I just bought an 88 samurai from Santa Rosa, I'm hoping I'm not a Total Idiot for doing so.
It's Completely gorgeous, in great stock condition and drives like a dream. But the title was a Nevada title and so I'm trying to transfer to California, the guy I bought it from said it'd pass smog Fine and I believed him.

Here's what I got though,
HC (PPM)
Max 146 (15 MPH) 126 (25 MPH)
Meas 219 (15 MPH) 184 (25 MPH)

CO (%)
Max 1.00 (15 MPH) 1.22 (25 MPH)
Meas 2.18 (15 MPH) 2.29 (25 MPH)

NO (PPM)
Max 1096 (15 MPH) 956 (25 MPH)
Meas 1860 (15 MPH) 2150 (25 MPH)

Don't know if you need the gross too. Just lemme know.
Please help me out if you have Any ideas. I tapped on the cat, it sounded solid no rattles or anything. I didn't know what part of the EGR valve moved so I pulled it and figured it out, it moves just fine. I tried running each cylinder independently and they all run for a couple seconds on their own.
The only thing I could think of might be the carburetor? It's damn clean though. The thing runs perfect, I don't know what else to do

I've used Seafoam more than once to clean up an engine to pass smog. Once in Oregon, 3-4 times in Wisconsin.  Follow the directions on the can, or search you tube for a couple good videos. You can find it in most auto parts store.

Well I'm willing to try it but I'm not sure I understand how it would work. I guess if there was a part that effected emissions that needed unbinding?

Actually when I put the EGR valve back in it is a Lot harder to move with one finger, ni impossible. How big of an impact could that have?

One of the three ways to use Seafoam is to suck it in through a vacumm line into the intake manifold.  I think this has the most effect on the improvement. The second method of pouring it it the gas tank helps some too. And then the last 1/3 of the can is supposed to go in the oil before an oil change. I'm not sure how that would improve your situation.  The first time I used it I was VERY wary of its impact.  I bought a miata with over 200,000 miles. It failed and I really didn't have mush to loose. It made a big impact on starting, smooth running and passed smog test. Improved gas milage so I know it actually did something. I wouldn't expect the same improvement from a well cared for vehicle. And .. It's $9. 

alright well I'll give it a try

I will second the Seafoam, it does wonders and cleans the cat too.

Make sure the EGR works since they check its function and the gas cap!! (Kalifornia )

Other than that the NO will clear up with a new cat, but they are pricey if you get a CARB legal one.

I've heard some parts of Cali are harder to pass in, they run the car under load. Where I'm at they only run it at certain rpm while checking. And the visual of coarse.  This is one of my fears with the Sami I bought, I haven't smogged it yet and the carb doesn't look great and has cold start issues. I had noticed on a history report that it had a failed emission test prior to the previous owner buying it (approx. 1yr. ago), it then passed like 30mi. later. I asked why it didn't pass, he said because it needed a fuel filter, I don't believe the fuel filter would have any affect on smog. Looking at my exhaust it looks like the pipe from the manifold and the cat are newer than the rest of the exhaust.

The shop didn't have an opinion on what could be causing this? My uneducated guess would be the cat, but that's a pricey part to guess on.

It's also the law in California that the vehicle seller is legally responsible to already have the car smogged upon purchase, unless you agreed you would do it.They have to pay to make the car pass or give you your money back if it doesn't!!!

I will definitely get sea foam today. Er, the cars title was from nevada. He'd kept it on non-op for the past 6 years with nevada, does it still count?

If you fill in your location (in your profile), perhaps we could help you more.  Petroworks in Fallbrook, near San Diego, offers a SMOG service. They're good, but it costs.  Then again, you might get lucky.  Give 'em a call if you're anywhere nearby.  I've driven over 300 miles (round trip) to go there, more than a couple of times [Edit: but never for smog. I just value their products and work enough to drive there for special Samurai parts & service.  I go to Trail Tough (Medford,Oregon) too. But then the Zuk's been to Alaska and Newfoundland (towed) as well.]

petro works is in California? I didn't know that...
300 miles just for a smog there?? I'd love to be able to do that if they're That good but I can't afford it.. hence why I'm here xD don't have time to fill it right now so
I'm in fresno, ca. It's an 88 samurai no mods or JX or anything.
dunno what else there is to know I'm young with no job if that helps.

I did the sea foam, it seems like it cleaned up nice but engine didn't sound bad but now seems to sound better. I checked the first plug and it was clean as a whistle so I didn't even bother with the rest. I have a repair manual, I'll go through the emissions checks but any major things that you wouldn't think of just tell me I'm open.

Be sure to change the oil and get new gas too.

New oil will not bypass the rings as easy.

Gas goes bad in just a few weeks sometimes, plus the NV gas is a diff mix than Ca stuff which can effect the outcome too.

Yes a plugged filter can affect the NO reading. Not enough GOOD fuel makes the NO go up, which you were high on.

Drive it hard and have it nice and warm for the test.

Go to Petroworks website and click on Techincal ,then on the left side under quick links click Samurai. There is a list of things under Emission Failure Troubleshooting

I put a tank and a half driving it from santa rosa to fresno so the gas should be new.

This petroworks page looks Awesome, Thank you weldboy!! I hope this helps, I could smack the guy that sold me this thing >.<