i live in california and have to live under the rules of the smog-*****
i didn't do my research before i bought my '79...i've been thinking
about putting in a 383 and maybe rod6 combo

i've also entertained the idea of selling it and getting a '69-'74
which will allow me to play with sidepipes and BB...if i do this i'm
considering a 502 w/ rod6 combo....but, i was doing some search
on 502's and noticed that Salee motors stated that the 502
was only intended for use with '67 or older and off road vehicles only
if i do go ahead and trade the '79 for an earlier c3...will i be able to
drop in a 502 in cali...or will the smog-***** still not allow it?

if i can't drop a 502 into a '69-'74 i'll just keep the '79 and drop in
a 383 instead....which is the best way to go?

 

What do the "emissions guys" say about dropping in a late model engine (e.g., LT1)? I always thought that you then fell under the emissions requirement for the engine year. A late model drivetrain would be nice (something I'm seriously considering "when the time comes") in terms of driveability, mileage, AND power.

But, if you haven't grown attached to your '79, your quest would probably be easier with a pre '74 model.

$0.02

 

I believe in california, you fall under vin # yr. So if your car is a 1974 and you put in a 2001 yr engine you must abide by 1974 emission standards, and vice versa.

I would go with a pre 1975 vehicle and build it how you want it, without emission crap hindering you.

Plus I think the chrome bumper sharks are the sharpest lookers, imho.


[Modified by 1976C3, 11:36 PM 9/12/2001]

 

I think the 74 is the way to go...get the most updated technology and last year for
True duals

 

The best way around the smog inspections is to purchase a 1972 car or older.
When I first bought my 'Vette in 1993, The smog inspection cutoff year was 1967 I believe. They changed it to '72 when I was in the middle of building my first motor for it. I was relieved when that law was changed.
One thing you should remember about the smog inspection year cutoff:
It is NOT on a rolling calender like other states. Unless they change it again, it will always begin with the 1973 model year.

Looking at the current prices of the Corvette's up to 1973, I don't think I could afford to buy one now. If I was currently looking for a Stingray for a better price, I would buy a '74 model with a small block.
Since the '74 model was available with an optional big block, it is considered a legal swap in California, but the engine needs to retain all of the smog equipment to pass the visual. This is the last year you could legally install a big block in a Corvette. Whatever you install in any other later years ('75 & up) has to be (or at least look like) a factory small block.
I think that there are a few sharks running around with late fuel injected motors, but the legalities of that kind of swap may be discoraging.

You could theoreticly install any big block as long as it looks like the stock 454. If you wanted more power from your big block and still pass the smog check, you could stroke it. GM has found over the years that a longer stroke burns cleaner. I'm not sure how far you can stroke a stock big block, but I would consider that before a would go to a 502 (for emmisions only).
I also like the clean lines of the '74 model. In some ways I feel that is the best looking year, void of any chrome or bumperettes.
I hope this helps you with your decision.
:cheers:




[Modified by 71coupe, 10:23 AM 9/13/2001]

 

71 coupe...I like the way You think......If I could have afforded one I would hav gotten a chrome bumper car...but they are getting REAL PRICEY :smash:

 

From the Ca DMV website:

How old does a vehicle have to be to qualify for a smog exemption?

1973 and older year model vehicles are exempt from the smog certification requirements.

That's what drove my decision to get a 73. I was looking at several later years, but the ability to mod the engine was always a question. I've kept the 86 close to stock and plan on modifying the 73 to suit my needs. Also the 73's are a hell of a lot cheaper than the 68-72 models and still have at least one chrome bumper. I found mine in great shape with a all new interior for $5,500. I looked at 2 others in the same price range. So far all I can find wrong is leaking valve covers and seat belts that are tempermental.

 

thanks for the replies... :smash:

i just recently talked to a dealer that was going to sell a '69 with flares, 4-barrel sidepipes, and 4-spd for $11k after he puts in a rebuilt 350. it looked in pretty good condition. the guy said it won't be ready til begining of october.

i'm thinking about checking it out again after he finishes installing the new motor... :cool: hhmmm...maybe i'll trade in the '79 if he gives me a decent price for it :D

 

If you are serious about that '69, give him a deposit.

 

You need to get a 71 of course!!

good luck

 

At this point, get a 73 or earlier, there are no smogs.

that made my decision.

Terry

 

thanks for all the feedbacks

if the guys gives me a good deal on my '79, i'll definately trade it...
:jester