Emission visual inspection in WA? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

convert · 02-20-2010, 12:30 PM

So, does anybody know if they do visual inspections at the emission test stations in western WA? Specifically, I've gone to the test station in Renton the last couple of times.

I'm wondering about long tube headers and high flow cats -- which I understand would not pass visual inspection.

I understand long tubes aren't legal anywhere, but I guess the "spirit" of the law is to make sure all vehicles have cats. If I went with LTs (and that's a big IF) I just wonder if it would become a giant pain in the you-know-what.

And is it true the first emission test isn't until 5 years after the purchase of a new vehicle?

References to gov't websites helpful!

BTW, I'm the RJT 2LT/RS w/ sunroof that you might have seen running back and forth between Kent/Covington and Renton. And occassionally up to Lynnwood/Edmonds or Snohomish.

camarossowner · 02-20-2010, 06:07 PM

I would think you would still pass the test because the car breathes better with better exhaust. But, I live in kitsap county where there is on testing. I have the long tube headers, high flow cats and upgraded to 3 inch exhaust and had it tuned to produce more horse power and better fuel mileage too. So, I would think the car would pass as if you never changed out the exhaust system. But, that's my thinking anyway. I would go ask that question to the people who do the testing and see what they might say.

Quote:

Originally Posted by convert

So, does anybody know if they do visual inspections at the emission test stations in western WA? Specifically, I've gone to the test station in Renton the last couple of times.

I'm wondering about long tube headers and high flow cats -- which I understand would not pass visual inspection.

I understand long tubes aren't legal anywhere, but I guess the "spirit" of the law is to make sure all vehicles have cats. If I went with LTs (and that's a big IF) I just wonder if it would become a giant pain in the you-know-what.

And is it true the first emission test isn't until 5 years after the purchase of a new vehicle?

References to gov't websites helpful!

BTW, I'm the RJT 2LT/RS w/ sunroof that you might have seen running back and forth between Kent/Covington and Renton. And occassionally up to Lynnwood/Edmonds or Snohomish.

75rusty · 02-20-2010, 11:16 PM

WA state emissions specialst here

No underhood/undercar inspection in Washington.

Since you are OBD II, all you need to pass is a functioning OBD port and check engine light, light NOT on while the car is running, and all readiness groups passing.

So, as long as your long tubes and high flow cats don't throw any codes, you are good to go.

You are correct, no testing for 5 years on new cars.

I should also add that the only time that your modifications will give you grief emissions wise is if you were to fail, and attempt to get a waiver. Mods are a no-go with waivers.

hb35man · 02-20-2010, 11:26 PM

Yes it's true no emissions test on new vehicle for five years.On my wifes 2003 Mustang first trip to the station,they asked us to exit the vehicle,they plugged into the OBD port ran whatever test they do,said thank you very much and sent us on our way.That was a V-6 car that I had added dual exhaust ,CAI,headers to.She now has an '08. I figure I've got five years to play the mod game with my Camaro before I get all excited about emissions legality.

Iroczlover · 02-20-2010, 11:29 PM

I so love living in thurston county no testing what so ever lol

convert · 02-21-2010, 10:39 PM

Thanks a lot everybody -- I guess it's just a matter of money then! Ha!

I've got the V6 so I'm eagerly awaiting the results of the ARH+Trifecta test that should be published this Weds or Thurs.

camarowa · 02-22-2010, 10:56 AM

no testing in whatcom county.

wsmith · 03-26-2017, 07:35 PM

Fellow Washingtonian here with a V6'er. Do shops do installs on LT and cats or will they refuse? I live in an area with no testing btw

02-20-2010, 12:30 PM	#1
convert Drives: the Camaro as often as possible Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 136	Emission visual inspection in WA? So, does anybody know if they do visual inspections at the emission test stations in western WA? Specifically, I've gone to the test station in Renton the last couple of times. I'm wondering about long tube headers and high flow cats -- which I understand would not pass visual inspection. I understand long tubes aren't legal anywhere, but I guess the "spirit" of the law is to make sure all vehicles have cats. If I went with LTs (and that's a big IF) I just wonder if it would become a giant pain in the you-know-what. And is it true the first emission test isn't until 5 years after the purchase of a new vehicle? References to gov't websites helpful! BTW, I'm the RJT 2LT/RS w/ sunroof that you might have seen running back and forth between Kent/Covington and Renton. And occassionally up to Lynnwood/Edmonds or Snohomish.

