emissions failure

[cmx3d]

ok in md we have to take emissions tests for our cars every 2 years. I've takin mine 3 times and failed 3 times. first time my exhaust piping was screwed up. 2nd time i had new piping from the cat back to a universal muffler, and i went and the #'s were better, but i still failed. The lady told me since i live 5 mins away, i should drive on the highway for about 30 mins to clear out the particles so today i did, and i used "gaurentee to pass" a couple days ago and my #s improved but i still failed. to get a waiver, i only need to spend $80 on my car. i'm tired of paying the money to take this test, so i'm going to spend $80. i just wanted to know what i should do. ive already put in a new pcv valve and spark plugs, so i was thinking oxygen sensors or something. what else should i do?

[Bri94GS]

Just have a mechanic sign off on it. I'm sure any mechanic would do it for a few bucks

[pelado]

You'll find that most mechanics won't risk the rather large find and loss of livelihood that would accompany their being caught at passing someone for a few bucks.<BR>My advice is to spend the 80 bucks on the waiver. When I lived in CA they would waive the emissions requirement if it would cost more than 500 bucks to rectify the problem. Do you have something similar in MD?

[Bri94GS]

I know a few mechanics who would do it...if they accept a receipt from Connecticut, i can get you one if you want

[MAZDASPEED STEVE]

I also failed my emissions, only twice though. On the second test is when you have to pay a max. of $200Can. for them to try to fix the prob. I still failed due to a clogged cat.<BR>I went out and bought a high flow cat for $96, the car ran better afterwards, and I had already gotten a conditional pass so I didn't bother getting it tested again.<BR>I found out later that the problem was due to my engine burning oil. My back three spark plugs were soaked in oil. So I decided to buy a 2.5L rather than pay to have the problem fixed on a 1.8L. I'll take it in the spring to get retested, and while I'm there get it dyno'd to see how much hp I'll have. [img]shrug.gif"%20border="0[/img]

[cmx3d]

Since my mx3 is a 93 to get the waiver i need to spend $300 or more. i only need to spend $80 more. Yea I think i may go with getting the new high flow cat. Does anyone know where i can get one cheap in the U.S?

[MAZDASPEED STEVE]

you can order it from the same place I got mine from <A HREF="http://www.performanceimprovements.com" TARGET=_blank>www.performanceimprovements.com</A> ($70-80US with shipping max)or you can try <A HREF="http://www.xtremeflow.com" TARGET=_blank>www.xtremeflow.com</A> they're American, you might want to compare prices? [img]shrug.gif"%20border="0[/img]

[cmx3d]

Hey on the xtremeflow.com site, It says to measure your piping and get a special application converter. I had an exhaust put on, and they used 2.25 piping from the cat-back. So would I use 2.0 or 2.25 for the special application converter? thanks

[MAZDASPEED STEVE]

Yes you'll want to get the 2.25 if that's what your exhaust is.

[endocyc]

Ok you guys listen up this is why the Mx-3s always fail thier emissions test, and its not the exhuasts fault. There are two sensors called the VRIS sensors located near the back of the engine. After a few years these sensors seem to stop working (go figure) you will need to replace these in order to pass it will cost you around $300 for the pair. Needless to say I did not replace mine for that kind of money.

[Sonicxtacy02]

Never heard of the VRIS system failing, but i do know that in VA you cant beat the system... emissions are done all on computer then electronically transmitted to the dmv... yet i've never failed in teh mx so its not a prob for me