C230 Sport Coup

Well, 6 years and now after the warranty is done, I'm being asked to get me baby smogged. Has anyone had their W203 smogged yet?

It's cool that you don't have to do it every 2 when new, but then again,
by the time you get around to doing it, there's no way to know if it was functioning correctly through to the end of the warranty period, which I think is better for the mfg.'s than the individual.

Will they balk at my header?
Will the Magnaflow cat be enough to get me through?
Will the pulley effect the smog levels?

SeaCoupe

Hey Bro, you are blazing new ground here. You are the first I think. I wonder what will happen to. Mine will be due in April. Let us know how it goes. Heck, if you don't mind, put out the numbers your car blew.

E

ohlord

your O2 sensors in place?Do you show any check engine lights?Do you have a scanner?
harborfreighttools.com check if they have a store near you.the store will match the internet price on the #94169 scanner only about 40 bucks.You plug it in check for codes and check I/M readiness for emissions smog test.
If no codes and all I/M status (I think you are allowed 1 not ready)are okay you will pass the test with no problems.

C230 Sport Coup

No check engine light, I have a scanner, new magnaflow cat and 02 sensor (the precat one, the one that counts) has been replaced.

My concern is with the header.
I'm going to try to rig up a cover like the one that covered the stock manifold so they won't look too close.
Is it even an issue?
I don't want to fail the visual for mods...that could get nasty.

They don't care if I have ESP errors do they?

The good news is that I think my reg is only like 120 bucks or something?
Sweet.

splinter

Couple of things you may want to consider.

Not sure how many M111’s your local smog check technician has tested, but the Supersprint may look OE to him. That you have a fresh, intact catalytic converter just downstream from it may not even cause him to raise an eyebrow. When I’ve tested cars (and a truck) with aftermarket exhaust manifolds, they have never been questioned, except for once. When he asked, I looked him straight in the eye and stated, “Their CARB approved.” They were, and I had the paperwork to prove it. He never asked for any documentation and it went on to pass the visual and tailpipe easily.

Since even the slightest incipient misfire will send HC (the primary cause of tailpipe failures) soaring, it may be inexpensive insurance to swap in some warmer BCPR5E-11’s for the test. ~$3 each. The exhaust sample is obtained at idle and very light part throttle loads. No sense using a long life Iridium for test mode. Just remember to install the colder plugs before getting on it.

Before queuing up at the test facility, give it a lengthy run to get it good and warm. Don’t shut it off before the test is conducted. If the atmospheric conditions are even slightly cool or foggy, request that the operator conduct the test in “rain mode.” Doing so will generate more heat in the cat, making it more effective, before the exhaust sample is obtained.

Umm, that’s more than two but you get the idea. Don’t sweat it.

C230 Sport Coup

I did a little research and as you point out, any mods before the cat need to be CARB approved. FYI for anyone reading this, anything after the cat, as in
cat back systems ARE legal.

Unfortunately, Supersprint headers are not CARB approved, "For race only" blah blah.
I think I'll take the stock heat shield and pound it out a bit to fit over the header, and bolt it on.
That will give it stock look.

You're saying put hotter plugs in for smog?
Hmmm....
I'm running colder plugs to avoid detonation.

Alchohol is a great way to pass, but does it damage anything?
20% in gas, will cut emissions enough to pass, and as MTBE has been replaced by ethanol around here, that mean just adding another 10%.

Well, I'll see what happens.

If I do a pre-test, and they see I've put an illegal header on, will the result be any different from any other pre-test?

I have to wonder if the pulley will effect emmisions.

Well, if I do have pull the header, I'll send the M45 out to rebuild, and the alternator as well.

mtnman82

I'd use xylene (gallon cans at your local Home Depot) if you really need to pass by adding something. Xylene will up your octane (I think xylene is something around 110 octane). Some use it in turbo applications where they are raising boost significantly. I might add an ounce of marvel mystery oil along with the xylene. Xylene burns very cleans, pretty much guaranteeing you will pass. I wouldn't use more than a 20% mix.

I would only add something to your fuel if you don't initially pass. Ask the shop if they will do a pre-smog inspection - verify that they will hook it up an check things out without actually entering your vehicle info. Some shops will do this for you, and charge you a smaller fee if you're not going to pass and let yo ugo try to take care of things. Plus, you're not in the system ... yet ...

