So long as they are sealing and operating correctly, they won't be a factor in whether you pass or fail emissions. The jet valves put a lean mixture of fuel in right at the spark plugs which is supposed to produce more throrough combustion (and thus lower emissions). I had one of my valves break so I put in jet valve eliminators and I still passed emissions with no problems. The condition of your carburetor and catalytic converter as well as the general tune (good plugs/wires/ignition and spark timing) of the engine will play a bigger role in whether you pass or fail.

As for the grinding between shifts, the only time mine grinds (and mine has 151k miles on it) is when it's really cold. The gear oil is just too thick at low temperatures and doesn't flow smoothly enough. Once warmed up enough, usually about a mile or so, it shifts smooth with no grinding (unless I try to speed shift it...these things weren't made for drag racing).

Good luck on the test! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />