Jason,
I believe from an earlier post you said this car had about 90k on the clock.
The manual for the 88 300e & ce (M103) calls for injector replacement at 45,000 miles. ( and I assume again at 90,000. I'm not quite there yet so I don't know for sure).
If the 2 former owners' use is as you say, you may be way overdue for injectors. (and more than likely, other ifuel/ignition parts as well. (plugs and distributor to name 2 silmple ones.) Have you checked the plugs for fouling?
My .02 is replace the things that are due under normal servicing intervals and any that visible inspection may uncover. Then do the 5. :D

PS When you Cali guys say the car is on the high profile emitters list do you mean the model/year or that particular car.? Just curious.

No such hit list in NJ..thankfully;)

Good luck.

Agreed
 

Dynalow,

Everything from after the 75,000 mile and 90,000 mile service will most likely need replacing.

I believe "gross polluter" gets written up on the smog test failures.

The high profile status is with the state I believe and its for the year and model.

Perhaps the state will help me out with this car.

Thank you,
Jason

Your catalytic converter should take care of the excess hydrocarbons (unburned fuel), unless your engine is dumping ungodly amounts of fuel into the cat. But, if that were the case a working cat would likely melt down. I would suspect your catalytic converter isn't working that well. You seemed to have access to a mechanic with an exhaust gas analyzer. I would be inclined to take readings of HC's before and after the cat to see if the cat is doing anything.

As already mentioned twice, the first thing is to make sure all the routine maintenance items are taken care of (new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, new distributor cap, new distributor rotor, valve adjustment if this car requires manual adjustment). Then set your timing, idle, and mixture (%CO) appropriately with an exhaust gas analyzer, and only then begin to address your tailpipe emissions.

Brett