CT Emissions Test Results for Composite

[Don]

With all the recent negative press on the CT emissions program along with the article on the front page of today's Hartford Courant:

Has anyone had their Cobra tested using Composite as the make and the year first registered as the vehicle year ? Your experience ? Was the test on the wheel dyno or stationary ?

Sent an inquiry to the CT DMV:

For the designation the CT DMV uses of " Composite " 1st registered in 2000, what are the max limits for the three measurements of

* Hydrocarbons
* Carbon Monoxide
* Nitrogen Oxide

The Courant article mentioned the testing garage has the option of not testing for Nitrogen Oxide. Appears some of the garages have done repairs based upon failing the NOX test, then on the retest, skips this part of the test.

[REDSC400]

Don:
I expect to recieve a letter in the mail any day soon to take the Cobra for an emissions test.

Mine will test out as a 1993 Compo vehicle as that is the year the VIN was applied to the car. Sadly, I am running a 1966 428FE so this should be interesting for sure.

I can't wait to see what happens...

[Bob In Ct]

This whole program is in the crapper. Every week there is another report of testing problems, garages ripping-off customers or rigged tests. The system in place prior to this one was far better. Unlike the previous system, the guys who test your car also fix your car. Can you say "conflict of interest"?

The garage I use told me not to worry since my Cobra is a 2000 (the way the AHs at DMV registered my car) they only have to check my computer. I guess I'll have to bring the laptop with me when I go for my test.

Bob

[Don]

Art & Bob

In case you had not seen the recent articles:

DMV dispute scope of faulty emissions tests
April 12, 2004
Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Department of Motor Vehicles on Sunday said it will begin reviewing repair records of all 279 service stations participating in the new emissions program in the wake of a report that indicated hundreds of vehicles were retested without a key exhaust gas measured and still passed the emissions test.

The Hartford Courant reported in the first five months of the program, 621 cars and trucks that failed a standard emissions test were later given passing grades on an alternate test that does not check for nitrogen oxides and is considered easier to pass.

In 143 of those cases, avoiding the standard test guaranteed a passing score because the vehicles had failed solely because of excess nitrogen oxides, known as "NOx," one of three pollutants measured.

Yet testing garages persuaded many motorists to have costly emissions repairs done to pass the retest. The work was pointless, the newspaper reported.

But the DMV disputes the magnitude of that particular problem and department officials said Sunday that only 123 vehicles among the 400,000 tested since the program began in October need to be re-examined.

"The switch essentially allowed the vehicle to be tested in a less rigorous way, but still a type of test approved by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and used by the State of Connecticut in the emissions testing program," the DMV said in a written statement.

DMV officials at the state Department of Motor Vehicles and its testing contractor, Agbar Technologies, garages may have switched some tests for legitimate reasons.

Experts say a system that does not strictly limit such test switching invites fraud.

"You're essentially passing a failing car without testing it again," said Tom Wenzel, a policy analyst for the government-funded Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California who has studied auto emissions programs around the country.

DMV officials said they will review inspection records to ensure all tests were appropriate. They also promised to examine some cars that suspiciously passed to make sure the emissions-related repairs were done. Repair shops that violated rules will be expelled from the testing program and could face criminal prosecution.

"The department will begin its own internal review of the 123 instances it has identified using the newspaper's criteria," the DMV statement said. "At the moment the department is treating the newspaper's finding as allegations until the actual demonstration of a fraudulent act can be determined."

The department also stated it will now ask independent auditors reviewing the entire system to review the Courant's allegations.

"In addition, the department will also be conducting an immediate review of all repair data filed by the stations in the 279-garage network," according to the statement.

Under program rules, stations are to be suspended from the program on the first offense and expelled on a second offense if they "intentionally or negligently" pass a failing vehicle.

Michael J. Fox, director of the Gasoline and Automotive Service Dealers of America, which represents Connecticut garages, said he was not surprised that some stations had found a way to "cheat the system." He blamed the DMV and Agbar for not noticing or halting the practice sooner.

"I have no sympathy for the guy who commits fraud," Fox said, "but (Agbar and the DMV) told us they would be monitoring the whole system, live on line. I wish it had been caught sooner, so we wouldn't all look bad."

