AEM ECU & Smog Testing

[Mike VR4]

Searching ECU threads on this forum all seem to be Chrome-related. Desperately hoping someone can provide insight/advise regarding AEM Series 2 ECU and how to configure to pass annual smog test on slightly boosted engine. AEM techs will not even discuss anything relating to street application and smog testing. I've read on alternate forums the AEM will not pass smog and the typical advise is to swap stock ECU for annual smog testing. Unfortunately, I cannot do this since the rebuild is sufficiently boosted (cams, slight oversize bore, DR-650 turbos, stock fuel presently) that the car won't run with stock. And, being a 1992, the stock ECU is not flashable.

I have to believe there are many out here with boosted VR4s running on the streets having figured out how to setup and tune to pass a smog test. Your insight and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

[RealMcCoy]

It would help to know what state's emission testing we're talking about, and what tests need to be passed...

You most likely just need to pass tailpipe emissions.... A stoichiometric tune and some working cats would make that a piece of cake.

[stealthee]

Being a 92 they emissions test doesn't do anything with the ecu since emissions stations aren't going to have all the various connectors required for pre-obd2 cars.

As long as your tune is good and cats are in place it should pass without issue.

[Mike VR4]

Your feedback is appreciated. It's Nevada. The first time it failed, like an idiot, I was too pissed to even pay attention to the reasons cited. On the 2nd fail, they identified a 986 PPM with the state's max allowed being 220 PPM. As I'm sure you surmised by the simplicity of my post, I'm not the tuner. I'll be passing your message to him. The tuner identified he doesn't have a smog testing machine to hook the car up to so he can see the output. However, he knows a couple of mechanics in the area that do and will have to arrange a time. Again, thanks for the insight, after all the money and time I've put into rebuilding the car I was freaking out that I wasn't going to be able to get it back on the street and that was my sole intent.

[Mike VR4]

Thank you. Between yourself and RealMcCoy I'm feeling good. If the current tuner can't get it done I'll find another. Much appreciated.

[donniekak]

If you have a main catalytic converter, and a closed loop tune that cycles a narrow band o2 it'll pass. If your tuner can't do that, get another tuner.