5 gas analyzer

[Rusty67]

I'm thinking about buying one but I don't know much about them in general. I would want one that can do motorcycles as well as cars. I don't know if I want to buy one new as these things ain't cheap....

Any recomendations ?

 

[Alta_Racer]

5th gas is NOX and really only useful on a dyno. You need a 4 gas only for general use. Watch for a scope with 4 gas, they go cheap now. I just sold a Sun 500 with 4 gas for $500.

 

[Rusty67]

Correct me if I am wrong but in CA NOx is important for passing smog, no ?

 

[George in Rancho Cordova]

Yes, NOx is a significant part of California's Smog Check program.
As Alta Racer stated, NOx is significant only from a dyno test.

If a 5 gas is available, you could simply ignore the NOx readings (or even disconnect the NOX cell/bench).

 

[Rusty67]

I don't see how NOx is only important on the dyno. Is this because of load on the motor ? I'm in CA and any modern car I tune with it will need to pass smog.

How is the dyno different then a road test ? I've seen a lot of these 5 gas analyzers that are small and can be taken with the car on a road test. I'm looking at something like that so I can both know if the car will pass smog ahead of time and so I can tune the car to its maximum potential.

 

[epmills]

NOx is put out in higher numbers when combustion temperatures are increased, such as under load on a dyno...

 

[Rusty67]

So again, if I get a portable unit like the snap-on, there would be no difference driving it down the street or on the dyno.

Are there any similar units that you guys can recommend ?

 

[Alta_Racer]

What is it you want to use the gas analyzer for? If you are looking to make sure you can pass a smog test, ok I can see this discussion. If you just want to tune for performance/economy, an Innovate LM1 wideband is a lot more cost effective and a lot easier. 5 band and LM1 covers the wide spectrum of whats available, lots of choices in between depending on your needs.

I am not current on Snapon as far as portable gas equipment, but I think you need some sort of equipment to read them, IE Modis. There are better more cost effective units available, I am not up to date on whats out there, but if you are an iATN member, I would search their forums. AES, http://www.aeswave.com/Gas-Analyzers-c479/ , have some equipment. Jorge is a great guy, and will help you make your choice.

 

[Rusty67]

I'm going to be tuning my cars AND I need them to pass smog, hence why I'm looking at the 5 gas. The Innovate is an OK unit but I already have an NGK/NTK wideband which I am using right now so as far as tuning goes, I'm ok there.

I'm looking for something like this:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=645355&group_ID=682257

It does 5 gas and I can do motorcycle and car with it.