Making Our 1978 Subaru DL Smog Legal Was Expensive and Massively Difficult!

[@patrickirish8110]

This episode was like a classic 'whodunit'. But rather than Colonel Mustard in the library with a candlestick, it was a boatload of working through a problem until discovering a creative solution. Great, and very interesting, update!

[@americanrambler4972]

I thought you said this was expensive. It was like $850 with a professional shop spending literally hours on it and doing several what are normally expensive repairs by themselves. You got a ton of work done for that price, and a much better running car to boot. You definitely got your money’s worth! That shop definitely earned a shout out from you guys.

[@ChrisNelson_77]

Texas has anything older than 25 years is considered a classic and no emissions testing at all. Takes like 5 minutes to do an inspection and done.

[@kens97sto171]

Someone else also commented this. But a cheaper and perhaps better solution would have been to buy a weld in catalytic converter and stick it in there. That would have dropped the CO significantly. You can find those on RockAuto for about 120 bucks. Cost you probably 50 or 60 to get it welded in place. But you would legitimately be cleaning the air up more. Obviously the tune-up helped and I suspect you'll find the vehicle runs up goldmine Hill better now that the carburetor is operating correctly. In Texas it's a 25-year rolling time window. Anything older than that just gets a basic safety inspection.

[@lamplighter5545]

Here in NY, cars are required to meet the emissions standards from the time of manufacture. That seems fair. There were emissions standards in 1978. The Subaru would have passed them (with ease, probably) at the time. Those limits should have been good enough.

[@donschiffer7400]

Are you sure about that? "Most 1996 or newer gasoline-powered vehicles and most 1997 or newer diesel-powered vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than 8,501 pounds are subject to the OBDII emissions inspection." Older than 96 simply requires that a visual inspection of the emissions equipment be done. And since 90% of the mechanics out there have no clue what a pre-96 vehicle had for emissions, this means seeing if it has an exhaust...

[@kens97sto171]

@@donschiffer7400 That depends on where you live. Ohio has absolutely no emissions check, or safety inspection. Texas it depends on where you live. If you live in a county that has a metropolitan city of any decent size you will have an OBD2 emissions check, and a basic safety inspection lights horn etc. If you live in a county that is more rural they only do the basic safety inspection.

[@donschiffer7400]

@@kens97sto171 I currently live in Tennessee and it is like that here. My current county has no inspection at all. But NY is a bit different. They have a single state wide inspection.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

That's pretty much universal, but as cars deteriorate, sometimes they flunk the emissions tests even with the standards at the time of manufacture.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

Note that even at that time, there were Federal Emissions Standards, which were weaker than California standards, so if this car was a non-California Model, it is understandable as to why it might need retrofitting.

[@Wrang15]

When i lived in NJ for a year they dyno tested my truck. Guy jumped on it.. came off the dyno wrecked 3 cars parked in front of it in line.. what a fun day it was. Now back in PA i have noda lol

[@alaindeul1333]

I think it was worth it it's a one of a kind classic

[@saldar65]

We used to have the drive clean requirement around here, they cancelled it because it didn't work. It was just a money grab, pay up to a fixed amount and you could drive on even if your vehicle still failed. As well it only applied to certain areas so what was the point.

[@adamshubitz2920]

I had suspected that ethanol would be involved in passing emissions because I have seen the miracle that pure biodiesel can pull off in getting a friend’s old diesel truck to pass emissions in Arizona.

[@ebels3]

In a lot of states that do echecks, if the car is 94 and newer, the test facility just uses the OBD II port, hence the whole dieselgate issue. Older cars get the dyno treatment. But it is also a rolling cutoff point, usually 15-25 years old.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Remember folks, if you want it to pass emissions, you gotta LS swap it.

[@zarkeh3013]

butt, where does the spare tire go then?

[@ebels3]

ZarK Eh who needs a spare? Weight reduction, bro.

[@ColeSpolaric]

@@ebels3 except for the extra weight of the LS lol

[@ebels3]

Cole Spolaric r/whoosh. Obviously, it was a joke.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

ebels3 it was totally a joke

[@turbojunki]

It’s all about money and making you get rid of your old cars.....

