Notes on NJ Inspection

[Meantime]

Hi guys. Just passed through the NJ State Inquisition...er...Inspection today. Some things I thought were interesting...

First of all, for you folks who are pondering an engine swap in the Garden State, be advised they checked under the hood of my S13. This didn't happen with my Camaro last month, nor did it happen with my Subaru last year. On the inspection form, it notes a check for "tampering" which I don't recall being a test before. Now, I have no idea what NJDOT considers 'tampering' to be...pretty vague. I also suspect they are doing it across the board for older Nissans since the inspector had to ask me what type of car I was driving (i.e. she didn't know it by sight - and that was AFTER she looked under the hood). Just something to consider, visual used to be an issue in CA only, looks like NJ has gotten stricter in the *Meantime.*

And secondly, here are my emissions results, for anyone who's interested. (max standard limits first, my results 2nd)

NOx - limit 1045 - tested 1024 - PASS (barely!)HC - limit 135 - tested 25 - PASSCO% - limit .76 - tested .13 - PASS

I wonder why my NOx reading was so high. I just changed the O2 sensor, cleaned the throttle body and replaced the plugs before insp. Anybody shed some light on what could be causing excess NOx? I'm glad I passed but that is real close.

[Meantime]

Addendum to above - nevermind about the NOx question, I did some research elsewhere and figured out what to check. EGR and timing will be next on the list...

[ricebike]

Yea, i've seen that "tampering" box 2 years ago...but they didn't bother to check under the hood @ that time since I was pissed @ the tester 2X:

didn't know how to drive stick shift, they got someone else to dyno-test for emmisions.

set it up on rollers as a FWD car; "It isn't a ford probe!"

Instead of standing in the glass booth waiting room, they hurried it up. w/ the slipping thermal fan clutch, it was making alot of whoosing noise...

Next month is my test...i have a cracked windshield so I may just goto a private inspector for the sticker this year.

[Meantime]

I'd have to advise going to the private inspector. It will cost some $ (like around 75 I think) but it will spare you the time-consuming agony of waiting in line for fools to test your car.How the heck did they hire somebody who doesn't know how to drive stick? It's an inspection station, for crying out loud!

They put my front wheels on the rollers too at first...I had to chuckle at the inspector's puzzled face when he turned on the dyno and the car lurched forward. Moron. Then I started frowning, because they left my car idling for about a good 15 minutes...with no cooling fan put on the line...and a ticking-bomb timing chain/guide. All I could hear from the booth was *tick tick tick* echoing off the walls. Not fun.

I'm surprised they even use the dyno anymore, considering what an abject failure it was when introduced and the lawsuits that followed. Leave it to NJ to keep throwing money at a project that disrupts the lives of millions.

[Jusepi97sx]

yeah.. i just got it privately inspected.. saves you on the whole dilema of being rejected for something stupid... but it is $75..

[ricebike]

update.... i got my inspection sticker @ gas station... for a mere $55.

I told him from the beginning that my windshield was cracked & he said if it isn't too crazy, it'll pass.

[Meantime]

Yeah, I have been snooping about inre: swap. The consensus is, most stations around don't seem to give a flatulent outburst what is under the hood...long as it meets the #'s and keeps NJDOT quiet, it goes through. Period...:rockon

[p00t]

damn ... my sticker expires this month...damn it!! i know they are gonna screw up trying to drive my car since its manual.

what is different about the private inspection, what do they do besides not destroying your car? do they perform the same tests?

[ricebike]

the owner of the gas station (Balducci Mobil) remembers me from working @ pepboys marlton! I quit on 2000 to move to nyc temp.

I asked him Y such a big discount? cause he remembers me treating them w/ 1st rate quality service when he wanted parts/supplies. Sure, there was a mechanics autoparts in the staples center, along w/ ABC autoparts warehouse in cherry hill... So I gave the 'inspector' a 10-spot.

Heck, i loaned my FSM to a 240sx owner once when he was having trouble w/ his ECU wiring & told him to return it whenever.If you're on this board, I forgot to ask Y did you move from CA to NJ???

It was kewl to see Dom bring in his slicks from his dragster to balance them on the dynamic speed balancer before his trip to Atco...

O, poot, did you finish w/ your clutch install? i haven't been on the boards lately since i'm driving back 'n forth...