Non-CARB approved bolt-ons are all up to the shop, what they notice, what they're willing to ignore, or how strict they are on things. My smog shop doesn't seem to notice the manual boost knob just below the stereo on my Porsche ... It' s tuned well enough to pass easily, but there's more than just the 'knob' involved, as you can imagine. I'll be bummed if that shop ever goes out of business or changes owners. I've also had the pleasure of going to a shop where I passed the running tests, but failed because they thought the fuel filler tube looked tampered with - didn't matter that it couldn't fit a leaded knozzle, or that they hadn't sold leaded gas in CA for years ... .

I'd ask around to try to find a good shop, and then ask for the pre-check. If you're running (& tuned) well, then it's just a matter of what the shop will flag or not. Good Luck!!!

splinter

mtnman82 is absolutely correct. If you know of a friendly smog tech, any concerns are henceforth unfounded.

Because I opened my big mouth about your sparkplugs, here is an oft-proven rule of thumb:...a colder plug minimizes the risk of pre-ignition and detonation, however if the plug is too cold there is a risk of fouling during extended periods of idling and low-speed operation...

Since you are enjoying enhanced manifold pressure, exchange my suggested warmer 'test' plugs for your good ones before pushing throttle against the firewall. A few worthless links to hopefully validate my ‘tarded theory:

Denso
NGK
Misc

C230 Sport Coup

Need to find a smog friendly tech....

splinter

Did it pass?

C230 Sport Coup

Haven't gone yet.
It's due by the end of the month.
Need to go to my storage, gonna find the heat shield, and pound it to fit,
hopefully covering up the header and making it less visible.

Meanwhile I'm choking on exhaust thats coming in through the heater vent when standing still.
Got in there the other night, and checked all the nut and bolts on the manifold, seems ok. The exhaust is coming from towards the front of the engine, where there also a couple of metal tubes, one of which appears to be connected to the EGR valve, which is at the back of the engine...
tube runs all the way back.
Could I have a leak where this tube attaches at the front of the engine?
Otherwise perhaps the gasket is shot, from the when the
cat clogged?
Dunno...
The fan wasn't running so it was obvious just by smell where the general area was...however I took a thin piece of paper to try to see where the leak was...but no luck, was hoping it would blow around near the leak, but nothing. Doesn't appear to be at the point where the header bolts up.
I shoulda bought a FIAT. ;-) Be less of hassle.

Any helpful advise is appreciated.

Buellwinkle

Why would it not pass. By doing the mods you did, it's already running leaner than normal. Also, they don't dyno at wide open throttle anyway so the O2 sensor will keep the a/f ratio in check. You are not blazing any new ground, there's plenty of pulleyed 1998-2004 SLK230 and 1999-2000 C230 in California that pass smog. Don't mess with it, don't add crap to your fuel, you are just being paranoid, just get it smogged and if anything shows up, deal with it then. They do check the gas cap now and that maybe worth changing since it's cheap.

SeaCoupe

Are you freaking kidding me!? Bought a Fiat?! Dood, I have a ratio of time spent working on the car to time driving. Plus, I have dumped quite a bit of coin on that car....

Buell, Yes, the M111 was run on the SLK, He is breaking ground in this chassis. For Gosh sakes, give him a bit of credit. Guy goes out of his way to help quite a few people on this board, me included. Maybe I'm not reading your comment correctly, But I would never expect you to minimze something like this.

E

Buellwinkle

Just saying it will likely pass, so why stress People get paranoid about mods they did, with warranty and smog tests and most of the time everything works out.

Fiat is definately the way to go. This was my dream car when I was in Junior High -

C230 Sport Coup

Ed,
I appreciate you sticking up for me, but in this case, it's not needed.
Nothing I've said or done could compare with his (Buell)
contributions. (Uh, a little thing called the ASP pulley....)

I'm mostly concerned about the header.
My reg is due the 31st.
Still working on that....but now my door is messed so sheee-it.
Guess I'd better get on it.

My X when new was fairly reliable, other than a blown head gasket, and
an blown tranny. The head gasket was the result of crappy repairs by the local repair shop. (Belt too tight, snaps, overheats, blow head gasket,
replace head gasket, then water pump blows, and another head gasket, all because of dumass mechanic.)