[Bob In Ct]

Like Agbar didn't send a few bucks Rowland's (the country's most corrupt governor) way. These guys are here to stay! The old system was better and easier to police. It went away so Rowland could make a few more (under the table ) bucks.

Bob

[Don]

The test results for a 351W in Sept 2000 with make specified as a COMP

Maximum Test Results

HC 484.00 / 99.40

CO 5.09 / 1.99

NO 3182.00 / 189.30

Well within the max limits, will compare to the new method

[Bob In Ct]

Don:
Can I assume that your engine, like mine, is carburated and is without cats?

Bob

[Don]

Bob

That is correct for the 351W, no catalytic converter, Holly 600, 9.5:1, Crower cam ( do not have the specs, 3/4 race ) .030 over, Ford GT 40 heads, MSD distributor and 6A ignition, Edelbrock performer manifold.

Have asked the CT DMV for the latest max limits for Composite to compare to the original tests, no reply

From the article in the Hartford Courant, the 1990 Mitsubishi Montero max limits, the 2nd number is the 351 W max using Composite standards when tested in Sept 2000.

Hydrocarbons: 100 / 484
Carbon Monoxide .67 / 5.09
Nitrogen oxide 1167/ 3182

Looks like a substantial difference

[capfel]

Art,

My engine is same as yours but my car is registered as a 95 Compo. In March 05 I'm scheduled, but expect that they won't be willing to do the test in my garage with the engine off. I expect to get the date moved.

Since there is no "repair" that can be done to pass my motor if it fails, what do you do?

Also, is a 10 year old vehicle exempt?

Chuck

[Don]

Chuck

I had previously inquired on an exemption for the Composite classification. Only applies if the vehicle is 25 years and older from year of registration.

Reply I reveived from the CT DMV:

Thank you for writing to the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles
Your 2000 model year composite vehicle must be tested for emissions, when your vehicle turns 25 model years old , from present date, the vehicle will become exempt from testing.
If you have any further questions you may call me at 203-805-6230

Dan Jalbert

To Apply for a test date change, must have proof of Comprehensive Insurance which indicates to the Emissions program the vehicle was not being used, as I understand the e-mail sent to me, see below


From: "ProgramManager" <ProgramManager@ctemissions.com>
Date: December 13, 2003 12:14:53 PM EST

Subject: FWD: Re: Test Dates: Vehicles not driven in the Winter
Reply-To: <ProgramManager@ctemissions.com>

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: "State_of_Connecticut,_DMV%CT"@doit.state.ct.u s
Date: Mon, 8 Dec 2003 13:37:34 -0500

Hello Don, if you have comprehensive coverage you can mail or fax it to us along with the emissions letter. Our fax
number is (203) 805-6159. Once we received documentation, we will grant
an extension or you can go to any DMV office and put your plates on hold.
If you have any other questions please feel free to contact our office at
(203) 805-6244.
Thank You
"ProgramManager" <ProgramManager@ctemissions.com>
12/01/03 03:58 PM
Please respond to ProgramManager

[capfel]

4/18/05 - 428 Cobra Passed CT Emissions Test

Test Type: Composite

Overall TSI Results:

Couldn't attach the report so here's the particulars:

Cruise Mode Limit @ 2500 RPM :
HC: 800 ppm Tested: 47 ppm Passed
CO%: 4.00% Tested: 1.50% Passed

Idle Mode Limit @ 1100 RPM :
HC: 800 ppm Tested: 88ppm Passed
CO%: 4.00% Tested: 1.86% Passed

I think they called this a 2-speed test and I did nothing to the engine prior to the test. My 428 has a 650CFM Edelbrock carburator, PCV valve, electric choke, and mild cam, NO cats.

Good luck to every one else.

Chuck

[Don]

Chuck, great news. Had not seen any other test results for Composites with the new system. My test date is 7/26.

[Bob In Ct]

Chuck:
Where did you get it tested?

Bob

[capfel]

Nick's Service Center
East Haven, CT

Station ID: ST0001725

He's 1 block from my house on Rt 80.

The "TSI" test stands for 2-speed-idle. The Composite designation should automatically call for the "TSI" test.

It turns out that my original test that was aborted because of software failure. The Composite designation that day called up a "blank" test and Agbar couldn't give an answer to the test station on how to force it.

It's great to be the 1st when the outcome is positive. It shows the test is passable without screwing up the engine settings and carburator.

Chuck