Massachusetts New Emission Rules
08-06-2008, 02:26 PM
#1
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Massachusetts New Emission Rules
I just had my 1990 inspected on Friday and was told by the tech that starting in Oct-08 auto model years 1995 and older will be exempt from Massachusetts emissions testing.
Only OBD-II equipped cars (1996 & newer) will be tested.
Can anyone confirm this?
Only OBD-II equipped cars (1996 & newer) will be tested.
Can anyone confirm this?
08-06-2008, 03:13 PM
#5
That is awesome !! now we are not restricted on what mods we can do.
This is great new for the HotRod world here in Mass
08-06-2008, 03:17 PM
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Are you saying that although I'm exempt form emissions they will do a visual inspection and I would fail because of no cats?
If that's the case then I couldn't just gut the cats?
If that's the case then I couldn't just gut the cats?
08-06-2008, 03:17 PM
#7
Not to jack thread 
Scott you are so close to me.
Are you in a Corvette club out here in Mass??
I myself am joined with Corvettes United.
They're great people in this club and couldn't be any happier to be a member.
Hope to catch you around some time
Shoot me a PM if you ever want to cruise in the Vettes
Scott you are so close to me.
Are you in a Corvette club out here in Mass??
I myself am joined with Corvettes United.
They're great people in this club and couldn't be any happier to be a member.
Hope to catch you around some time
Shoot me a PM if you ever want to cruise in the Vettes
Last edited by Repzard; 08-06-2008 at 03:19 PM.
08-06-2008, 03:27 PM
#8
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Not to jack thread
Scott you are so close to me.
Are you in a Corvette club out here in Mass??
I myself am joined with Corvettes United.
They're great people in this club and couldn't be any happier to be a member.
Hope to catch you around some time
Shoot me a PM if you ever want to cruise in the Vettes
Scott you are so close to me.
Are you in a Corvette club out here in Mass??
I myself am joined with Corvettes United.
They're great people in this club and couldn't be any happier to be a member.
Hope to catch you around some time
Shoot me a PM if you ever want to cruise in the Vettes
Not problem with the thread.
Do you know if I can dump the cats and be OK?
08-06-2008, 03:48 PM
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Hey Glass, what's up neighbor?
Funny, I just had my inspection on my 1990 vert. Labelle, in Bridgewater.
The tech told me the same thing. It goes into effect Oct. 08.
As far as the smog equipment goes, if it was originally installed on the car, it must remain in place, and yes it will be subject to a visual inspection.
Funny, I just had my inspection on my 1990 vert. Labelle, in Bridgewater.
The tech told me the same thing. It goes into effect Oct. 08.
As far as the smog equipment goes, if it was originally installed on the car, it must remain in place, and yes it will be subject to a visual inspection.
08-06-2008, 04:12 PM
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Hey Glass, what's up neighbor?
Funny, I just had my inspection on my 1990 vert. Labelle, in Bridgewater.
The tech told me the same thing. It goes into effect Oct. 08.
As far as the smog equipment goes, if it was originally installed on the car, it must remain in place, and yes it will be subject to a visual inspection.
Funny, I just had my inspection on my 1990 vert. Labelle, in Bridgewater.
The tech told me the same thing. It goes into effect Oct. 08.
As far as the smog equipment goes, if it was originally installed on the car, it must remain in place, and yes it will be subject to a visual inspection.
If I just gut the converter and leave it how would they tell?
08-06-2008, 05:43 PM
#12
Safety Car
Why would you want to gut the cats though??
The new standards are useful for guys who want to run HUGE camshafts that require 1000 RPM idles, that must be tuned in open loop because cam overlap is greater than 80 degrees (seat to seat). Not so some redneck can hack out his muffler because it adds 1/2 HP combined with the 'throttle switch'..
-- Joe
08-06-2008, 06:02 PM
#14
Safety Car
08-06-2008, 06:26 PM
#15
Instructor
From New Hampshire's inspection requirements:
I tried to search for information in Mass but didn't come up with anything as specific as NH's.
Welcome to the 20th century, MA!
edit: I think that if the cat. is missing/disabled, the OBDII should "know" by the feedback of the post cat O2 sensors. I don't know it these systems can "read" whether the ECM has been altered or not to fool the test. If the cat must be in place to pass OBD testing, then they are relying on the computer to test whether the components are in place. Remember, MA is also the state that will stop inspection as soon as an item doesn't pass and issue a waiver, or something to that affect.....is that correct, my Ma neighbors? My memory is a little fuzzy on that one.
2. How is the new OBD and Safety Testing inspection program different?
Since 1998 the State’s annual vehicle inspection has included, in addition to all the safety checks, a visual check for presence and proper connection of five primary emissions related components. New Hampshire's new vehicle safety and emissions inspection program – called the New Hampshire OBD and Safety Testing Program (NHOST) – has two new features. First, the reporting system is becoming fully automated. Second, the visual emissions inspection is being replaced with OBD testing for 1996 and newer light duty vehicles. The safety portion of the inspection for all vehicles is still the same and pre-1996 non-OBD equipped vehicles will still have the visual check of emission control components.
Newer cars are designed to have much lower emissions than older vehicles and the OBD system is designed to keep the vehicles running cleanly. The OBD system, however, is only effective if it is functioning properly, and the motorist pays attention to the warning signs by having their vehicle serviced when necessary. The new OBD inspection is designed to ensure the warning signs are heeded.
