94 Miata with supercharger. I've got take it to the dreaded California "Smog Test Only" Station. Strick controls, probably the worst in the country. I'm hoping I can pass the visual, since I've got all the stock stuff hooked up one way or another. My question is regarding the sniffer.

I'm trying to figure out the most favorable settings on the SDS. I'm guessing I should set the base timing to stock. Then pull back the fuel by about 10-15% using the fuel knob. How does this sound to you? Any other suggestions?

John

I would like to know too? How did you do by the way if you did it already?

I passed, but not without several hours of work. I first went by the test station and asked him to do a visual check. He was glad to do it and found nothing obviously out of place. he then offered, at no charge, to put the car on the rollers to run a pre-test, which I failed. He wouldn't, and rightfuly couldn't check into to any details of the engine to determine why it failed, but he was kind enough to suggest where I should look for the problem.

I did have something set wrong and corrected it to clean up the tailpipe emissions. but I still had the problem of the CEL. I figured the best way to deal with that was simply (or not so simply) was to disconnect the SDS and hookup all the electrical back to stock. I pulled the fuel rail and reinstalled the stock injectors and coils and made sure the sotck ECU and all smog equipment was properly connected and working. Mind you, I did not remove the SDS and other aftermarket stuff.

Yes, it was a pain in the butt, but at least I knew everything was as good as I could make it without tearing the whole thing apart. The next time won't be as bad, because now I have all the smog stuff hooked up and the wiring straightened out. It will mean I'll only have to switch out the injectors, coils and ECU.

I hope this helps you. My only suggestion would be to go to a station and pop the hood and ask him to do a visual. If he gives you a hard time, go somewhere else. You don't have to be a jerk to do your job. If he's reasonable and wants to make sure you pass, he may point out things you need to change, if you don't already know. Good luck.

Thanks John... I don't know what i'm gonna do when it comes time to smog mine... I'm not in Cali anymore though.. I'm in Vegas.. But I don't think i'm gonna be able to put my ECU, harness and all that back to stock... I have a lot of that removed... But we'll see... There are a couple of stations out here that "WILL" pass you if you know somone ;P But thanks for letting me know...