
IT PASSED! WOOOOHOOOO!!!!
I found another shop and told them the situation. They said that while most cars are tested in 2nd gear only, some require 3rd gear for the 25 mph test and that they'd be willing to do that. They allowed me to be in the shop and show them that all parts of the emissions controls (EGR, Air Injection, EVAP, etc) were present and functional.
They said most shops are "scared" of a car like this because the Bureau of Automotive Repair will sometimes send an "undercover" car that is not legal and then try to trick techs into passing it. So, their default mindset is to play it safe and send you elsewhere.
Man, what a hassle. If these guys were going to be around for awhile, I'd consider keeping it.
Thanks to this forum for the feedback and Mark in particular for the carb and smog advice.
Sonny