Replacing Emissions Equipment
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins CO
Replacing Emissions Equipment
Virtually all of the emission equipment on my car has been removed. I currently don't pass emission testing where I live, and I'm about to move to Colorado with even tighter restrictions on this sort of thing. I need to replace the AIR pump and cat from what I can tell. Most corvette places dont seem to carry an AIR pump for 1980. I'm not really concerned about origionality so would other years be functionally similar? I need all of the brackets as well, are they different for different pumps/years? I plan on just connecting the AIR pump into the catalytic converter so I dont have to get new headers, do you think most inspection places would take that as an acceptable connection?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Replacing Emissions Equipment (Gameshow Bob)
I plan on just connecting the AIR pump into the catalytic converter so I dont have to get new headers, do you think most inspection places would take that as an acceptable connection?
I dont know specifics about Colorado but I would bet that your idea would not suffice.
As to your question about the air pump - the one in my car is out of a 1972 camaro - however the divertor valve and the mounts are corvette specific. Check valves on the air rails are not specific to the corvette so any SBC check valves should do.
A high flow cat isnt too expensive and can be purchased as a direct bolt in from NAPA stores.
[Modified by fauxrs, 12:22 PM 10/21/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: Replacing Emissions Equipment (Gameshow Bob)
Well, at least one good thing your car does'nt have a computer. In judging '81's & '82's, many of the emission components are computer related/controlled. A 1980 "original" 4spd car has some unique pieces found only on an '80 4spd car. There was a "kinda unique" back flow/check valve unit that laid on top of the smog pump. Also, a 1980 4spd car had a "black accordian" style plastic tube which went to the air cleaner, left front. The 1980 4spd "diverter valve" too was a "special" piece, different from all earlier years '75-'80, automatic OR four speed cars. The smog pump too was unique, having the words "METRIC" on it. It was also physically smaller than the AIR pumps of years past-not sure when this "METRIC" pump was used, may have been as early as '78. Many, if not most replacement converters have that "AIR nipple" on them as '81 & '82's(possibly also '84 & up) used an air pipe from the AIR pump to the converter. Your car may pass smog as is, but then again, states can be different on this issue-some MAY REQUIRE OEM "smog" equipment-some may just care that it passes on the hydrocarbons, CO, CO2, nitrogen oxides, oxygen, etc. You'll just have to see what laws are in force to what ever state, county, city requires first.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 305
Likes: 0
From: Fort Collins CO
Re: Replacing Emissions Equipment (Paul Borowski)
That's the thing, I was looking on the colorado emission control website and the items that they specifically looked for in the visual check are:
http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/air...ns-testing.php
* oxygen sensor (dont have one, dont need one)
* check engine light (dont have one, dont need one)
* catalytic converter (dont have one, uh oh)
* leaded fuel inlet restrictor (no problem)
* air injector system (uh oh again)
* evaporative canister systems (have it, not connected, easily done though)
I am about to convert to an MPFI system (TEC3) which technically wont be legal, but that doesnt seem to be one of the things on their visual checklist to look for. I bet I could get under the 1.5 CO and 400 HC limits with the fuel injection system but without the other devices. Unfortunately, they will be looking for them.
http://www.ci.fort-collins.co.us/air...ns-testing.php
* oxygen sensor (dont have one, dont need one)
* check engine light (dont have one, dont need one)
* catalytic converter (dont have one, uh oh)
* leaded fuel inlet restrictor (no problem)
* air injector system (uh oh again)
* evaporative canister systems (have it, not connected, easily done though)
I am about to convert to an MPFI system (TEC3) which technically wont be legal, but that doesnt seem to be one of the things on their visual checklist to look for. I bet I could get under the 1.5 CO and 400 HC limits with the fuel injection system but without the other devices. Unfortunately, they will be looking for them.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,266
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From: Allen, TX, USA
Re: Replacing Emissions Equipment (Gameshow Bob)
Bob, I've got a great idea...
I'll swap you...
81 4sp original smog equipment (have original cat in garage.)
for your 80 4sp...
Same color, same interior, same wheels....
Deal :cheers:
Lunch on Friday?
Pro
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 726
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From: Petaluma CA
Re: Replacing Emissions Equipment (Gameshow Bob)
Seems you need the whole smog story, or you may spend time, money...only to fail smog...I just finished a real nightmare. Actually now in small claims with one shop and at Bureau of auto repair with the chevy dealer. I will win both cases. But it passed.
With all the mods currently in the car, you may want to see if they are legit in CO. Then ask about restoring other stuff. I had to go with a different year smog pump and still another year diverter valve. Messy.
My air pump goes to cat and headers. But another shop OKed an old Olds with a severely cracked ex manifold, based on my promise to fix it, which I did. Keep us posted ??
With all the mods currently in the car, you may want to see if they are legit in CO. Then ask about restoring other stuff. I had to go with a different year smog pump and still another year diverter valve. Messy.
My air pump goes to cat and headers. But another shop OKed an old Olds with a severely cracked ex manifold, based on my promise to fix it, which I did. Keep us posted ??
