On California State Emissions tests, if you get a twice fail they used to send you to what they call a "REFERREE".

If the vehicle required so much work in dollars and cents that it was over a thousand dollars - you could get a "WAIVER".

I don't know if they still do that in California, or if it is part of the emissions testing model being used in Tennessee. I do know that I ran a freshly rebuilt Datsun 1600 truck through the system that way wherein everything was right and correct - and on the thrid try they passed it.

Heck, IT WAS A BRAND NEW ENGINE!!!

Emissions are a PITA. There is NO WAY a brand new set of rings can pass...

That particular engine was bored 20 over, align-bored so that new main and rod bearings could be fitted, the valves were 100% dual-angle ground, it was DECKED both for the block and the head, and had all of it's emission items performing as advertised...

If the rings are not seated yet you're not going to pass.

I have often wondered if you could just tell them it is a new set of rings, and get a free spot check later on to see if it is following the normal break in curve that could be expected (DAMN good idea, ain't it???)