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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 09:43 AM
  #1  
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Default Smog Question

Did all 1968 cars have smog on them or was it based on individual state mandates?
I have a 427/390 car built June 1968.
I see no evidence of smog equiptment ever being installedd.
The exhaust manifolds have threaded plugs installed where a smog pipe would attach. The plugs look like they have been there since 1968.
I'll double check my pulleys but I don't think there is a place for the smog pump belt on any of the pulleys.
Seems like if you were going to remove all components you would probably leave the pulley in place as it is still functional.
The car has power steering and AC from the factory
Just curious
Thanks,
Marshal
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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All '68 Corvettes were originally equipped with AIR with no known exceptions, even export models.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 09:48 AM
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All 68s had factory AIR installed. This was federal and was supposed to meet guidelines in all 50 states. The plugs in your exhaust manifolds are evidence of the previous existence of the AIR.

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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 12:05 PM
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Mike N Mike,
great that clears it up for me
thanks,
Marshal
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 12:07 PM
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Just an after thought
,
Is performance that hampered that previous owners felt the need to remove and discard the smog set up?
Thanks Again,
Marshal
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 12:24 PM
  #6  
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I know that most all will say yes a 68 for sure always had smog pumps and such and they may be right. But for instance a 68 Camaro big block car only had the pump on 4 speed cars but not automatics. How do I know that? I bought a 68 Camaro big block new, mine was a 4speed and had the pump, my buddy bought the auto and it did not have a pump, both bought in calif. Is this possible on our corvettes? Don't know my self for sure.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 02:09 PM
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The much maligned AIR system served as an easy whipping boy to blame any and all performance problems on by uninformed mechanics and owners. Same thing happened to Rochester FI units that got tossed on the scrap pile and replaced by carbs where frequently the real cause was ignition. Those units go for for $10K+ today in show condition.

An AIR system consumes a massive 1 HP to drive the pump and has no other effect upstream or downstream.
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 02:38 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Mike Ward
The much maligned AIR system served as an easy whipping boy to blame any and all performance problems on by uninformed mechanics and owners. Same thing happened to Rochester FI units that got tossed on the scrap pile and replaced by carbs where frequently the real cause was ignition. Those units go for for $10K+ today in show condition.

An AIR system consumes a massive 1 HP to drive the pump and has no other effect upstream or downstream.
This true the pump only pumps air into the exhaust manifold, and that is not going to do anything on performance other than that big HP loss of ONE or so!!
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Old Nov 29, 2011 | 03:52 PM
  #9  
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Manuel/Mike,
thanks for the input. I learned allot.
Good to know I'm not losing or gaining if I ever decide to
install smog unit.
I'll more than likely leave as such since this is a car I enjoy driving.
I did the show thing with a Norton MC before getting my vette.
I like driving her better than polishing.
Marshal
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