check for a cat] Technically they're supposed to check for idle volume, but even when I had a huge exhaust leak in my NA [visible gap between the flanges] I was fine, so not too many worries there.

Also, since you're moving to this area it's time for me to plug RPNW: Rotary Power NorthWest. We meet every 1st Wednesday at the Round Table Pizza on Barbur blvd and Capitol hwy [I think it's a Portland address]. We've got a lot scheduled for this year and hopefully continuing next year [tech day at Pineapple Racing, car corral at the Portland Historic Races, three cruises out on the twisty roads, and more I'm forgetting ^_^' -- I'll post a thread about all the events pretty quick here]
Old 03-09-13, 07:25 PM
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Hmm. That is true. I forgot about the flange difference. Maybe I could pick a cheap stock exhaust from someone and throw it on just for the testing haha.

That is great news on the WRX. I really appreciate that.
I will not know anyone in Oregon so it would be great to meet up.
Old 03-13-13, 10:09 AM
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You could always find a registration buddy lol.
Basically everything considered part of the Portland Metro Area is a DEQ zone. Outside of that area and your free to do as you please. Unfortunately Hillsboro is part of the DEQ area, but if you have any friends that live in Eastern or Southern Oregon you could always register your cars primary location there.
Old 03-14-13, 07:53 PM
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I may need to find a registration buddy then! I wonder if there is a grace period when first moving there....
Old 03-15-13, 02:58 AM
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or you could not move into the portland area? oregon is a big, beautiful state with lots of nice places to live.
Old 03-15-13, 01:39 PM
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That I understand. I have been there quite a few times. However, I have many personal reasons why I aim to move there versus the rest of the state.
Old 03-15-13, 09:09 PM
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fair enough
Old 03-19-13, 03:21 PM
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I will hopefully be attempting to DEQ my 87 TII this spring/summer. I might try the Isoheet/denatured alcohol trick, or just lean it out as much as possible and replace the RB REVII silencer with a new Catalyst.

Going to DEQ my 22re with no EGR, but it needs a cat too...

Can't wait for the fun!
Old 03-24-13, 04:20 PM
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Don't forget "SP" plates, special registration plates that are for one time permanent registration of classic autos in OR. You can go to the OR DMV website & download the correct form, it also indicates on the form the qualifying information.

You do have to have another car registered in OR in your name that you use as a daily driver. You are supposed to use "SP" reg. cars only for parades, club events, etc.. So every drive I take is to go to, or is part of, a "club event". 25 years old or older is the cutoff, so a 1988 or older is eligible.

I register all my older "fun" cars on SP plates, all my car buddies do as well. Police don't notice or care, I've never in 20 years of living here and doing this even heard second hand of anyone ever being questioned about the plate, and lots of us get pulled over for other infractions.

If you register a vehicle on SP plates, you never have to renew, so never have to pass DEQ, also don't have to pass DEQ to register an SP plate vehicle for the first time. Fill out the forms, pay the fees, & you're outta there.

Bruce
Old 03-24-13, 09:05 PM
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Here are the smog regulations on my 89 TII. It will be the same for your S4.

Old 03-25-13, 10:36 AM
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Bruce: Do these SP plates require that you own another vehicle in addition to the "classic" one? Here in Minnesota, you are not allowed to register a vehicle as classic unless you have proof of registration for another vehicle that would be your daily driver. I will be picking up another car eventually, just not ASAP..

RotorDemon: Based on the picture you posted, it seems they only test Carbon and Hydrocarbons?
Old 03-25-13, 03:17 PM
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According to rotordemon's image the Limits are HC 220 PPM & CO 1%.

