California Emissions

[Drew L]

On our TB cars, what did California Emissions mean on the car when that is whats on the window sticker? Thank you Drew

 

[gofstbuick]

I may be wrong, I hope not. A vehicle that meets CA emissions requirements has been put through a FTP (Federal Test Procedure) emissions test and passed prior to being sold. A specific percentage of a manufaturer's fleet must pass a FTP test before being certified for US sales. All of these vehicles are CA certified, plus a specific nuber of vehicles randomly pulled from the assembley line for emissions testing verification. The FTP test is a 3 day emissions test, and that is why there is an option code and manufacturer charge for this option.

 

[Drew L]

Is there anything different on a Cali car? Chip, ECM or anything mechanical that is included in the emissions option code that GM charges for? or did GM build and design all of the cars the same making them all good enough to pass the Cali test therefore all states? Thanks Drew

 

[gofstbuick]

The California prom has more egr than the federal prom (this according to an engineer that works for BALCO-SnapOn Diagnostics). But visually, the emission controls are the same. The stock Federal car should pass the CA or FTP without any problems, even though it may not have been FTP tested.

 

[gofstbuick]

Continuing, NOx has been a problem that plagued CA early on. As early as 1972, those cars (1966-1970) that were not fitted with some type of system to control NOx, were retrofitted with a NOx control device. Usually something that limited timing. Later on, many manufacturers used dual diaphram vacuum advance, limiting vacuum advance during high gear operation only and only during specific temperatures. GM used a system called Controlled Combustion System (CCS): a emissions calibrated camshaft, distributor and cylinder head configuration. EGR valves arrived in 1972 on MOPAR and GM products, and three way cats (TWC) were std equipment on 1976 Volvo. CA problem emissions are HC and NOx, and other states have more problems with CO and HC. Therefore the less EGR on the Federal vehicle allows the computer (with O2) to better control HC and CO. If your state is not testing NOx, then a oxidation catalytic converter will suffice just fine, but if your state emissions test test for NOx, a TWC can control up to 1200-1500 parts/ million of NOx.

 

[Drew L]

Alot of info there! Thank you for your thoroughness. Drew