So Larimer County, Colorado start testing emissions this year. My 2003 Subaru tested perfect - no problems.

So I took the '79 Corvette in for testing this morning. I had the car warmed up, did a little tweeking on the carb to lean it a little, then drove to my friendly state emissions testing site.

So how that work out? NOT TOO GOOD!

The actual testing went well. It failed the CO% test. High End Cutoff is 1.50%; my car was 1.85% Idle (650 RPM), 1.33% @ 2500 RPM. I'm certain I can lean out the Edelbrock Carburator to make those limits.

The other (MAJOR) thing was, the Air Injector System is missing. The car now houses a350 CID ZZ4 Performance Engine. This engine was placed in the car long before I bought it. These goofballs seem to have the idea that if the car had something on it when it was new, 32 years ago, it should have it today.

I'm meeting with The State's Emission's Engineer tomorrow at 1100 hour (MT) to discuss this and see if there's anyway they will pass it. I drive it less than 2,500 miles a year, usually to car shows and once a month to keep the vital fluids in motion to prevent gaskets from drying out, gas going stale and tires from flat-spotting.

So, are there any hints that you guys can give me? Please don't tell me to attach the Air Injection System - I don't have it nor do I have the money to buy one (if they're even available).

Thanks for any info that can be used.



It would be a shame to have to mothball her because of silly government regulations.

 

They'll have tech specs as in this car/ this year/came with this.
I don't see how you can circumvent this.
Your state have a classic car exemption law or something? You are the owner now and therefore responsible for the ZZ4 being compliant.

 

I hope you have a good meeting these older Vettes are driven 1-5 miles a year and hobbies for us. Taking 100 cars like your off the road won't make any difference with anything

 

Hey Wayne, did you put a smog pump back on your Vette?

 

I would follow the path of the Classic Car Registration. If its anything like it is here in Texas, you don't have to get an inspection OR emissions test. I dont have any stickers on my window and the plate is good for 5 years.

 

My 79 L-48 did not come with a smog pump. The exhaust manifolds did not have provisions for this. If your car is an L-48 I think you may be in luck on this one.

Check your vin and if the 5th digit is an 8 it was an L-48.
If the 5th digit is a 4, it was an L-82 and had the smog pump.

Let us know what you find and what the outcome is with your meeting tomorrow.

 

What i like about where i live. I have a Tn antique plate that is perminent as long as I own the car no renewal fees.No inspections etc.

 

You are correct about the L-48 not being equipted with a Smog Pump.

Except for California cars and High Altitude cars.

I have a L-48 car that was equipted for High Altitude.




(The label under the hood.)

I will let everybody know. If they fail the car, then I'll call the local State Representative and see if I can get a "favor".

Thanks for the info.

 

....kinda sad when you think about it. City busses, highway dept. dump trucks, fire engines, etc. can spew tons of soot and pollution in the air while driving hundreds of thousands of miles per year, yet they're worried about someone that drives a classis or antique car a few thousand miles a year...GMAFB...

...just another reason this country's in the shape it's in.

 

I'd look at the collector's/antique route that others have mentioned. I did that in AZ and all they needed was proof of "collector's" insurance.

 

Colorado allows antique/collectors status for 1975 and older cars. So far all of my research isn't being too productive. Here's hoping that speaking to the Emission Engineer will be more productive.

 

register in non smog county where a friend lives thanks to the likes of al a-hole gore and other uninformed/don't care govt people who want all to buy new car every 5 years we have to live with the BS, maybe ca and dc will fall of the earth and get rid of the major greenie hot spots

 

If you can't get a favor, the sad truth is you'll have to reinstall it.

On the plus side, I've never seen any state outside of California verify functionality of the AIR system.

So, the hint is... Make it appear as though you have the AIR system installed.

 

My plan exactly. I'm going to adjust the carb, lean it out so it will pass the emissions part. If I have to, I'll find an old AIR pump and the correct tubing, hook it up for emission testing, then either remove it or take a drive belt off. If the engine is passing emission tests, then what's the big deal about the missing Air Injection System?

I also have to wonder how the Emission ***** will handle the Vettes and Camaros that have done away with the stock 350 and placed LS-series engines in the engine bay? Or the guy who has a '69 Mustang that he rebuilt the front suspension, got rid of his 302 and replaced it with a 4.6 Modular engine (he had to take out the shock towers - that Ford Mod engine is extra-wide.)

As for the "Zero-Tolerance" atmosphere both the gub'ment and workplaces are forcing on us, this is my opinion:

 

Just be glad it's an older car so it's just a visual check.

Swapping engines in an OBD2 car with emissions checks is a REAL butthole to say the least.

Older cars with newer engines usually isn't too bad. In most cases you're required to maintain all the emissions equipment that was included with the engine. With an LS this isn't too bad since they usually come with it all.

Our older cars it can be a real pain in the butt just because so many people trashed the emissions parts.. makes em kinda hard to find :9

 

buy a car that is exempt.. i know that is too late now.. find out before you buy.. or see if there is a way to make it exempt ( antique plates or something like that)

I would guess that most states will require emissions numbers based on the age of the car or the age of the engine, whichever is younger. a '32 rat rod with a new LS1 may have to pass LS1 standards..

some people grind off date codes on their block to get their car exempt.

 

Nice looking car and cool paint job!

 

I also posted this years ago..I'm in NC. Had the same problem. I also have a 79 L-82. Simple fix, 12yrs ago I swapped the stickers under the hood- both the one on the hood and above the brake booster to a earlier year L-48. Never had a problem after. The inspector looks at these to determine want was originaly installed, not the VIN #. If your sticker doesn't have it they don't look for it.Quality suppliers have them $10+-, Luckly NC does not reqiure inspections for vechile over 33yrs old.. almost there.

 

If you need a air injection system and manifolds. I have a set-up around my garage, I could probably sell for around $650 shipped to you. Most of the parts are NOS GM.

 

Just one more reason why I love being in FL's Space Coast. No emissions, no visuals, no inspections period.