[@VMEMotor5]

Yep

[@boostedmaniac]

Exactly. And in ca come 2035 you won’t even be able buy a new gas car. They will be banned.

[@ezragonzales687]

Colorado has some weird rules. We have emissions here and such but it’s 1979 and older. We also have a moving date for the classic car plates.

[@67FORDTRUCKF250]

Sadly, typical Colorado at this point....they are slowly sinking down to California dumbness

[@boostedmaniac]

@Bill Madd after screwing with classic cars, will be raising your energy costs through “green energy,” rolling blackouts, high taxes and rampant homeless.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

For Atlanta, anything over 25 years does not need to pass emissions....and some places in Georgia don't need emissions at all.

[@JVHShack]

That is crazy how Colorado expects that kind of result from a 42 year old car! I used to live in Texas and I was a vehicle safety inspector. The point in time that Texas cuts off the smog requirement is what ever year it is, the vehicle is exempt from testing at age 25. And that's only in select counties! But all vehicles are still required to pass a basic safety inspection, unless you get antique vehicle plates. I have since moved to Arkansas, and the are NO vehicle inspections. I like this state better! lol

[@turboclaybird]

Same in Oklahoma. There has never been emissions testing, and safety inspections ended in 2001.

[@fritty9927]

Same with Indiana (I moved out of Texas too. Damn Texicans. If I heard one more of them claim they drink water from dirty hoof prints I’ll 🤮🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. Rooster Cogbern for those who don’t get it.

[@ColJonSquall1]

Prior to the changes in April 2019, here in Ontario (Canada), we used to have laws that stated anything older than 20 years was exempt from emissions and was considered eligible for classic status. Though due to our province continually changing things, they revised it so that anything that didn't have emissions previously done was exempt, but any that had prior still did. Then with the April 2019 change, we no longer have to emissions test vehicles under 4500 kg, unless otherwise instructed by police. The only time we need it is when registering a vehicle, and we're pretty stringent with ours too, as we're the ones that signed that Green act with California.

[@scotbrown7305]

It's awesome that a shop will give that kind of customer service. I'm glad they got it right. It's crazy to ask for a 42 year old car to preform better than new. In NC if the vehicle is 35 years old you don't have to have a inspection.

[@aaronandhayleyskinner3249]

LOVE finding the rare business that treats you so well. It IS worth extra money in my book all day!!!!

[@neilmurphy845]

That is fantastic to hear the car is back on the road again I love that Subaru did they fix the stalling issue

[@gregholloway2656]

Interesting story, Tommy. Here in British Columbia, I had the same problem with my 70s truck. There was no way it would pass the arbitrary limits in stock form. I ended up sticking a catalytic converter on it, and that made the difference. Now, the province has revamped the program, and I no longer need to be tested.

[@goobernuttridge6476]

Seems like the state needs a "grandfather" clause. Time to get into politics Tommy.

[@davegt27]

CO adopted CA emissions laws, all these people moved from CA to CO, you see they ruin the old place they lived then jump up and move claiming CA sucks, they next start to change there new area to the place they just left so CO is starting to suck more and more

[@AnalogueKid2112]

I am affiliated with an environmental agency in Ohio. Areas here that require emissions testing only apply to cars

[@deejayimm]

The idea of having a historic plate but then still having to get emissions test on it is just more gov overreach.

[@Desertfox92308]

Typical blue state overreach! Luckily my '72 Beetle with classic vehicle plate is NOT required to do any emissions test here in Grays Harbor County, Washington! Thank God!

[@fritty9927]

Norm K. Blue state??? I think emissions have been around a long time: even when Colorado was a RED state🤣🤣🤣

[@Desertfox92308]

@@fritty9927 yes they have had regulations. But taking 2020 standards to a 1978 model is ridiculous! My point is excessive nanny state mandates.

[@lal5555f]

@@Desertfox92308 your wife cheated must be the blue state overreaching into her snatch ehh

[@Desertfox92308]

@@lal5555f what? Apologize you POS!

[@scottboyer8450]

The classic Subaru Wagon was the first car I ever knew. I was born in 1977 and my Mother had bought our home in 1978 along with a '78 Subaru to tote around my older brother and I. It was only front wheel drive but the perfect car for where we lived (Santa Fe, NM). Light and nimble it could handle ice and snow better than most 4x4's.

