Hi all, I found a great 1993 HJZ77 with AZ title. I am considering purchasing for my use in CO. From what I can tell, it would be subject to diesel emissions testing of 20% opacity. Anyone in CO have any problems meeting that? If so, have you tried the out of state Dakota or Montana loophole route? Thx in advance!
CO 70s Owners, diesel question (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter sgmartz
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While I am in AZ, last opacity test w 1hdt circa 2008 was 1.5%. Cutoff was 30% in Pima county. I registered in non test county after that as it took more than 1 hour to set up for test which was on treadmill at 40-45 mph.
Anyway, auto or manual? You will probably hate an auto at altitude with 1HZ.
Anyway, auto or manual? You will probably hate an auto at altitude with 1HZ.
- Thread starter
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Manual trans. Opacity limit is 20% in CO
I can speak for a 1KZ. There has been no issues getting it to pass and besides being up to date on maintenance there has been no extra effort on emissions. If the truck isn't passing emissions I would wager it is unhealthy engine, and needs some TLC anyways, just my two cents. I would say the only thing that differs compared to a newer gas vehicle is diesel of that era has to go in for a yearly emissions test instead of every 2 years or getting passed by the mobile checks. I've spent more time getting the FJ40 to pass emissions than the KZJ78.
Owning a diesel in the emissions areas of CO has been pretty straight forward if you aren't doing anything silly/shady and once the extra paperwork is filed at the beginning it is all the same. And to be honest I would have to double check if that extra paper work was only because it had been imported not because it is diesel. I would say I see a new to me imported diesel Land Cruiser at least twice a month with CO plates in the emissions areas, and I would doubt most are registered out of that zone.
Owning a diesel in the emissions areas of CO has been pretty straight forward if you aren't doing anything silly/shady and once the extra paperwork is filed at the beginning it is all the same. And to be honest I would have to double check if that extra paper work was only because it had been imported not because it is diesel. I would say I see a new to me imported diesel Land Cruiser at least twice a month with CO plates in the emissions areas, and I would doubt most are registered out of that zone.
gilmorneau
SILVER Star
1997 HDJ80 with 1HD-FT. Just passed emissions on Thursday. No problem. Opacity spec has always been 30%, but now they've changed it to 20%.
Agreed. Either unhealthy or it's been messed with.
Emissions Technical Center in Denver inspections are for "gray market" (i.e. imported) vehicles. I doubt they're running every diesel in the Colorado Front Range through there.
VinylSeats
SILVER Star
This is the thread I've been looking for.
I am preparing to purchase my first 70 series diesel (likely 1HZ 77 series, 1HZ 75 series troopy, or early 78 series troopy) within the next 2 years. I live in Arapahoe County (Littleton) and are therefore subject to the more extreme emissions tests of most Denver adjacent counties (when compared to rest of the state).
From this thread, it sounds like legal registration in a Denver area county is possible via specific diesel emissions tests? I have been reading up on out of state LLC options but would prefer to register in my actual locale if possible.
I am preparing to purchase my first 70 series diesel (likely 1HZ 77 series, 1HZ 75 series troopy, or early 78 series troopy) within the next 2 years. I live in Arapahoe County (Littleton) and are therefore subject to the more extreme emissions tests of most Denver adjacent counties (when compared to rest of the state).
From this thread, it sounds like legal registration in a Denver area county is possible via specific diesel emissions tests? I have been reading up on out of state LLC options but would prefer to register in my actual locale if possible.
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gilmorneau
SILVER Star
gilmorneau
SILVER Star
Yes. 1st step is to get the vehicle inspected at the Denver Emissions Technical Center, where they'll confirm that the car is equipped with all its original emissions equipment and hasn't been tampered with (as required to import it legally into the US). 2nd step is an actual emissions test to measure the opacity of the exhaust. 20% opacity is the target, and as long as a diesel engine is operating correctly with no faults or modifications, is should pass easily.
VinylSeats
SILVER Star
Super helpful. Thanks so much.
I live in Colorado and own an HZJ77. I tried my best to get it registered here in CO but after having the technical center screw up my paperwork (said it was a turbo among a couple other things wrong) and failing the emissions inspection despite having a healthy and unmodified 1HZ, I just registered it in my home state and called it a day. My Land Cruiser was my daily driver in Japan, where it spent its whole life at sea level. Suddenly bring it to 6,000 feet, no EGR, etc made it fail. You might pass, but I just wanted to chime in with some pessimism because there is a chance you won't pass and that might be a very difficult situation you'll find yourself in.
VinylSeats
SILVER Star
Appreciate the additional insight. Thanks. I need to familiarize myself with the out of state LLC process just in case.
