Ignition Timing vs Emission

[sm7th]

Please read this first

California Inspection

So I took my 96 to the referee station this morning. The only thing they failed me for is the ignition timing. They said it should read 10 BTDC instead of just 3 BTDC.

I just looked up the smog check paper for registration 2 months ago, and it said the timing was 9 BTDC (passed).

The only good thing is that I didn't get charged a penny, but I have to get it tuned up before the next inspection. So I have a few questions regarding to this:

- Will "Retarded timing" result in unburn gas and high emission? The inspector warned me that since the MEAS reading were so close to MAX, emission might go up after advancing the timing and I might still fail next time around.

- Is it possible to have the timing getting loose by itself ? The only engine tuning I did during the last 2 months was the weapon R intake, could it be the cause ?

Thank you for all input,

[toyomoho]

Not sure about the emissions issue and timing.

The timing should remain steady enough. How did the shop check the timing, the usual method involves going into a test mode, did the shop do this?

Either way get the timing adjusted to pass the test.

Once back home go over the ign system.

The Weapon K intake may be on the Calif approved list for after market parts. Check their website.

[96paseo]

Retarding the timing should help reduce your NOx reading on emissions. As far as timing goes, the belt can stretch over time but that is compensated for by a spring loaded tesioner. For your intake, check Weapon R's website to see if it is C.A.R.B. certified.

[DFBonnett]

Originally Posted by sm7th

The only engine tuning I did during the last 2 months was the weapon R intake, could it be the cause ?

Did you have to mess with any of the sensors to install this intake?

[sm7th]

Originally Posted by toyomoho

Not sure about the emissions issue and timing.

The timing should remain steady enough. How did the shop check the timing, the usual method involves going into a test mode, did the shop do this?

Timing light

[sm7th]

Originally Posted by 96paseo

For your intake, check Weapon R's website to see if it is C.A.R.B. certified.

carb sticker didn't come with the intake.

[sm7th]

Originally Posted by DFBonnett

Did you have to mess with any of the sensors to install this intake?

Only swapping O2 sensor from stock air box to the new pipe.