SeaCoupe

I know, I know, No one has more reverance than Buell. In fact, he and I have had emails, in which he has assisted me. Heck, Probably going to ask him about removing the I/C.

You do quite a bit. I know I hardly answer questions anymore.

Buell, and C230, you both got my respect. Buell, the 850 was a head turner. Just soooo underpowered.

E

C230 Sport Coup

Passed! The guy said my car has very low emissions, and was low for my type of vehicle. Header? What header?
(see pics)

Looks stock eh?
The guy must've looked there 10 times and didn't see it....
Took the stock manifold cover, snipped it down,
put some black allen head studs, (shiney new metal would've been too obvious,
and holes would've stood out too...)

with nuts on the back, and a piece of aluminum sheet metal (a gutter bracket) to hold it in place....

he he......

splinter

Subterfuge FTW.

It has always struck me as irrelevant the hardware that happens to be bolted in/on an engine when it’s being subjected to emissions testing. Isn’t it the concentration of noxious chemicals that waft from the tailpipe(s) that utimately affects our air quality or lack thereof? Most of us maintain our machines to a far higher state of efficient tune than the average appliance operator.

When you receive your car tax sticker from the minions in Sacramento, you will get a flowery note thanking you for “doing your part” to help clean the air. Your bros here send props for trotting out all those extra horses in an environmentally responsible manner.

Nice work.

capt_paul

Here in Nevada I had to get emmissions test after the first year. But all they do here is the hookup to the test port and no visual inspection.

splinter

Received notice from Mr. Schwarzenegger to fork over its annual car tax. I paid it, of course, but he once again insisted on its biennial tailpipe sniffing in order for his minions to send me that ~$300 license plate decal.

Since it has recently surpassed the 200K mile threshold, surmised it was time for yet another sharp tune. Service X in MB parlance, perhaps? Ran a bottle of Techron through it. New filters, sparkplugs, wires, cap and rotor. A crankcase full of fresh Mobil 1. Timing set to specification. Never one to tempt fate, I figured a pre-test was in order - lest Sacramento red-flag my account to habitual offender status. Suspected its catalytic converter was due for replacement. $125 OTD for an easy DIY.

Before and after results of fitting the new cat for California’s mandated testing:

HC - Hydrocarbons: 167/98 vs. 10/7 (PPM)
CO - Carbon Monoxide: .65/.31 vs. .01/.01 (%)
NO - Oxides of Nitrogen: 966/530 vs. 74/31 (PPM)


Although it consumes fuel at the rate of ~12 MPG and its carbon footprint is likely more than its fair share, my GMC can be currently classified as a ULEV by the AQMD, CARB and EPA. hehe. Shared this merely to reinforce the importance of a properly functioning catalytic converter with regard to reducing air pollution.

When the four on the C are in need of replacement, I’m trading up.

spyderpig

Well, good to hear that !
I'm amazed with what you did with the header cover! like a real bad boy LOL.
BTW is there any legal header for this engine?

SeaCoupe

Hope you don't mind if I tack my info in your thread.

Just smogged Sea Coupe on Thursday. Easy cheese.

My numbers for 15mph were:
MAX/MEAS
HC - Hydrocarbons: 60/30 (PPM)
CO - Carbon Monoxide: .53/.05 (%)
NO - Oxides of Nitrogen: 459/196 (PPM)

My numbers for 25mph were:
MAX/MEAS
HC - Hydrocarbons: 43/15 (PPM)
CO - Carbon Monoxide: .51/.06 (%)
NO - Oxides of Nitrogen: 746/79 (PPM)

Only hanging issues was the gas cap. Says he gets a lot of failures with the MB Gas Cap even when new. I did manage to get my cap to pass.

I can confirm, they do a strong visual check for components. They Kleeman pulley I have was of no effect. Likely becuase both the 15mph and 25 mph parts of the tests had the engine at no more than 1420 RPM.

E

splinter

Latest results from the C:



Testament to the fact that in a judiciously modified and properly maintained car, high performance and low emissions are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Rather pleased it complies with the spirit, if not the letter, of California’s stringent visual and tailpipe pollution mitigation requirements.

C230 Sport Coup

Ed, as we know, the Pulley leans out the mixture....hence it probably helps it pass!