[@poot111111]

Maybe CO thinks that E85 was present in 1978 ...

[@GeoSentinel]

Tommy, this is the best car commentary I've seen to-date. Well done! Honest, balanced, AND you offered a solution.

[@KMBlaster]

I had one of those, about 35 years ago.

[@WanderingDad]

So why didn't you just put a catalytic converter on it?

[@tylerb8091]

That’s what I was thinking. Put it on for the test and remove it when you’re done.

[@theinternets7516]

Emissions testing like this on cars like that is ridiculous.

[@Wannabecowboy004]

Great to see the time and effort going into the little car, I used to have a 79 Brat and it wasn’t near as good as that is. Back when I was a kid that’s all my parents owned was Subaru’s and I even remember them owning a 77 or 78 Subaru DL wagon. Keep it on the road for future generations to see because there aren’t many left and ppl don’t realize that was what started Subaru’s back in the day..

[@kerryrwac]

I wonder if installing a cheap aftermarket catalytic converter would have solved your emissions problem .

[@Doncan0823]

kerryrwac My very own thought. If he adds a modern technology cat converter it should clean up nicely without loosing any significant power.

[@KYoss68]

TBH: that little dinky engine might not even make enough exhaust heat to fire off a catalytic converter.

[@QQMoaritsreal]

@@KYoss68 They make cats for motorcycle engines, I'm sure you can get a small enough one to work on a 1.6L.

[@pelewads]

In '78 they were still selling leaded gas. Which had much higher octain. By adding the e85, you're going to get that higher octain.

[@TFLclassics]

Interesting point, thanks!

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

*octane

[@pelewads]

@@richfarfugnuven6308 thank you I can't spell for shirt

[@R.Nelson]

Hey Tommy!!..I miss my 78' GM truck n my 78'Olds Regency-98...for years iv been kicking my self in the ass for selling them

[@volvo09]

Love the e85 trick! That's a guy who knows his fuel and engine operation.

[@abqcrutch]

Here in NM, emissions testing is only performed in one county, Bernalillo. It's a moving date, currently 1984 and newer. I'm glad I looked that up. Thanks, Tommy!

[@User-cc6cq]

This DL is a time capsule/survivor, so please take care of it. And...please...for the love of God...don't turn it into some POS beater!

[@AndresHernandez-ow3tb]

I love station wagons

[@Daniel_Colavecchio]

My very first car. 0-60 in 15 seconds with a four speed manual. I bent every rim including the spare off-roading and sliding it off of roads during the winter. Most uncomfortable front seats I ever sat in. Car rotted out from underneath me. Still loved it.

[@969thewhip]

Pa isn't that strict. 95 and older they do a visual check and gas cap test. 96 and newer is a plug and scan with gas cap test. Less than 5000mi a year is exempt. And not every county has to do it.

[@catskillwoodgas]

Maybe add a catalytic converter, to it?

[@magicrat933]

Emissions testing in Colorado is totally jacked (and I'm sure other states as well) and the intention was righteous but for older vehicles totally asine as you have found out. I had an 84 Bronco that had a terrible time passing emissions in Denver, so besides other reasons moved to an emission free zone: Colorado Springs. You might want to think about that (and rent is cheaper) Just saying

[@C8sorbs]

I wonder when they’ll put smog controls on wildfires? Asking for a friend.

[@nazcaplain]

Your point being?

[@johnlebeau5471]

"The car was never designed to meet these standards." The government doesn't care. They would rather you junked your car and got it off the road.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

DOWN WITH THE GOVERMENT! ANARCHY FOR AMERICA OR GIVE ME DEATH!

[@ronkemperful]

I had a 1979 California emissions Datsun 310 with a complex air pump and valve arrangement that made my car backfire like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Thankfully I now have a 2017 Forester. I'll have to try out your recommendation as I'm just 45 miles to the north of Boulder. Thanks for the video.

[@greathornedowl3644]

Classic Subaru in great shape. Why did it remind me of my 84 Honda Civic Wagon? Minnesota briefly went to emissions testing but think it only went back 15-20 years, so the oil burners would be exempt. I used fuel injector cleaner (methanol) in my 89 Suzuki Sidekick and it passed.

