I just got an '81 L-48 Vette. Wondering if anyone can help me with Kentucky Emissions testing. I'd like to do some exhaust upgrades, but want to be sure what I can get away with first. Thus far, I have been told the only way to avoid KY emissions testing is to register it as a classic and drive it less than 500 miles per year. NOT AN OPTION. I believe all but the most special Vettes should be driven regularly. Anyone know of other options?

Also, if I run true dual exaust, with two test pipe sections that can be swapped out for two cats at testing time, can anyone tell me:
1) Do the testers really know if my car came from Chevy with a y-pipe and one cat. And do they inspect carefully and really care that it is now a true dual?
2) Can I expect the same, better or worse emission test results from a dual-cat versus a Y-pipe exaust?

What do you mean by emissions test. Kenucky dropped the vehicle inspection back in the 70's.

I live in Northern KY, close to Cincinnati. Emissions testing is required here. Possibly that is the only area of KY that requires testing?...

chesh,
Does your area do a visual check or a "sniffer" test or both? If you put in a true dual system and add a cat on both pipes, then there shouldn't be a big problem. The car will probably be more emission friendly than what it was originally. Does your car still have the ECM and A.I.R. pump system still hooked up and functioning? Also you may want to consult and get info from one of the emission "police" at one of these insp. stations. They may be able to offer you some options.

And just for a little vette trivia here, 1980 was the last year for the L-48 and L-82 engine designations. 1981 engines where designated L-81. This was the only engine offered in this year.
Sarge

Thanks Sarge,
They do the sniffer test here, along with a look under the car with a mirror to look for "tampering". I just don't know if they have something on their computer screen that tells them this car should only have one Cat or it has been "tampered with". I'm also looking for someone who sells a "test pipe" to fit an '81 vette (BOTH sides of true dual). I bought one a few years ago for another car, but can't seem to find one for the Vette. Of course, I would use it solely for occasional verification that any engine problems were not caused by a clogged Cat!

chesh,
I have a "test pipe" that was on my original exhaust
(2-1-2) system if your interested. I believe that it is stainless steel and both flanges are a 4 bolt/hole pattern, same as the stock cat was. Let me know via IM.
Sarge

Not sure but isn't after 20 years an exemption? Like I said not sure, they don't test around here, that God!, on less thing I have to worry about.

Dave
Mr69vett

does Ky offer collectors plates? Ohio does and there is no emissions testing for cars with them.

Kentucky has a license plate that is green and says HISTORICAL MOTOR VEHICLE if it is 25 years old or older. If that is what you mean by a collecter plate. The part of the state I live in doesn't have any emisssions test.

no, Ohio has historical plates also. collectors are better in that the car is exempt from emissins testing and you can drive it as often as you want. car needs to be designated as collectable and not your primary means of transportation.
hey, move to Ohio.