Okay, here's the deal. I used to be a regional manager with Enviortest, the company which is contracted by several states to do the emissions testing. Here in TN, this consists of a visual test using a mirror to verify that the car does have converters on it, and another test to be sure they have not opened the gas inlet and put leaded gas in at some point in the past. There is not real inspection of the engine, drivetrain, etc. as there is in some states. I assume the same is true in KY. I will tell you the 302 with minor mods will pass the emissions portion (CO and HC) with or without cats. However, unless the guy checking the car is a complete idiot, they will be able to tell if you have an actual converter, or just a shell (heatshield). If you can weld something on the pipe that actully LOOKS like a functioning converter, you will pass the visual test in most cases. My '86 had gutted converters on it and passed every year, both the visual and emmissions. And no, I don't feel bad about it. These tests are to weed out the GROSS polluters. If the car can pass without the converters, it's as good as keeping them on. Just my .02 cents. Take it or leave it.
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