UPDATE:

i passed! all it took was a simple oil and plug change.

i told the guy to look closer for the crank pulley timing marks because last time he couldnt see them and took off the spark plug wire cover cause he also couldnt find the #1 wire last time. :doh:

results from today's test:

HC (PPM)
max: 97
meas: 83

CO (%)
max: .59
meas: .31

NO (PPM)
max: 731
meas: 669

much better. now i can get my registration.