[@davegt27]

in 1985 I was going to Tech School at Lowry AFB over in Aurora, after the first snow I went and traded my GPZ 750 for a 80 DL wagon, Great little car I called it my subarat (way before Subaru's got big). I probably could have gotten it through emissions for a lot less (since I live in Aurora these days), I got my 85 MR2 to pass (let me know if you ever want to sell it)

[@clooperman3745]

In England (at the moment) a vehicles emissions test is based on what was required at the time of manufacture, ie a 1988 gas engine is tested to 1988 test levels.

[@tomkato6400]

I lived in Colorado back in the ‘90s and remember emissions testing very well. Had my share of carbureted vehicles and my share of emissions test failures, repairs and re-tests. I am a bit surprised though that you still need to smog the older cars in Colorado. Here in WA state, we stopped emissions testing altogether Jan 1, 2020, but until then, anything over 25 years old i was emissions exempt. You can get collector plates on cars over 30 years old.

[@bvward]

One trick that may work is to run the tank to a few gallons and add a pint of MTBE (look it up). I've passed cars with no cat. Also, back in the day, you could buy a kit to replace the Hitachi carb with a Weber 32/36 that has a lot of jetting options. I still have one in my stash form my late Mom's '79.

[@mts982]

Try putting on a catalytic convertor. And how many times did you really need to open and close that driver side front door?

[@philtripe]

that with a less restrictive muffler would work but it would cost about 800 bucks... id hate to rob power with a stock muffler when the car is already down on power

[@mts982]

@@philtripe TURBO TIME!!

[@TFLclassics]

Just making sure it works ;)

[@neilmurphy845]

@@TFLclassics ya its good to have it running well

[@mts982]

@@TFLclassics Looks like it did, good job.

[@OldThomMerton]

Had a '78 Subu and did some weird off-roading with it . . . later has an '85 Brat which was even better. WA state has a sliding 40 year 'Classic' bar which helps the emissions issue; CO should join the club!

[@nilsjohansson9739]

When my dad moved to this country back in the 50s, he went to the emissions facility four times before he finally figured out he needed to grease a palm with a $50.00 bill before they pass has car. Same crap today, it's just a different palm and a bigger $.

[@peeweeuke]

I may have used that plan a time or two. Now in CA the machines are networked directly to the DMV so it’s not so easy.

[@Oaky]

Also in CO. Wouldnt a high flow cat solve most of this??

[@terryorcutt8739]

Glad you guys had the resources to put this back on the road. It deserves it.

[@bryan1480]

Car looks great. Guessing it was detailed, and it shows!!

[@Ultrafrozen]

This video makes me miss my old 1978 Toyota Cressida. It was a Colorado car that found its way to northern Ontario, Canada. It still had the tire chains in the trunk.

[@andrewausterfield6710]

The smog testers wince when I take my old Lotus for smog test here in CA. They always tell me, "no chance, California wants old cars off the road". It's just crazy, the thing drives 2k a year. What's the pollution benefit of pulling it off the road compared to the pollution to create a new car? Totally agree it should have to pass the bar that was set at time of manufacture!

[@davetekampe4075]

Here in IL they stopped testing anything older than 96 (Pre- OBDII) because it was too expensive to test the older cars and they put enough salt down on the roads in winter to make sure any daily driver will rot away long before it's failing an emissions test. Our Antique plates are available for anything over 25 years old but are restricted to driving only to car shows or for service. We also have an expanded antique registration that allows you to drive an antique daily from April-Oct and then it's restricted in the winter months. I've got an that plate on a 1990 Dodge Caravan turbo that is my summer driver, no emissions test, no worries and since it's a rust free southern van I wouldn't dare drive it in the winter salt anyhow.

[@GIGABACHI]

NICE ! I love the way that little Subaru looks, reminds me of simpler times when life was easier. 👍🏻 Next time around consider installing a modern catalytic converter from a reputable brand, it won't choke your little boxer and it will help lots on scrubbing those tailpipe emissions.

[@jmoyet]

Connecticut if the car is 25yr or older it doesn't need emissions

[@ebels3]

That’s how it is in most states. It’s crazy that Colorado expects an old car to pass emissions standards at a level that wasn’t even measurable back when it was manufactured.

