E85.....how does it affect emissions?
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
E85.....how does it affect emissions?
JoeNovas post on turbos got me thinking....
In SoCal they are practically wanting our old cars to burn cleaner than new. Mine baaaarely passed (88 stock)
Really want to build a bigger motor when funds allow...if it burned that clean it could allow for more cam possibly?
Would the sniffer be able to tell? Being as so many cars run on it would it toss a red flag?
In SoCal they are practically wanting our old cars to burn cleaner than new. Mine baaaarely passed (88 stock)
Really want to build a bigger motor when funds allow...if it burned that clean it could allow for more cam possibly?
Would the sniffer be able to tell? Being as so many cars run on it would it toss a red flag?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,133
Likes: 319
From: Ohio
It depends on the E85. There's a lot of flexibility in the regulations depending on where you're located.
The dirtiest E85 in CA is considered 17% cleaner than gasoline, and the cleanest 64% cleaner.
I've heard its not legal to convert to E85 in California, but I don't know for sure.
I also know someone who converted to E85 specifically to pass the smog test (which it did).
The dirtiest E85 in CA is considered 17% cleaner than gasoline, and the cleanest 64% cleaner.
I've heard its not legal to convert to E85 in California, but I don't know for sure.
I also know someone who converted to E85 specifically to pass the smog test (which it did).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,486
From: New Jersey
It depends on the E85. There's a lot of flexibility in the regulations depending on where you're located.
The dirtiest E85 in CA is considered 17% cleaner than gasoline, and the cleanest 64% cleaner.
I've heard its not legal to convert to E85 in California, but I don't know for sure.
I also know someone who converted to E85 specifically to pass the smog test (which it did).
The dirtiest E85 in CA is considered 17% cleaner than gasoline, and the cleanest 64% cleaner.
I've heard its not legal to convert to E85 in California, but I don't know for sure.
I also know someone who converted to E85 specifically to pass the smog test (which it did).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,486
From: New Jersey
If it visibly looks different they'll want a CARB sticker... if it's injectors and fuel line... probably not. Make it look to pass like you would normally mod a car and it'll be good. The visual on the exhaust is tricky from what I've been told... but idk if you have plans on modding that much. And MPGs will be comparably **** poor... it burns more efficient per gallon but needs more to get the same power... weird science. You'll fill up more... thats about it. Depending on the sniffer though you could get screwed because burning alcohol creates different pollutants altogether. Worth looking into for sure though.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Wont hurt to ask I suppose...You can run a catback, but the cat and 02 sensor themselves have to be in their original spot. Cat has to have a Ca EO# stamped on it also, they do check.
My truck failed as the EO number on the replacement cats was replaced by another. So it was legal, then not. Just another way for mfrs to sell parts.
Bummer was there wasnt anything wrong wtih the factory cats, I didnt know any better at the time. Guy had them sold to a recycler before the new ones were put on.
Its one big scam
My truck failed as the EO number on the replacement cats was replaced by another. So it was legal, then not. Just another way for mfrs to sell parts.
Bummer was there wasnt anything wrong wtih the factory cats, I didnt know any better at the time. Guy had them sold to a recycler before the new ones were put on.
Its one big scam
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 6,928
Likes: 1,486
From: New Jersey
Wont hurt to ask I suppose...You can run a catback, but the cat and 02 sensor themselves have to be in their original spot. Cat has to have a Ca EO# stamped on it also, they do check.
My truck failed as the EO number on the replacement cats was replaced by another. So it was legal, then not. Just another way for mfrs to sell parts.
Bummer was there wasnt anything wrong wtih the factory cats, I didnt know any better at the time. Guy had them sold to a recycler before the new ones were put on.
Its one big scam
My truck failed as the EO number on the replacement cats was replaced by another. So it was legal, then not. Just another way for mfrs to sell parts.
Bummer was there wasnt anything wrong wtih the factory cats, I didnt know any better at the time. Guy had them sold to a recycler before the new ones were put on.
Its one big scam
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
Short of leaving the land of nuts and fruits, is there a different county you can register the car in? For example, I know of people who register their car in the neighboring county because it doesn't do emissions testing? IDK if it is all over or just that way in where you live but that is a way
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
I was told DMV wants your actual residence they wont take po boxes anymore.
It may not be a realistic idea at all as I dont know what all is involved in using a different fuel just wondering.
Guys run propane and pass so? It would only be for smog day...not concerned about mpg
Some guys say they add all kinds of stuff to their tank, I dont know if its something they read or not
Their machine can tell if youve done that and will fail you from what I have heard. Trying to find "a guy who will pass you" is a pain and have no interest in that game
It may not be a realistic idea at all as I dont know what all is involved in using a different fuel just wondering.
Guys run propane and pass so? It would only be for smog day...not concerned about mpg
Some guys say they add all kinds of stuff to their tank, I dont know if its something they read or not
Their machine can tell if youve done that and will fail you from what I have heard. Trying to find "a guy who will pass you" is a pain and have no interest in that game
Last edited by cv67; Dec 20, 2020 at 03:40 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,332
Likes: 3,246
From: Hartford WI
Does it need to be verified? IOW, does that mean he has to know that you are residing there? Say I have a friend who lives in the next county and use his address as my DMV registered address?
