Inspection

[swervin ervin]

Hi all. How's everyone doing? Not been posting much but read about every day. Been doing OK myself, nothing too major going on right now. Anyway, I thought I would tell you a funny story that happened to me today.

My inspection sticker has been out on my truck since July.

You see, they quit doing emissions inspections on vehicles older than 99 in North Carolina, in my county anyway. December 2005 was the end of it. My last emissions inspection was July 2005. Right after this I removed everything emissions related on my truck. I'm talking every last drop of it. I had dealt with this crap and trying to have a faster truck at the same time. It can be done to some point but you still have the ugly engine bay and cats to deal with.

I replaced my Edelbrock EGR intake to a Performer RPM Q-jet. Replaced my Edelbrock emissions legal headers with Hooker long tube Competition ceramic coated ones. Removed the cats and old exhaust and finally found a place who would install a true dual exhaust for me. Removed the air pump and charcoal canister along with all the hoses and junk. My Billet Specialties pulleys work for me.

Anyway, way back I was trying to get the guy who done my emissions inpections to pass me with two cats. He wouldn't do it saying the truck came stock with one and a y-pipe so it had to be this way now. I finally did talk him into passing it when I told him I had found someone who would if he didn't. He didn't want to loose my money I guess.

Like I said, my inspection ran out in July of this year. I hadn't been much worried about it since I very seldom drive it. Today, after a doctors visit, I decided to try and get it inspected. I was told by a local auto parts shop where to go. I go there this morning and walk up to the guy and ask him about inspecting my truck. He said no problem. I said well it's not exactly legal. He then blurts out "Hell no. I don't know you." He then takes off on a cursing rage about he is in trouble now with the state about being caught and would probably be fined or maybe loose his license to do inspections. He said he mistakenly put a non emissions sticker (yellow) on a OBD II vehicle for a car lot. The state caught this and are investigating him big time.

I say fine. I don't want to get you in any more trouble. I say I will find someone else to do it. He then says what are you driving. I tell him and goes out to look at it. He asks to see under the hood. I show him. I make a little more small talk and say well, I guess I'll go if he can't help me. He says, pull it in over there (other bay) and I'll inspect it for you. I give him my registration card, he types everything in the computer, removes my old sticker and puts on the new one. He gives me the receipt and I say what's the damage. He says 10 bucks. I give him a 20 and shake his hand. He grins and says thanks.

To end this novel, I now am finally emissions free, even visual. Hoorah.

I got a big kick out of him raising cane and then saying pull it in over there and I'll inspect it for you.