Hey all. Sorry if this is a repeat post. I checked the archives and couldn't find anything specific about my questions.

I am new to Cali and went to have my car smog tested today. 93 Civic HB. 132,000 miles. Pretty much stock engine except for aftermarket intake and exhaust - Greddy headers and pipes with a 5-Zigen can on the back. Original Cat. The Greddy part of the exhaust is probably 4 years old and the 5 Zigen can about 1-2 years.

My car miserably failed the smog test. SUCK!

First problem is my intake not being Cali legal. No problem. Easy enough to fix.

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2nd problem is that my timing is crazy advanced to 20 degrees. Must have f***ed it up when I recently swapped out my water pump. This probably explains why she randomly dies on me sometimes.

Was curious, in everyones experience, if it would be cheaper to take it to a shop and have them adjust the timing back to 16, or if buying the tools needed to do it myself would be cheaper. Not sure what I would need to adjust the timing myself and how much it would cost. Any thoughts on that?

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3rd problem was the fact that my car was emitting high levels of the gases they check. So I apparently have to take the car and have it diagnosed to tell me what other problems I am having. I know my car is old with alot of miles on it, and that there could be a million things causing the high levels.......but was wondering if anyone else had a similar test result and/or what else I can expect to be wrong with the car.

I'm in a tight situation with money and am looking at a minimum of $150 for a new intake, timing adjusting, and a diagnosis. Any insight, tips, advice, or good lucks would be much appreciated.

Thanks all. - jefé

 

just go to a shop to get your timing done. i went to 2 different shops and they both did it for me for free.

 

no kidding? I went to a shop today and they wanted $40-some. Sounded steep to me. Plus another $60-some to diagnose why the car failed.

jefe

 

How much does a timing light cost?

 

what the hell...timing your car should be around $20- ish @ a shop. Timing guns...@ auto zones are $30-$40.

 

So is that all I would need to adjust my timing? A timing light and a few tools?

 

All you need is a timing light and an open box wrench to loosen the distributor bolts to advance or retard.