02-20-2010, 11:29 PM	#5
Iroczlover The Krazzy bytch Drives: Which car I have 9 vehicles? Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Yelm, wa, Hell if I think about it to much Posts: 7,919	I so love living in thurston county no testing what so ever lol __________________ Heart breaks everyday when you cant take care of your family because you are unemployed, cant give your family what you want or what they need I am not a man I have boobies. Cars are like women, If you treat her rough shes going to complain & you will hear about it. If you treat her right she will purrrrrrrrrrrrr Current cars owned , 72 Skylark vert,86 fiero GT Sold , 87 Iroc-z (sold), 90 Vette Vert SOLD , 95 Z28, 99 Silverado K1500 Totaled, 2010 CGM Camaro 2ss/rs (had to sell & I hate it ) ,2012 Cruze LT repoed. Current current list lol 2006 Silverado 2500hd.

02-22-2010, 10:56 AM	#7
camarowa Drives: 2013 SVT Raptor, sold 2010 Camaro Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: PNW....almost canada Posts: 1,907	no testing in whatcom county. __________________ - Pfadt Suspension Package; Springs & Sways - Brembo Brake Upgrade (Yellow); Courtesy Fesler Built - Custom Magnaflow Exhaust - Blacked-Out Bowties & RS Emblems, Front bowtie delete - Full Dynamat Extreme Trunk Coverage - Tinted side markers - Interior DSV Customs Leather Upgrades - Airaid CAI V2 - Forgestar F14 Gunmetal 20x9, 20x11 - Doug Thorley Shorties

03-26-2017, 07:35 PM	#8
wsmith Drives: 2011 LS Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Black Diamond, WA Posts: 61	Fellow Washingtonian here with a V6'er. Do shops do installs on LT and cats or will they refuse? I live in an area with no testing btw __________________ MRT V 1.0, Injen intake, ICE-olator, JVC Stereo, Alpine speakers, 600-w Amp, 10" Subs

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02-20-2010, 11:16 PM	#3
75rusty awesome! Drives: 07 Jetta WB, '92 GTI 16vT, '76 LUV Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Snohomish, WA Posts: 117	WA state emissions specialst here No underhood/undercar inspection in Washington. Since you are OBD II, all you need to pass is a functioning OBD port and check engine light, light NOT on while the car is running, and all readiness groups passing. So, as long as your long tubes and high flow cats don't throw any codes, you are good to go. You are correct, no testing for 5 years on new cars. I should also add that the only time that your modifications will give you grief emissions wise is if you were to fail, and attempt to get a waiver. Mods are a no-go with waivers.

02-20-2010, 11:26 PM	#4
hb35man Drives: 2010 Camaro 1LT Aqua Blue Metallic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Algona Washington Posts: 316 View My Garage	Yes it's true no emissions test on new vehicle for five years.On my wifes 2003 Mustang first trip to the station,they asked us to exit the vehicle,they plugged into the OBD port ran whatever test they do,said thank you very much and sent us on our way.That was a V-6 car that I had added dual exhaust ,CAI,headers to.She now has an '08. I figure I've got five years to play the mod game with my Camaro before I get all excited about emissions legality.

02-21-2010, 10:39 PM	#6
convert Drives: the Camaro as often as possible Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 136	Thanks a lot everybody -- I guess it's just a matter of money then! Ha! I've got the V6 so I'm eagerly awaiting the results of the ARH+Trifecta test that should be published this Weds or Thurs.