Why would a 1985 Corvette not pass emissions?

[heretic0011]

It runs awesome and has all the proper equipment to pass. I know the check engine light was on for a Mass Air Flow sensor. Could that be it? Someone also told me to change the plugs and it will pass.

 

[Andrew]

Doing a full tune up (Plugs, Plug Wires, Air Filter) might help but on such an old vehicle I'm gonna guess that its bad Catalytic Converters.

 

[Jackson]

if the MAF is bad that is the exact reason.. that controls the fuel usage directly.. using better performance spark plugs will help as well.. but the maf is your problem

 

[jeepster]

They won't even check it if the check engine light is on,fix the mass air flow sensor and reset the computer.Also make sure you have clean oil and add some guarantee to pass in your fuel tank run a full tank then fill up with some high octane gas and give it a tune up if it's do you may want to get a new gas cap they will flunk the test if it doesn't pass.
If they tested it with the check engine light on they where just taking your money because they knew it was going to fail