[@AnalogueKid2112]

Same in Ohio

[@ebels3]

AnalogueKid2112 Yeah, but Ohio only does echecks in like 13 counties. It’s stupid.

[@jmoyet]

I used to live in California and over there cars from 1975 and newer need smog testing

[@guitar14]

Tennessee same!

[@mrmaddoxp]

In NC, diesels and vehicles 20+ years old are exempt from emissions. Vehicles 35+ years old are exempt from the safety inspection.

[@unconventionalideas5683]

It sounds like Colorado used California Emissions standards in those days whereas this thing was not made to meet California Emissions Standards in those days. There were already starting to be emissions standards in other parts of the country by then.

[@jamesgeorge4874]

High altitude Subaru's had wacky one barrel carburetors and lean jetting that makes for poor performance at low elevation, while Subaru's sold in low elevation all had Hitachi two barrel progressive carbs. The Hitachi distributor was superior to the Nippondenso unit also.

[@cpear760]

We have an '81 DeLorean, so feeling your pain on the classic plate debacle. AirCare will not roll our 2009 smarts, so they only do the idle. Only time it failed is when I had the bright idea to clear the ecm codes before going over there.

[@robertknight4672]

Honda Element fit failed emissions for a catalytic converter code. This was a few years before the car became old enough to not need emissions testing in Massachusetts. I did get the cat replaced eventually but prior to that I cleared the code and drove it just enough for none of Fall River Mills be ready but just before the code tripped again the car passed the inspection. That was just some lucky timing.

[@VictorGarcia-pn3kx]

In Mexico classic plates they move up. The rule is as soon as your car gets to 30 years old you can register it as a classic vehicle, if is its in a good working condition.

[@michaelbrown5980]

Honestly, I was surprised at the cost. I figured it would have been much more! So that's awesome! Definitely worth it in the end for that car!

[@ddc163264]

As a former Boulder inner circle subaru salesperson (Flatirons Subaru), I know that shop is a good one. Also what do you expect now. Colorado has imported so many Californians and elected so many to the government that you has basically become CA east. So this WILL get worse for CO if things don't change and your emissions requirements will get crazier.

[@erikthorstensen5185]

I reason I'm glad in in Massachusetts! If the vehicle is 15+ years old,safety inspection only,no emission tests!

[@abbaby555]

I still have a set of those 13" wheels in my garage that belonged to my 81 GL Brat.

[@kingkapowable]

1982 DL wagon was my first car. EA81 engine is so tough!

[@TheWeakLink101]

That's impressive. It's really hard to find a shop that cares anymore

[@lfo414]

In the Uk the annual MOT would have had that Co & HC test for the last 25years or so. Happily they now have exemption for 40+ year old cars.

[@sidneyseligson820]

Finally some one who understands my frustration with smog

[@rik999]

Here in Maryland, 25 year old cars are exempt and can get historic plates. Part of your problem with the Subbie's emissions might be due to the altitude in CO. Ethanol is an oxygenated fuel. Emissions controls (especially on diesel trucks) have made driving in bumper to bumper traffic much less eye watering and stuffy nose. Driving behind an old exempt glider truck can be a miserable experience.

[@karldavies2954]

Love this 78 DL 🔥

[@hanthony440]

Seems like y'all could've Just put a catalytic converter on the car and accomplished the same results.. I'm sure someone makes cats that would fit even If you can't use the O2 sensor they make plugs to fix that problem..

[@lancerasmussen8580]

Tommy, ironic that I'm watching this and commenting while I'm at work, at an emissions station in Boise, ID. Here in Idaho, the CO and HC standards are lower, but the DL would have no issue since ALL vehicles 1980 and older are exempt.

[@rh1860]

In CT anything 25 years or older is exempt. It’s crazy that a 1995 Camry can get classic plates but not as crazy as a 1978 needing to meet modern standards

[@kevinfrancisco1730]

Just add catalytic converters, like add 3 catalytic converters haha. That car looks so nice, I mean, it looks like a brand new car considering its age.

