Our 2 counties, Travis and Williamson, now have sniffers at the inspection station.
Vehicles from 95 to new get a computer check and no sniffer.
Vehicles from 85 to 95 get sniffed.
Vehicles BEFORE 85 models get no emissions checked at all.
So here we are out of the middle ages. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Jimbo would you mind explaining what exactly a "sniffer" is?

It is the device, used by the state, that hooks on to the tailpipe and tests the exhaust for propper emissions. This is our first time to have em in use here in Central Texas.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

welcome to civilization big jim!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> they've had that test in mass. for years...like 15yrs or more, as i can remember...you should see what they do now! they put your vehicle on a ramp and place your drive tires on rollers and drive at different speeds while testing the emisions(using the sniffer) they dont have that here in ny yet but i hear its comming...

Most counties in PA sniffer test 74 and up. One tons and up are exempt as are cars and trucks that are driven under 5000 miles a year. However, those counties that don't test still have a "visual" emissions check to varify that the equipment is still on and in good repair. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

We've had them for a long time. Run them up on a dyno and check them at RPM then idle. The new law this year is 4 years and newer don't have to be checked at all.

They also go around your auto with a mirror on wheels to see if anything was altered on the exhaust. 25 years and older don't have to be checked so the Willys at 58 years old doesn't get checked. Watching the YJ with 6" lift and 33 muds on the dyno at high RPM is something <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

I've known this is going to happen sooner or later, you guys have the second largest population in the states.

What are your rules regarding modified smog systems (nuttered, MC2100, ...ETC)

Sunder as I posted above.. tween 85 and 95 get sniffed. If it passes you get a sticker.
Before 85 no sniffer and only a casual inspection of the lights, horn, wiper blades and gas cap if it is a sealed type.
After 95 the computer is plugged into and the codes are checked with their computer.
This is only for 2 Countys Around us here. The nearest county line is bout 7 or 8 miles from here. Some locals have domiciles in those "other counties". No sniffers or computer checks there.
As far as I know there are no rules (laws?) about changing engines or upgrading between years. The inspector would not know the difference anyway.
Our inspectors have little fervor where the inspectins are concerned. Many just do inspections and have no mechanic available to them. So it is simply pass or fail and if it is fail come back later and we will test you again.
The place I use installs window tint and does inspections. The only thing I have ever failed was one of the two back license plate lights. I went out and gave it a swift kick which reseated the ground and passed on the spot. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Here in Kalifornia, I'm one of the guys certified to do the sniffing.

It's a little different here than other places, from what I understand.

My sister lives in WA and has to smog her car (my old 91 Caprice cop car). Their test techs know how to operate the machine and that's about it.

I have to know how the whoel car works, be certified by ASE in electrical, engine performance and advanced engine performance, take a series of rather expensive classes from teh state and demonstrate proficiency in the subjects taught. Then I have to take a lengthy test and take an update class once every two years. It's really not worth it in a lot of ways. I also have the distinct pleasure of dealing with the State of Kalifornia looking over my shoulder while I perform these smog checks, and they tell me they can take me to jail if they catch me making a single mistake.

Now we test anything newer than 1974 (or 1975, I can't remember which). Cars newer than 4 years don't have to be tested unless they come in from out of state.

Cars newer than 1995 (OBDII) have to also be checked for readiness flags. That means that you can't clear your codes to get rid of the check engine light and then run out and test it before it resets. We have to let the machine check to make sure all but 2 of the test groups have been run or the test fails and you have to bring it back with the self diagnostic tests run before it'll pass.

Big PITA.

Clay

Here in Kansas we don't have vehicle inspections of any kind. If you bring in a car from out of state they will do a VIN check out in the parking lot of the DMV and that is all.

But then, we barely have 1 million people in the state <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />