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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 01:46 PM
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Default Smog Pump

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.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 02:46 PM
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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.
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by C3 Stroker
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.
Nope, and I bought mine new.. In '76 anyway, all L82's came with a pump but not L48's...just Cali..


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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 05:44 PM
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Originally Posted by SEVNT6
Nope, and I bought mine new.. In '76 anyway, all L82's came with a pump but not L48's...just Cali..

Neither california cars
69 L46

80 L48
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Old Apr 15, 2024 | 09:46 PM
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Do you live somewhere that requires a smog pump? If not, a PO did you a favor.

The only 305s in C3s were 1980, California-delivered, LG4 engine option cars.
https://corvettec3.ca/engines.htm

They also came with the computer controlled carb, the bane of all 81 cars, too.

None of this is hard to fix, as long as you are allowed to.
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 03:44 AM
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Originally Posted by jimy
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!
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Old Apr 16, 2024 | 05:00 AM
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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.
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Old Apr 17, 2024 | 12:47 PM
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Thank you everyone. That helps me a lot on my quest for a C3.
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Old Apr 17, 2024 | 03:01 PM
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Originally Posted by C3 Stroker
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.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicl...og-inspections,

Wish I could remember the assemblyman who sponsored this?
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Old Apr 17, 2024 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by ignatz
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.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicl...og-inspections,

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.
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