How to tune to pass a smog test

The situation:

We are trying to get our 88CRX B16A swap past the CA smog ref, so tuning for smog is exactly what we are trying to do at this point in the project. The car had been labeled a gross polluter with the old engine, so we are trapped in the system till we get a BAR sticker. In fact, we have to pass a visual inspection, so we can't have anything non-stock for a '94 Del Sol VTEC on the car unless it has a CARB EO sticker. This means no Wideband O2 sensor, no EGT sensor, and the ECU is even supposed to be stock, so no visible datalogging connector on the ECU case.

We did a port and polish job on the head, port matched the JG header and Skunk2 intake and we're running a '94 GSR throttlebody. We've put in CTR pistons, pumping the compression way up. We're naturally aspirated with stock injectors. We have a new OBD2 cat. We're running 100 octane unleaded race gas.

Apparently, we've tweaked the motor enough that the stock P30 ECU is unable to keep it at stoich in closed loop mode. Per the last trip to the smog ref, we're running high in HC, CO and NOX.

NOx (PPM) max: 708, measured: 1584, FAIL
HC(PPM) max: 89, measured: 188, FAIL
CO(%) max: 0.53, measured: 0.66, FAIL 

The advice:

Suggestions for passing smog based on what you have said:

In the first 4-6 columns take out 3 degrees of timing versus a stock JDM P30 program. You won't need as much advance with the higher compression - you'll be on the shit side of the EGT scale if I'm guessing right.

Aim for 14.7 as a compromise value. Disable the O2 sensor in code after you're done with the wideband. You can do better w/o the O2 at all than with it. Do not let the AFR drop below 13.0 EVER - tip in, startup, WOT. Especially with 100 unleaded, you should be shooting for 13.3 as your lowest AFR at WOT. Remember, leaner mixtures will like marginally more timing so advance it a degree or two in the 3 highest load columns.

If you're using bigger than stock injectors, be VERY mindful of your trims. (TPS, Main, O2, Cold)

I got my turbocharged motorswapped b18b powered CRX to pass Ohio emissions testing on the rollers with the sniffer without a catalytic converter. If you lack a cat, shoot for more like 15.0-15.3 AFRs in high-vacuum.

Good luck. I managed to get 29mpg CITY out of the CRX's setup after the emissions tuning work. What you're doing now will benefit you down the road.

Notes:

FYI, "Tip in" is what happens when you open the throttle to begin accelerating. The manifold pressure drop is too fast for the ECU to accurately compensate, so it adjusts it by dumping in a set amount per %TPS change. (Thanks ltdannear)

-- markolson - 19 Feb 2005