Illinois emissions inspection - any experience?
 

Perhaps there is a FAQ about this - and if so, point me in the right direction...

I am thinking about buying a used Miata for a BEGI-S stage 4 or better build at some point, and I am wondering if anyone has experience on what to expect in trying to make it road (aka: smog) legal in Illinois.

Will I need to pull it apart for my inspect, or can I tune it to pass?

I know they do OBD tests here - anyone have more info?

Thx.

what part of IL in Springfield where im from theres no emissions testing?

I live in the Chicago burbs and we have to get tested every several of years for emissions. Its not really the emissions I am worried about but rather the tests that go with it. On some cars (ones that have it) they plug into the OBD, but I am not sure what Miata's this effects. Is it all years or just certain years?

I know in addition to the OBD test, they use a sniffer and check your gas cap. Again, I am not sure if this applies to the year Miata I am hoping to get. (93-97)

bump for weekend crowd

are you sure you still get tested? I know my '91 doesn't get tested anymore

I was also worried about this and been trying to find out. From what I have read, if you look at the Illinois EPA website they say right on the first page that 95 and older cars are now exempt from emmision testing. When I got my car registerd I asked the guy there too he had no clue either, but said the same thing that 95 an older don't need it now. If someone finds out exactly what the answer is please do post here.

Where the hell did all this IL ppl come from? And please no one say vaginas

Ok its updates time:

I just called the Illinois EPA agent and spoked to him after reading this on the main page on their website regarding emmision testing in Illinois.

"The Vehicle Emissions Inspection Law of 2005 provides that vehicles of model year 1995 and older that are in compliance with the law as of February 1, 2007, will no longer be subject to emissions testing."

here is the link to the page: http://www.epa.state.il.us/air/vim/

The agent told me that this is infact true and if you car was in compliance prior to this law you should not need to have the emmision tests on a car 85 and older anymore. So that means its good news for all of us that currently have 95 and older miatas. Hope this clears up some doubts.

I can confirm this. 95 and older cars require no emissions testing what so ever anymore (except for ones failing pre the law change, ie: pre last january).

Having 2 turbo cars... 93 and 91... this law made me happy.