Passing in Texas..
Perfect (or as close as you can get it) tune, no (major) exhaust leaks, take
it in hot--the cat works best that way.
I always go to the same place, run-down, mainly sells used tires, all my
cars always pass, although I may have to pay for a new light bulb
occasionally. My wife took one to the clean, shiney oil'n'inspect place by
Target last year and they told her "no pass", it needed an "engine flush".
My place passed it immediately. I asked him about it then--he doesn't tinker
with the machine or anything, but says you have to have the right RPMs for
the car (within the mandated range) and seems to be able to find them by
ear. Also, he only sells tires and inspections, no tune-ups or "engine
flushes". I bet you can find somebody like him in east Austin or down south
Congress.

Scott in Cowtown