Looks like VW tried the old SD455 EGR scam...

[njsteve]

This is exactly what the Pontiac engineers almost got away with back in 1973. The set up a timed solenoid that would deactivate the EGR system a few seconds after the EPA timed emissions test ended. EPA caught them and made Pontiac redesign the system and repaint every engine prior to installation in order to prove that the refit was done.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/...s/?intcmp=hpbt1 (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/18/epa-says-vw-intentionally-violates-clean-air-standards/?intcmp=hpbt1)

[Xplantdad]

Interesting info Steve...about the SD455...

[njsteve]

Pontiac also had to replace the RAIV spec cam with a slightly milder camshaft and alter and renumber the intake manifolds, hence the repaint to verify the work was done. Big slap on the wrist!

[DaJudge]

I was thinking the same thing Steve. I am working on a 73 TA right now that was built after the change and had to round up the two thermostatic vacuum switches, spark delay switch in the head, spark control solenoid, the temp sensor in the head and the trans mounted TCS solenoid. I was looking at an original service manual with the earlier system schematics and that timer was a pretty ingenious way to beat the system lol. One thing I have noticed is that a lot of people are painting the engines built after 3/15/1973 the wrong pre 3/15/1973 color.

What has been a plus is that the emissions components for the base TA 455 is the exact same as the SD455 making the parts a little easier to find, still pricey but obtainable.

[markjohnson]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: njsteve</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is exactly what the Pontiac engineers almost got away with back in 1973. The set up a timed solenoid that would deactivate the EGR system a few seconds after the EPA timed emissions test ended. EPA caught them and made Pontiac redesign the system and repaint every engine prior to installation in order to prove that the refit was done.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/...s/?intcmp=hpbt1 (http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/09/18/epa-says-vw-intentionally-violates-clean-air-standards/?intcmp=hpbt1) </div></div>

Ha! Steve, when I heard this story on the news yesterday the first thing that popped in my head was that SD55 story. Glad I'm not the only one with the sickness!

[Mr70]

.

[earntaz]

About 2.1 million Audi cars have the software that is at the center of the Volkswagen AG emissions scandal, a spokesman for Audi AG said Monday.

This whole deal is going to hell in a hand basket!!

TAZ