[@loveandbaconbrian1901]

You’re living my life as a low budget car guy in the 90’s... Just had to “buy” a smog check back then 😂

[@bowez9]

For those wondering why not just put catalytic converter on it. Given the fuel system a conveter is going to need a air pump and control system for the converter to work properly and have any longevity. The air pump inject excesse oxygen in to the converter to burn the waste gases and without this system the converter will get clogged and fail in short order. This is the only reason vehicles had smog pump up until the mid 90s, until that point the fuel controls were not fast or precise enough to safely alter fuel mix between rich and lean.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Isn't that amazing! How much they charge now a day's for tune ups, oil changes, and any other adjustments that the states requires for any vehicles to pass that damn test! Is like they get together with car shops and dealers to rob you of your well earned money! I remember that happening to me about 20 year's ago! And the funny part about it is, that the shop the air test technician recomended me to go to a few places to get my car checked out! Where very close or next to them! Is like They're workimg together to clean your wallet.

[@rubbersoul3723]

From Rhode Island-Ha! Fun flashback! Post a tour of the interior! Happy motoring!

[@hotwheels8092]

Awesome job, I hope the mechanic tried changing spark plugs, wires and distribution cap, before the carburetor rebuilt. Either way, etanol is awesome fighting emissions 😁😁😁

[@HFVidShotz]

Contact your State representative to get things changed. Y'all should have a little influence along with others who would join you to get things changed.

[@Stackali]

yes. they need to keep moving the years as time progresses.

[@Dankcatvacs]

time to try that guaranteed to pass in a bottle!

[@MrBillsfishin]

Glad it is running better. Pretty big repair bill though. Lol. I looked into Classic Plates for my truck but there are way to many restrictions that come with it in California. Not worth it.

[@devonfarmer3438]

I’m so glad here in Texas we don’t deal with this on older cars

[@nergispaul9022]

Aren't there any classic car or aftermarket company organizations in CO to lobby your legislature for classic exemption changes? That's how we got them in NY.

[@billbeck4661]

You can't find mechanics like that anymore. I had a 80 Ford Ranger and to meet emission test; you had to disconnect a vacuum hoses to lean the motor out.

[@jimbreedlove2161]

Put a bottle of RXP in the tank before taking it to get emissions test. My brother had a failed test on an older Isuzu truck and it passed after adding RXP.

[@fgialcgorge7392]

Good job. That's a super clean car and you're still not deep into it. Well worth it.

[@Wesleyrulez]

They have some crazy emissions rules there. Here in Georgia, you wouldn't have to worry about it because of its age.

[@robb1165]

The older cars emissions testing is based on antiquated tests. The Federal rules the 1976 cars where manufactured under where based on grams per mile not ppm. The testing equipment common for a shop was ppm, as grams per mile required equipment most shops did not have, like a dyno. So a small efficient car could have a higher ppm and still be under the grams per mile since it is emitting less particles per mile. So the ppm test is stacked against the most fuel efficient cars of the 70's and 80's as they tended to need and come with less emissions controls than the fuel hogs of the day. Air Care Co's equipment could easily be adjusted to run a dyno test based on the original grams per mile, but that is not what the law dictates. Even the newer hybrid cars are a problem if they have a check engine light for deteriorated batteries. They will fail. Even when they are still getting 45 mpg and one of the cleaner cars on the road.

[@steveawesome9538]

Colorado didn't expect you to re-engineer the car. They expect you to go buy a new Suburu. Then pay the tax on it. Then get new plates, etc. That's insane that a 42 year old vehicle can't be run on classic plates period. No one with any sense is driving that as a daily driver. Like you said Tommy, IRS a fun car to take to car shows and go get ice cream on a Sunday. The parts availability alone should keep a person honest on the ckassix/historical plates.

[@conradpaul489]

Carbs require an old hand to fix right...

[@IronmanV5]

Swap the carb out with fuel injection. better for going crazy on steep inclines!

[@yorkchris10]

What about a MegaSquirt with the Vette engine parameters? You tune it for the two emissions speeds.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

It only has to be 25 years old in Atlanta to get exempt from emissions.

[@colindmac78]

i was hoping u were going to say u had to sell it. there's no emission tests where i live in new brunswick Canada. there is safety inspections but doesn't include emissions. i'd love to have that old subaru. all the snow we get i think it would plow through it pretty well