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I'm trying to figure out this smog pump thing on the later C3s. Is it just a California requirement? And if it has a smog pump, is it a 305? Are those cars something to stay away from buying? There's a ton of C3s out there. I see the smog pump on some of them.
I'm trying to figure out this smog pump thing on the later C3s. Is it just a California requirement? And if it has a smog pump, is it a 305? Are those cars something to stay away from buying? There's a ton of C3s out there. I see the smog pump on some of them.
It began by automotive engineers chasing federal emission control standards...and you can see even today, administrations continue to set new targets with the end result to rid of the combustion engine!
But in the 1970s, the role of air-injection reactor or A.I.R. (smog pump) was to inject oxygen into the exhaust to complete combustion...unspent fuel through inefficient carburation entered the exhaust. The role of A.I.R. is to burn that unspent fuel. Higher horse power engines (L82s) require more fuel...thus more air to complete combusion...thus high-HP motors are equipped with A.I.R. whereas low-hp (L48s) are not. This varies by model year. California with the strickest emission control standards, led the way. Later high-altitude got on the band wagon and required A.I.R....I guess less air up in the mountains!
Computer controlled air/fuel ratios nearly eliminate unspent fuel and the need for A.I.R. Look at C8 engines producing 490 horsepower...try to find that smog pump!
Simple answer, No. The smog pump is not something to be afraid of or steer away from.
As can be seen in the answers above, generally the higher output engines got the air pump. Not just the one year only California car.
You live in Texas, just rip it off! Plug the holes or install headers and move on.
I believe all Corvettes from 1968-1982 all had smog pumps from the factory. You don't see too many because everyone threw them away.
That's not completely true. Post 1975 California cars are required to have their emissions equipment and are (or were) inspected for compliance. That probably includes catalytic convertors. I haven't checked up on that lately so this is merely cautionary. See this link.
That's not completely true. Post 1975 California cars are required to have their emissions equipment and are (or were) inspected for compliance. That probably includes catalytic convertors. I haven't checked up on that lately so this is merely cautionary. See this link.
Wish I could remember the assemblyman who sponsored this?
I stand corrected. Except for show cars, I never see a smog pump in any 68-72 in my area...everyone says they threw them away. Mine was discarded before I bought the car in 1990.