For those who are running a tune and have emissions inspection.

[Ska597]

Interesting post for someone considering a tune and living in MA. I’ve got full bolt ons and am wanting to get a tune but do not want to deal with any possible inspection issues. Would having a cloned ECU help avoid this scenario? Would having a downpipe that doesn’t throw codes help? And once you flash your car back to stock, can it be flashed back to its tuned state using Hondata or would you need to take it to a tuner again?

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[Clark_Kent]

Interesting post for someone considering a tune and living in MA. I’ve got full bolt ons and am wanting to get a tune but do not want to deal with any possible inspection issues. Would having a cloned ECU help avoid this scenario? Would having a downpipe that doesn’t throw codes help? And once you flash your car back to stock, can it be flashed back to its tuned state using Hondata or would you need to take it to a tuner again?

It's difficult to say because each state approaches inspections and emissions testing differently. I'm tuned and didn't have an issue in the state of Georgia.

 

[AZCWTypeR]

MA has a very thorough ECU scan, so very difficult to get modified cars to pass for about the last 10 years.

MA compares the ECU parameters to other cars (of the same model) they've tested. Variations aren't passed. My son's tuned Mk4 GTI was snagged by MA, so he sold it as is.

I installed a canned tune on my (otherwise stock) FR-S, but CT's emission check never caught it. They would have in MA.

 

[Clark_Kent]

MA has a very thorough ECU scan, so very difficult to get modified cars to pass for about the last 10 years.

MA compares the ECU parameters to other cars (of the same model) they've tested. Variations aren't passed. My son's tuned Mk4 GTI was snagged by MA, so he sold it as is.

I installed a canned tune on my (otherwise stock) FR-S, but CT's emission check never caught it. They would have in MA.

Makes sense. In GA, they don't do any of that. There's an OBD scan to search for DTCs. If there are no codes, you're good. The two visual inspections are for catalytic converter and fuel cap inspection, which the inspector never performed. I was in and out in about 90 seconds.

 

[marcusm86]

In Missouri i believe you can just turn the rear o2 sensor back on right before the test that way its "not completed" instead of "not supported".. they hook up a computer (thats connected to the vehicle inspection program) to the obd2 to do the testing here.

Im unsure about other states - but as a a previous inspector i know there are normally some ways around these if you end up in a pickle. Here they CAN offer cost based waivers if you spend over $450 trying to fix the failure... keep that in mind over spending 3k like op said someone else did.

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