Newbie looking for some great cf knowledge. I will be relocating from CA (emission control central) to TN early next year. Wanted to know what mods I could expect to get away with in TN? Willing to register the vette in KY to give me more freedom. Definitely looking going to go with a h/c set up at the bare minimum.

 

In new OBD II cars 1996-present the only reason you will fail inspection is if the check engine light is on or comes on during inspection. They dont to tail pipe emissions. In california they do but as far as I know they dont do it anywhere else. Do whatever you want just make sure that light doesnt come on. Thats just my experience with Texas though

 

In Texas they DO check emissions in large metro areas and surrounding counties.

 

I can help, as I live in Tennessee. If you live in, or around a metropolitian area, your car must be tested by MARTA ( Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanogga, and a couple of others ). If you live in a county outside these areas, all you do is go to the county courthouse and pay for the license. My hybrid does not meet emissions, so I register it in a county where I used to keep my boat, about 70 miles from my home. I've moved the boat closer to home, so now I must drive to the county to pay the license, as I do not receive the mailed paperwork. They still mail the paperwork. It just shows up at the marina, and I guess someone trashes it? It's no big deal, as the difference between the costs is about $70 between my county and the rural county, so it's worth the trip. The rural counties are so happy to get your money that they usually don't even ask any questions. If they ask, tell them it's your second home, so the address doesn't match the one on your DL. I think you could walk in to any country courthouse, give them an address from the phonebook, and they'd issue you a license. Then, after that, you'd have to go to the courthouse and tell them you simply left the paperwork at home. They look up your license on the computer, take your money, and give you the appropiate stickers. Welcome to Tennessee. You're gonna love it!

 

Thanks for your reply Ben

 

Thanks dcs, I appreciate the response.

 

I cannot wait to get out there. Home prices are wonderful out there compared to Los Angeles. I am looking to meet up with some new Vette guys out there, please let me know if you know of any groups. I am going to send you a PM. Thanks EuroRod

 

Ben dover I have lived in Texas for 7 years and my cars have never had a tail pipe sniffer when getting inspected. I live in North Dallas, a large metro area.

 

I live just south of Nashville. Not so much into the vette clubs here, but there are a few of us forum members that try to get together every now and then.

Look me up or PM me and I will give you my contact info.

 

I live just south of Nashville. Not so much into the vette clubs here, but there are a few of us forum members that try to get together every now and then.

Look me up or PM me and I will give you my contact info.

 

Obviously, you're speaking from your TX experience, which has no bearing on the question. In TN areas that require emissions testing, there is a tailpipe sniffer for all cars. No computer hookups. If you want proof, I can show you 4 years worth from my 02 vette. Although I have just moved to northern MS, I passed Memphis emissions in April with LG Pro Long Tubes with Hi-flow cats and a CAI. With a good tune, you could probably get by with a cam in the 224 dur range.

 

Thanks for the info fdxpilot.

 

So you passed the sniffer test...how did you pass the visual inspection with relocated, non-OEM cats? I assume they didn't do a required visual?

In Arizona (at least the way I understand it) they're supposed to simply do a 'plug-in' test on OBDII compliant cars, however, when I took my OBDII compliant Suburban in recently...they rolled it and used a sniffer. They refused to do my requested idle only test because the vehicle was in excess of 8500lb.

If the Government mandates the OBDII procedures but in reality most inspection stations aren't equipped to utilize OBDII plug-in testing, it doesn't make much sense. It's been a while since 1996 so one would think the inspection stations would updated their equipment and actual employ OBDII testing procedures.

 

I think here in Tx. 1996-present do not get the sniffer test. Only a plug into the computer and you can have no more than 2 "not ready" codes. I have cams in my car and had 2 not ready systems and still passed(egr and evap. turned off).

 

No visual required. Roll in, they check your VIN and input it into their computer, check lights, wipers, and emergency brake. Then they stick a probe in your exhaust, run an idle test, print out the results, and you're off. Here, they don't care what you've done to the car, as long as it passes the sniffer and the basic safety check, plus it's free. A good attitude, as far as emissions checks go.

My old Z28 did flunk one year, but after cleaning the KN air filter and putting in a new PCV valve (That was listed as the two main causes of IIRC excessive Nox,) it passed on the next try.