AZ Emissions

[weiland2]

I am going to be moving down to the Tucson, AZ area for work in the next month or two and have a '73 Camaro that I'm bringing with me. I currently live in Illinois where I don't have any emissions testing (not to mention my car hasn't hit the road yet), but I'm a bit confused on the regulations in the Pima County area, and also a bit concerned I won't be able to pass. Could somebody indulge me on what the process is/what the tricks are for getting a car this old to pass emissions?

The engine was done when I bought it, but it's a 350 bored 0.030" over, roller rocker arms, decently aggressive cam, 202 heads, loud as hell, etc. No cats (were they standard in '73???)

Thanks!

[dale68z]

I believe pima has the same regs as Maricopa co.

You car will be tested at idle and cruise.
OR, If it is not driven daily you could register it as a classic, and buy classic insurance. Then you would be exempt from emissions.

[Jim Mac]

classic insurance and no emissions. If you need to go through emissions make sure you have tail pipes exiting you car. they wont open the hood, make sure your gas cap is good. jim

[71camaro71]

Cats were not standard until 1975. According to Haynes manual.

[71camaro71]

Originally Posted by Jim Mac

classic insurance and no emissions. If you need to go through emissions make sure you have tail pipes exiting you car. they wont open the hood, make sure your gas cap is good. jim

They will open the hood to check all sorts of stuff and to hook up the machine so they know how many rpm's the engine is turning. Best stuff to help with emmissions is a little red bottle of RXP fuel additive sold in most parts stores. That and fresh oil and air filters and premium gas fill up ran through it once then another bottle with a fresh tank for the test.

[Devryn]

Why would you register it in Tucson if you'll only be here a month or two?

[grzewnicki]

Originally Posted by Devryn

Why would you register it in Tucson if you'll only be here a month or two?

He is moving "in a month or two" not for a month or two.

[dale68z]

No worry about cats, 75 was the first year.

They will not open the hood, that is reserved for 75 or newer.

I live in Phoenix, and drive a 68 camaro as my daily, prior to that a 74 chev truck, all had to go through emissions, none had the hood opened. I know they don't test my gas cap. All passed easily.

[weiland2]

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful... eased my fears of having to install dreadful (and pricey) cats.

I'll be installing a new exhaust system soon enough since my current exhaust is nowhere near street legal, too loud for my liking. I'm planning on this being a driver, so I'll have to go through regular emissions testing. It's at the paint shop now, so getting that back just before moving (thank god!!!). Soooo freakin' excited to get her back!

Thanks for the tips guys!

[azfabshop]

yea I have an 81 w/classic ins and no emmisions in
phx. Plus ins was actually a little cheaper!

[jteenstra]

Just came home from the emissions testing with the 68 truck. Passed for another year. They don't check under the hood or test the gas cap.
Was at the dump afterwards and argued with the guy about collectors car insurance.
He's the second guy that told me you have to emissions test with collector car insurance.
I told them both they are wrong. I'm right, right?!

-jt

[Jim Mac]

my 71 camaro, 70 chevelle, 71 nova all have collectors insurance and I can register them for more than 1 year if I want to. I think the last time I did the camaro I opted for 2 years. jim

[azfabshop]

Yep you are right, right! I wish I could remember where it is in writing but I think ADOT website under emmissions laws?
Classic insurance is meant to be for low mileage vehicles but I spoke with some police officers and they said they would never look into how many miles you put on your car. There's way to many other things for them to worry about!

[Knuckle Dragger]

Originally Posted by azfabshop

Yep you are right, right! I wish I could remember where it is in writing but I think ADOT website under emmissions laws?
Classic insurance is meant to be for low mileage vehicles but I spoke with some police officers and they said they would never look into how many miles you put on your car. There's way to many other things for them to worry about!

I don't think it's the cops you need to worry about. I'd be more concerned with violating the terms of the policy and have the insurance company deny the claim after the loss has already occurred.

[azfabshop]

Thats true but short of giving odometer readings, thats a hard one to prove. But they do have the deeper pockets!