[s-cars] Emissions Question (NTC- no turbo content)

[Tom Mullane]

Gentlemen of knowledge,

Since I still have not registered the S car, there is no danger of it
failing emissions.  The Coupe, however is a different story.  Not a turbo,
but is a 20v.  Perhaps the list can impart a bit of wisdom?

The state is CT, the Coupe is a 1991.  The emissions program is a joke.
Without going into too much of a rant on how ridiculous the new CT program
is, I must say that I cannot believe that they are unable to run all wheel
drive cars on thier dyno.  That's right: the dyno is for 2 wheel drive cars
only.  All wheel drive cars must be idle tested the old fashioned way (even
the old program had all wheel drive dynos).

Anyway, the test measures CO and HC at speed (whatever that means) and at
idle.  CO is fine both cases. HC is fine at speed, 151 ppm out of 220
allowed, but HC is high at idle, 351 ppm versus 220 allowed.  There is
nothing wrong with the car; I have been through the Bentley and checked just
about everything I can think of, and the tune up items are within 10k from
the time they were replaced.  Friends at Audi claim that the 20v cars can be
difficult to get through emissions; they say it is simply the nature of the
beast.  Several people suggested that I should change the oil, and get the
car red hot before going back.  I will do both of these things.

My question is this:  does anyone have any tips for lowering the HC?  I
realize there is really nothing that can be adjusted on the engine, but
there any additive I should buy?  Higher octane gas would be better, I
assume (I always run 93)?  Lighter weight oil, or heavier?  Full tank of
gas, half full?  Suitcase full of unmarked bills?

BTW, I can apply for a waiver if there really is nothing wrong with the car.
Someone from DMV must inspect and approve this.  They will also grant a 2
year waiver if repair costs exceed $660 (I'd love to know how that exact
figure was determined).  The rub is that the $660 must be spent at a
certified repair facility.

Thanks in advance for any tricks or tips.

Tom Mullane

95.5 S6 - garage queen
95 S6 - parts car (might be sold)
91 Coupe - global warmer
96 A6Q Avant - daily driver
99 A6Q  - wife's driver