C5 Tech Corvette Tech/Performance: LS1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Tech Topics, Basic Tech, Maintenance, How to Remove & Replace
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Emissions Inspection

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:04 AM
  #1  
GerryB's Avatar
GerryB
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default Emissions Inspection

looking at buying a 2003 C5 w/25,000 mi - Carfax report indicates that the car failed emissions inspection in New York 3 times before passing back in 2006. Should I be concerned?
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 09:46 AM
  #2  
Dave68's Avatar
Dave68
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Default

Yes,

The first thing I look at before even thinking about buying a used car is how did it do when smogged. While someone playing with tuning software can really mess things up, there are many other things (like an aftermarket cam) that can put the HCs over the top. C5s are not exactly squeeky clean, even bone stock, but in this case, I'd still be very concerned as to why a newer car would not pass.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 10:17 AM
  #3  
chaase's Avatar
chaase
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 23,480
Likes: 9
From: East Meadow NY
St. Jude Donor '12
Default

I would be concerned, but more information would help. It could be nothing, but it could be a big problem.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 12:05 PM
  #4  
jedblanks's Avatar
jedblanks
Safety Car
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,526
Likes: 20
From: Santa Fe TX
Default

Sometimes, when dealing with a hairy inspection station, you can have multiple reasons for failing. Most places might fail you the first time, and then make sure you are fully ready before running the free re-test.

If the car is modded, depending on the competency of the tuner, it can take several changes before it passes. The main thing is to be sure it eventually did pass. If you are really concerned, make the seller get it re-inspected with you present and pay for the new sticker.
Reply
Old Apr 6, 2009 | 12:11 PM
  #5  
Aprilia1's Avatar
Aprilia1
Racer
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 2
From: Bay Area California
Default Emissions Inspection

Seems that NY has two levels of testing depending upon location. Do you know if the vehicle is subject to the tailpipe emissions testing? Or, is the vehicle under the VIP which solely snoops into the ECU codes listed through the OBD-II port? Shouldn't be too hard to get that information prior to determining the severity of a past problem especially considering the vast difference between the two inspections.

You may be well served seeking professional advice from a local Corvette shop. If you can tell them what tailpipe emissions component(s) exceeded allowable limits or what codes were displayed three times, your level of concern can be accurately addressed. Better than basing your concern from our assumptions. Trust this is helpful...

A1
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Emissions Inspection





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:49 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE