M1009 GVWR = 6400LBS
6400 is not greater than 8500, the registration guy told you to basically falsify your documents...
In California's diesel emissions inspection for older vehicles, we have two parts:
- Inspection to ensure factory emissions control equipment is in place and functioning.
- Snap acceleration test - this is a warm-engine peddle mashed to the floor exercise not under drive-train load (Dyno). If your exhaust pipe belches black smoke you're f-d. There is an opacity chart or optical sensor they place on your pipe to ensure you're not spewing soot.
Generally if your engine is running well with no blue/white haze (worn out engine, bad rings, burning oil), and you haven't removed any emissions control hardware (EGR, CAT, DPF, etc...) you should pass.