Here is my experience with getting the 2.3L N/A LX to pass emissions. Initially, the car had no cat.
All tests were done at the same Test Facility using the same Test Equipment. Test Operators did very however.
Tested vehicle was an N/A 1987 Mustang Coupe. Mileage was 134,093 on first test, and 136,268 on final test (#4).
Other than the Catalytic Converter being removed, the car was in good running order for first test and all other tests. No Diagnostic codes were present.
Baseline Test
__________Tested____Limit_____Result
HC Cruise___160______160______Pass
HC Idle_____709______220______FAIL!!!
CO Cruise___.51_______1.1______Pass
CO Idle_____.54_______1.2______Pass
Other than the lack of cats the car was in good running condition.
Re-Test #2
__________Tested____Limit_____Result
HC Cruise___142______160______Pass
HC Idle_____650______220______FAIL!!!
CO Cruise___.51_______1.1______Pass
CO Idle_____.48_______1.2______Pass
Added New O2 Sensor, increased tire pressure to 52psi, disconnected fan to get engine hotter (good for reducing HC). Had run "Guaranteed to Pass" in previous tank (followed directions)
Re-Test #3
__________Tested____Limit_____Result
HC Cruise___173______160______FAIL!!!
HC Idle_____551______220______FAIL!!!
CO Cruise___.53_______1.1______Pass
CO Idle_____.61_______1.2______Pass
Replaced Factory N/A short block with Used Factory Turbo Block; this was due to a hole in Piston #4. Plugged the fan back in.
Re-Test #4
__________Tested____Limit_____Result
HC Cruise____44______160______Pass
HC Idle______61______220______Pass
CO Cruise___.06_______1.1______Pass
CO Idle_____.04_______1.2______Pass
A NEW Catalytic Converter from MagnaFlow had just been installed. At the time of the test, the cat had about 125 miles on it.