Passing California Smog
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Passing California Smog
My 1979 vette threw a connecting rod recently, so I figured that this would be a good time to upgrade the engine like I've been wanting to. After some searching, I decided that I would go with either the ZZ4 or the 350 ramjet. Then, I remembered I live in California. My local shop guy told me that it's a pretty slim chance I'll be able to pass smog. I've gotten pretty discouraged so I've come here to ask what my options are. I have a budget of around $5k for a replacement engine. I have some experience with doing my own work, but keep in mind I don't have the time on top of school.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Thanks in advance for the help!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
Passing smog is not that hard. You need original equipment and stock tune-up settings. Of course, having a '74 or earlier car solves the problem too... I would talk to the smog board to get their recommendation.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
My 1979 vette threw a connecting rod recently, so I figured that this would be a good time to upgrade the engine like I've been wanting to. After some searching, I decided that I would go with either the ZZ4 or the 350 ramjet. Then, I remembered I live in California. My local shop guy told me that it's a pretty slim chance I'll be able to pass smog. I've gotten pretty discouraged so I've come here to ask what my options are. I have a budget of around $5k for a replacement engine. I have some experience with doing my own work, but keep in mind I don't have the time on top of school.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Thanks in advance for the help!
Your best bet is top build something custom. AFR-180s coupled with a cam in the mid 210s on duration, aluminum intake and a well tuned carb and you'll do fine. If you build it right, you'll make more power than the ZZ4 or Ramjet anyways.
If it weren't for the heads, either one of those motors would pass smog just fine.
What part of CA do you live in?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 954
Likes: 2
From: San Jose CA
I wish California would go back to the old law. Smog exempt if over 30 years old.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
You can make good power and keep it legal plenty of pieces out there fo the sbc. Keep the duration in the 2teens a good head like the afr, 50 state intake etc youd be surprised.
So you swap headers even if they were shortys ea 2 yrs big deal.
So you swap headers even if they were shortys ea 2 yrs big deal.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Running legal long tubes on my 78...
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Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Roseville CA
My 1979 vette threw a connecting rod recently, so I figured that this would be a good time to upgrade the engine like I've been wanting to. After some searching, I decided that I would go with either the ZZ4 or the 350 ramjet. Then, I remembered I live in California. My local shop guy told me that it's a pretty slim chance I'll be able to pass smog. I've gotten pretty discouraged so I've come here to ask what my options are. I have a budget of around $5k for a replacement engine. I have some experience with doing my own work, but keep in mind I don't have the time on top of school.
Thanks in advance for the help!
Thanks in advance for the help!
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Valencia CA
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 632
Likes: 38
From: Roseville CA
The vette was brought in from Oregon from a region that required a smog test. It has always passed in Oregon. When it was brought into California it had to go through a complete DMV inspection and a smog test. It is 100% legal!
NO Max allowed at 15 mph is 913, measured 684
NO Max allowed at 25 mph is 815, measured 652
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
The vette was brought in from Oregon from a region that required a smog test. It has always passed in Oregon. When it was brought into California it had to go through a complete DMV inspection and a smog test. It is 100% legal!
NO Max allowed at 15 mph is 913, measured 684
NO Max allowed at 25 mph is 815, measured 652
If they manually opened the valve, you most likely would have failed.
Can you tell me what happens when you manually cycle it?
Like I said earlier - there's a difference between passing the test and being smog legal.
FYI
ZZ4 heads
AFR 180 heads
See the cute little hole between the center intake bolt holes? That's the exhaust crossover.
I can certainly understand that you pass the test, but I find a lot more comfort in knowing that if I have a thorough technician I will still pass.
This is why I didn't go down the ZZ4 path - to remain legal I would have to replace the heads anyways and the economy of that motor goes out the door, not to mention losing the warranty.
Last edited by Shark Racer; Mar 10, 2012 at 02:00 PM.