From DEQ Website:

In the Portland Area
1975 - 1995 - Basic Emissions Test
The Basic Emissions Test is a two-speed idle test that analyzes emissions for hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide levels. The vehicle is placed in neutral and idles for 30 seconds. After that, it is taken to 2500 revolutions per minute for 30 seconds, and then idles for another 30 seconds.
More information about the SP (special interest plates)

General Information: This plate is issued to a vehicle that is maintained as a collector's item and is at least 25 years old at the time of application, a vehicle sanctioned as a vehicle of special interest by an established organization that provides for recognition, or is a street rod as defined by ORS 801.513. This plate is also issued to a vehicle that is a racing activity vehicle as defined in Oregon law. Vehicles may only be used for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses.
Plate Fees: $12 (one plate issued).
Available For: Passenger Vehicles, Motor Homes, Buses, Mopeds, Motorcycles, Trucks, Travel Trailers, Campers, Special Use Trailers, Heavy Trailers and Light Trailers.

The reg form.
http://www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/6577.pdf

Originally Posted by ors
805.030¹
Violation of registration limits on antique or special interest vehicle

• penalty

(1) A person commits the offense of violation of registration limits on antique vehicle or vehicle of special interest if a vehicle is permanently registered under ORS 805.010 (Antique vehicles) or 805.020 (Special interest vehicles) and the person uses the vehicle:

(a) Other than for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses; or

(b) Primarily for the transportation of persons or property.

(2) The offense described in this section, violation of registration limits on antique vehicle or vehicle of special interest, is a Class D traffic violation. [1983 c.338 §240]

Note: Section 3, chapter 25, Oregon Laws 2001, provides:

Sec. 3. If a person has registered an antique vehicle or a vehicle of special interest prior to the effective date of this 2001 Act [January 1, 2002] and has received two registration plates, the person may display either one plate or both plates, but if the person displays only one plate, that plate must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. [2001 c.25 §3]
Huh... interesting...
Old 03-25-13, 04:47 PM
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djsl:

As mentioned in my post, you do have to have another vehicle registered in your name at the same address your SP vehicle is registered, this is because you are not allowed to use your SP vehicle as your daily driver.

Nick:

I'm aware of the restrictions and penalties around the SP plates. Note that you are allowed to use them for "club activities and similar uses". This is of course pretty broad and would allow for just about any type of driving. However, this is a moot point, nobody, but nobody, ever gets the SP plates even mentioned if they are pulled over. These plates are simply not on the radar of authorities, most police don't what they are, if they do, they don't care. I've used them for 20 years and have literally dozens of friends who have them, none of us has ever had them come up as any kind of issue with the law.

Bruce
Old 03-25-13, 05:29 PM
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Yea, I hear ya, just wanted to put it out there. If I can't manage to pass DEQ, I'll be registering for a SP plate, slap on a RX-7 club or RPNW decal and promote for the club
Old 03-26-13, 02:56 PM
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Wow this is good to see. That means I wont be too restricted even if I bought a 76 or later rx3. Which tend to be much less expensive lol. Really want one of them now.
Old 03-30-13, 09:43 PM
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Just to note when I went through DEQ all they checked was idle emissions for 20-30 seconds and off I went.
Old 04-07-13, 05:47 PM
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Thanks for all the good info guys. I was actually in Portland last week and it was beautiful. I did manage to see an Arctic Silver FC in Big Al's parking lot. Maybe it was one of you guys?
Old 04-08-13, 04:04 PM
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If by Arctic Silver you mean a Crystal White S5 Vert then it was probably me.
I work in the arcade there.
Old 04-09-13, 08:32 PM
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Hmmm. I did not see that one. It was definitely a s4 arctic silver coupe.
Old 04-29-13, 12:42 PM
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^hatch. :/ I'm dumb
Old 05-09-13, 09:47 AM
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Well I went to the DMV yesterday, and the lady, whom of which said she that had owned an Rx-7 before and that it was a great car after the engine had been replaced (she even knew it was a rotary), said that even with the Special Interest Reg. that I'd still have to pass emissions since it's newer than 1975. I'm going to call DEQ today and confirm, but damn...

I was also trying to transfer titles from WA to OR and I have to get a Vin Inspection from DEQ as well as Emissions testing...

Sucky.
Old 05-09-13, 10:51 AM
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I called DEQ and he said yep anything after 1974 must do testing. But with the SP plates you are only required to do it once as I understand. B.S.


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