Since 1998 the State’s annual vehicle inspection has included, in addition to all the safety checks, a visual check for presence and proper connection of five primary emissions related components. New Hampshire's new vehicle safety and emissions inspection program – called the New Hampshire OBD and Safety Testing Program (NHOST) – has two new features. First, the reporting system is becoming fully automated. Second, the visual emissions inspection is being replaced with OBD testing for 1996 and newer light duty vehicles. The safety portion of the inspection for all vehicles is still the same and pre-1996 non-OBD equipped vehicles will still have the visual check of emission control components.
Newer cars are designed to have much lower emissions than older vehicles and the OBD system is designed to keep the vehicles running cleanly. The OBD system, however, is only effective if it is functioning properly, and the motorist pays attention to the warning signs by having their vehicle serviced when necessary. The new OBD inspection is designed to ensure the warning signs are heeded.
I tried to search for information in Mass but didn't come up with anything as specific as NH's.
Welcome to the 20th century, MA!
edit: I think that if the cat. is missing/disabled, the OBDII should "know" by the feedback of the post cat O2 sensors. I don't know it these systems can "read" whether the ECM has been altered or not to fool the test. If the cat must be in place to pass OBD testing, then they are relying on the computer to test whether the components are in place. Remember, MA is also the state that will stop inspection as soon as an item doesn't pass and issue a waiver, or something to that affect.....is that correct, my Ma neighbors? My memory is a little fuzzy on that one.
Last edited by jmartynuska; 08-06-2008 at 06:33 PM. Reason: added content
08-06-2008, 06:44 PM
#16
Safety Car
From New Hampshire's inspection requirements:
I tried to search for information in Mass but didn't come up with anything as specific as NH's.
Welcome to the 20th century, MA!
edit: I think that if the cat. is missing/disabled, the OBDII should "know" by the feedback of the post cat O2 sensors. I don't know it these systems can "read" whether the ECM has been altered or not to fool the test. If the cat must be in place to pass OBD testing, then they are relying on the computer to test whether the components are in place. Remember, MA is also the state that will stop inspection as soon as an item doesn't pass and issue a waiver, or something to that affect.....is that correct, my Ma neighbors? My memory is a little fuzzy on that one.
I tried to search for information in Mass but didn't come up with anything as specific as NH's.
Welcome to the 20th century, MA!
edit: I think that if the cat. is missing/disabled, the OBDII should "know" by the feedback of the post cat O2 sensors. I don't know it these systems can "read" whether the ECM has been altered or not to fool the test. If the cat must be in place to pass OBD testing, then they are relying on the computer to test whether the components are in place. Remember, MA is also the state that will stop inspection as soon as an item doesn't pass and issue a waiver, or something to that affect.....is that correct, my Ma neighbors? My memory is a little fuzzy on that one.
The 'change' regards PRE OBD-II vehicles, so referencing a law from another state that references OBD-II vehicles doesn't really support anything.
In Mass if you get a failure, and you spend $250-500 (depending on year) you can get a one time waiver. You are only allowed 1 waiver per vehicle. So next time your emissions test would come around and you failed, you'd have to fix it or junk it.
My guess would be Mass would continue to VISUALLY inspect that the gear is still there while conducting a safety test.
P.s, If I can get an LEO job in NH I'm gone. I'm sick of this state and I want out. I don't care how much pay I lose.
-- Joe
08-06-2008, 07:08 PM
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Time to cam!
J
08-06-2008, 07:16 PM
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How does the change only effect pre OBDII vehicles? Didn't Mass do the dyno/tail pipe sniffer on all cars post 1980, or there about, regardless of OBD version? That would effect pre and post OBDII, correct? Or, I should say, it effects OBDII, it exempts OBDI?
I referenced NH since I couldn't find anything specifically relating to the new procedure in Ma gov't websites. Sounds like NY is similar, so I assumed (yes, I know what happens when one assumes) Ma would be close. Only emissions testing will be via OBDII link.
I referenced NH since I couldn't find anything specifically relating to the new procedure in Ma gov't websites. Sounds like NY is similar, so I assumed (yes, I know what happens when one assumes) Ma would be close. Only emissions testing will be via OBDII link.
08-06-2008, 07:19 PM
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Your info is good but you missed a few points.
The 'change' regards PRE OBD-II vehicles, so referencing a law from another state that references OBD-II vehicles doesn't really support anything.
In Mass if you get a failure, and you spend $250-500 (depending on year) you can get a one time waiver. You are only allowed 1 waiver per vehicle. So next time your emissions test would come around and you failed, you'd have to fix it or junk it.
My guess would be Mass would continue to VISUALLY inspect that the gear is still there while conducting a safety test.
P.s, If I can get an LEO job in NH I'm gone. I'm sick of this state and I want out. I don't care how much pay I lose.
-- Joe
The 'change' regards PRE OBD-II vehicles, so referencing a law from another state that references OBD-II vehicles doesn't really support anything.
In Mass if you get a failure, and you spend $250-500 (depending on year) you can get a one time waiver. You are only allowed 1 waiver per vehicle. So next time your emissions test would come around and you failed, you'd have to fix it or junk it.
My guess would be Mass would continue to VISUALLY inspect that the gear is still there while conducting a safety test.
P.s, If I can get an LEO job in NH I'm gone. I'm sick of this state and I want out. I don't care how much pay I lose.
-- Joe
08-06-2008, 07:25 PM
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