Just as an example of Mass. emissions tests, here are the results from my
inspection of Percy the other day. Percy is a 1980 Spitfire 1500, with
all smog gear in place, but the air pump disconnected. I don't know the
true state of the catalyst but I wouldn't let a mechanic "ream it out"
last year. Percy has Lucas CEI electronic ignition. I set his valves and
change his oil when it seems appropriate, and also check his plugs. The
timings has never budged since I set it, thanks to the breakerless ignition.
He has an electric fan that comes on when the water temperature at the top
of the radiator gets hot enough, and this can knock maybe 100 to 150 rpms off
his normal idle of about 950rpm. This is almost always the case during an
inspection, since you want to start with a warm car and it idles for a while
standing still during the test. I suspect he has 9.0:1 compression instead
of 7.5:1. This was the legal engine for 1976, when more emissions were
allowed than in 1980.
These values apply to a 1980 car, and are probably specific to a 4-cylinder.
Max idle allowed is 1600 rpm. (Possibly for all years.)
For my test:
Idle under fan load about 800-850 rpm.
HC 110 PPM Limit 300 PPM
CO 0.78% Limit 2.70%
Valid rpm
Valid CO2
This is not a trick engine, nor is it especially tweaked for emissions. It
passes these tests quite easily.
Jim Muller
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