I need help with my Mazda (Problems with Car - SMOG)
 

So my Mazda RX8 doesn't pass the emission standards for California, does anyone have an idea why? When I took it to the local mechanics they say it could possibly be because that the computer was reprogrammed to pump more gas therefore more power. But asides from that- What we found weird was that when we stalled the K&K Intake. There's a valve that seemingly doesn't connect to anywhere yet has a couple of wires to plug in, I'm not sure where that valve goes, but it's right below the intake, and supposedly it's a sensor to regulate the gas, I have no idea where it connects. I will provide pictures later. If anyone can give me an idea on why this is, please tell me.

Thank you for your information, and the K&N Intakes are California approved, are you sure that would work? What about the valve underneath? Where does that connect to and what does it do?

Bump!

It is probably the vacuum line for the VFAD (variable fresh air duct.) You need to cap it, it sounds like you have a vacuum leak right now, which will affect emissions. Does the car idle normally?

K&N is crap anyway.

The bit about your ECU being reprogrammed is probably nonsense. I believe emissions testing is done at idle and at low load at 1/3 of max rpm. In either case the engine should be in closed loop and most tuners don't usually change closed loop fueling.

Yes actually, it does. Sounds healthier then alot of engines...

California emissions is one of the strictest in the nation. Usually, when you have aftermarket modifications within the engine compartment, it might and will fail the test. When i used to live in California, some of my friends kept their oem parts whenever they installed aftermarket products, even if the parts is California approved. Just to be in the safe side, whenever you install aftermarket products, keep the original parts for emission testing only.

KN isn't crap :)