rebuilding head with bigger cam. will i pass emissions test?

[cgk_iii]

rebuilding my head right now and trying to decide on what cam to go with that will still keep me street legal. i did a little research and was thinking of going with the schrick 284/272 cam.

I have custom headers/exhaust, adjustable cam gear, new rockers, and valve springs.

Would messing with the cam gear and getting a performance chip and a tune help me with passing emissions? i dont wanna give up just yet so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[cgk_iii]

*im trying to pass smog in California by the way*

[nando]

284/272 is pushing it. You might have a chance using a stock e30 cat, stock dme and a 900rpm idle, with a fresh o2, no vac leaks, calibrated tps and functional afm.

Cam gear wont help as you cant adjust overlap, and thats what will cause high hc's. Its also what makes more power...

A 272 is definitely safer. You might find out what cams, if any, are known to pass.

[cgk_iii]

284/272 is pushing it. You might have a chance using a stock e30 cat, stock dme and a 900rpm idle, with a fresh o2, no vac leaks, calibrated tps and functional afm.

Cam gear wont help as you cant adjust overlap, and thats what will cause high hc's. Its also what makes more power...

A 272 is definitely safer. You might find out what cams, if any, are known to pass.

How would the stock dme work out with a hotter cam tho will it adjust? I replaced all hoses (vacuum/coolant) and still have stock cat. I read that the 272 camshaft is about the same as the stock cam anyways so whats the difference between the two? I want POWER but i also would love to cruise the streets.. Anyways wish me luck i guess..

[bmwman91]

You cannot legally install an OEM E30 cat in CA anymore. It has to be a certified CA-legal one.

A fresh cat and a proper dyno tune should be ok. Hot cams can increase NOx emissions which definitely requires a fully functioning 3-way cat to handle.

[MR 325]

You cannot legally install an OEM E30 cat in CA anymore. It has to be a certified CA-legal one.

A fresh cat and a proper dyno tune should be ok. Hot cams can increase NOx emissions which definitely requires a fully functioning 3-way cat to handle.

You can use an original E30 cat though, that's not an issue. Regardless of that no smog shop would know WHEN a cat was installed if it were aftermarket. It could have been done before the new laws. I have seen E30s do a better job at passing smog with a stock cat from 1989 than a brand new replacement.

[bmwman91]

You can use an original E30 cat though, that's not an issue. Regardless of that no smog shop would know WHEN a cat was installed if it were aftermarket. It could have been done before the new laws. I have seen E30s do a better job at passing smog with a stock cat from 1989 than a brand new replacement.

I'd definitely believe that a stock E30 cat would be better..they have waaaaaay bigger cores than the after market ones.

[reelizmpro]

Yes, it should pass. Emissions are more about the tuning than anything. As long as it's all dialed in and the cat is good, you should have no problems passing.

[cgk_iii]

Whatever cat i have now passed just fine with everything stock so may as well re use the same cat and hope for the Best.

Anyone know where to go for a good tune in the Bay Area?