Question about A.I.R.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: terre haute indiana
Question about A.I.R.
Restoring a 1968 convertible with a 427ci, 390hp. After 23 years in the back of a trailer on the family farm the project is finally moving foward.
The machinist has finished the short block, and now I am planning to finish the engine. As a doctor, I have to admit if it doesnt have a heartbeat or pass gass, I probably know little about it. But I am willing to learn.
My question: 1)Did all 427's have A.I.R. in 1968? I dont have the original exhaust manifolds ( the engine was parted out but i found the original block) and am unsure if I have to deal with A.I.R. or not.
Question 2) are there any pitfalls to buying a reproduction oil pan ? Mine is verry beaten up ( I guess Dad bottoming out in a bean field didnt help it much)
thanks
The machinist has finished the short block, and now I am planning to finish the engine. As a doctor, I have to admit if it doesnt have a heartbeat or pass gass, I probably know little about it. But I am willing to learn.
My question: 1)Did all 427's have A.I.R. in 1968? I dont have the original exhaust manifolds ( the engine was parted out but i found the original block) and am unsure if I have to deal with A.I.R. or not.
Question 2) are there any pitfalls to buying a reproduction oil pan ? Mine is verry beaten up ( I guess Dad bottoming out in a bean field didnt help it much)
thanks
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
yes, all 68's had the pumps....unless the pan has holes, you can ude a hammer and a block of steel and pound out the bottom....if unsure take it to a body shop, I'm sure the charge would not be that much and the results will be worth while. The Aftermarket pans may not have the trap doors that your pan has.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
We don't worry too much about A.I.R. around here. 
You should focus on getting the "core" systems working properly for now...then once the main resto is done, decide whether or not you want to retrofit the A.I.R....
You should focus on getting the "core" systems working properly for now...then once the main resto is done, decide whether or not you want to retrofit the A.I.R....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,023
Likes: 2
From: TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS TEXASTEXASTEXASTEXAS
St. Jude Contributor
Ah, speak for yourself, Page. I worry about smog pumps all the time. Keeps me awake at night. 
They do tend to be about the last thing folks worry about in a resto, in part because most of our cars are old enough that in most states, they're smog testing exempt. However, a complete smog system is the ultimate finishing touch to a factory correct resto, since most of our cars don't have them any more. Be aware, though, that a complete restored smog system for a '68 big block with the correct pump, diverter, brackets, and injector tubes can run upwards of $1500.
JB
They do tend to be about the last thing folks worry about in a resto, in part because most of our cars are old enough that in most states, they're smog testing exempt. However, a complete smog system is the ultimate finishing touch to a factory correct resto, since most of our cars don't have them any more. Be aware, though, that a complete restored smog system for a '68 big block with the correct pump, diverter, brackets, and injector tubes can run upwards of $1500.
JB
