C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Smog removal

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 10:31 AM
  #1  
Air_drewdy's Avatar
Air_drewdy
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 166
Likes: 14
From: Chicago IL
Default Smog removal

Hey guys. I am looking at buying a 1979 corvette. I am going to do headers side pipes and a carb intake and dist eventually. But my main question is how hard is it to remove the smog. And what do i have to do? Does anyone have a detailed video or instructions that i could see. I’m wondering how hard this is and i want to see how tough its going to be.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 11:36 AM
  #2  
Golfobsessed's Avatar
Golfobsessed
Drifting
Supporting Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 931
From: Arizona
Default

Not too difficult, just did the same to add headers and pipes, weekend job all in, I've kept everything I took off including all hardware with intentions I will/can bring back to all original one day or if next owner wants to.



I mocked up pipes before header install to get the right exhaust opening angle correct, most likely you will need to bend the mount tabs, had to elongate holes on frame a bit as well, headers went in easy with just a small dimple needed in drivers side header pipe for PS box clearing. I wish I had used header studs as suggested on here instead of header bolts as I installed myself and would have made it easier, also regret not running plug wires under headers, installing a 2004R trans and running the wires under while doing that project.
I do love the look and sound and ive been a sidepipe guy a long time, recently had a little negitive comments here on the forum of people's opinion of headers/pipes and T.T. wheels but I like them, I show the car and wheels and pipes get most of the attention and comments as mint as the car is. I always liked day 2 mods.
I have a brand new under the car exhaust as well as everything to bring back to original and one day I will, I would definitely suggest keeping everything removed.
reach out if you have any questions i can help with.

I know everone says side pipes dont add performance but definitely better than the stock exhaust with the cat.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 11:47 AM
  #3  
Air_drewdy's Avatar
Air_drewdy
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 166
Likes: 14
From: Chicago IL
Default

Originally Posted by Golfobsessed
Not too difficult, just did the same to add headers and pipes, weekend job all in, I've kept everything I took off including all hardware with intentions I will/can bring back to all original one day or if next owner wants to.



I mocked up pipes before header install to get the right exhaust opening angle correct, most likely you will need to bend the mount tabs, had to elongate holes on frame a bit as well, headers went in easy with just a small dimple needed in drivers side header pipe for PS box clearing. I wish I had used header studs as suggested on here instead of header bolts as I installed myself and would have made it easier, also regret not running plug wires under headers, installing a 2004R trans and running the wires under while doing that project.
I do love the look and sound and ive been a sidepipe guy a long time, recently had a little negitive comments here on the forum of people's opinion of headers/pipes and T.T. wheels but I like them, I show the car and wheels and pipes get most of the attention and comments as mint as the car is. I always liked day 2 mods.
I have a brand new under the car exhaust as well as everything to bring back to original and one day I will, I would definitely suggest keeping everything removed.
reach out if you have any questions i can help with.

I know everone says side pipes dont add performance but definitely better than the stock exhaust with the cat.

thank you man yeah that seems pretty easy. I’m assuming once i pull the headers and air pump thats about all i need to do? Just plug up some vacuum hoses, and thats about it? Also will doing this throw a check engine light? No right because its not a CCC.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 11:51 AM
  #4  
Golfobsessed's Avatar
Golfobsessed
Drifting
Supporting Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 931
From: Arizona
Default

Correct, I had two vacuum lines I kept just plugged under the air cleaner to go to the smog pump, my car is an 80 and yours is a 79 so no CCC/o2 to worry about, use some anti seize on the overlap area of headers and pipes.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 11:53 AM
  #5  
Air_drewdy's Avatar
Air_drewdy
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 166
Likes: 14
From: Chicago IL
Default

Originally Posted by Golfobsessed
Correct, I had two vacuum lines I kept just plugged under the air cleaner to go to the smog pump, my car is an 80 and yours is a 79 so no CCC/o2 to worry about, use some anti seize on the overlap area of headers and pipes.

what would the anti seize do? Where exactly would i put it?
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 11:57 AM
  #6  
Golfobsessed's Avatar
Golfobsessed
Drifting
Supporting Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 931
From: Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by Air_drewdy
what would the anti seize do? Where exactly would i put it?
allows you to remove the pipes from the headers down the road easier. I installed the Dougs set up with mid inserts (glass packs) and also purchased the more open insterts if i want to go a bit louder, the anti seize will help me remove the pipes.

Apply it on the end of the headers where the pipes slide over.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2023 | 01:36 PM
  #7  
Bikespace's Avatar
Bikespace
Race Director
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,931
Likes: 4,497
From: Virginia
Default

I have a CCC delete kit for sale, if that helps, from another 79. Some assembly required. 1981 was the only year for CCC (except 1980 California 305s). CELs were only in those cars, and 82 C3s (Crossfire).

There are very few vacuum hoses that are required for operation of the car, but don't yank anything until you know:
1. What it does and why
2. If you need it to be allowed to drive the car where you live

But none of it is hard, and headers takes care of most of it.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-intake.html
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2023 | 12:23 PM
  #8  
Air_drewdy's Avatar
Air_drewdy
Thread Starter
Instructor
 
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 166
Likes: 14
From: Chicago IL
Default

Originally Posted by Bikespace
I have a CCC delete kit for sale, if that helps, from another 79. Some assembly required. 1981 was the only year for CCC (except 1980 California 305s). CELs were only in those cars, and 82 C3s (Crossfire).

There are very few vacuum hoses that are required for operation of the car, but don't yank anything until you know:
1. What it does and why
2. If you need it to be allowed to drive the car where you live

But none of it is hard, and headers takes care of most of it.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nd-intake.html
perfect thank you so much man I’ll let you know how it goes.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Dec 13, 2023 | 12:19 AM
  #9  
RC81's Avatar
RC81
Burning Brakes
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 770
Likes: 284
From: Middleton, Id
Default

Golf - love those wheels. Torque Thrust right? Looks like a deeper dish style. Look great on that body style.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2023 | 03:32 AM
  #10  
4-vettes's Avatar
4-vettes
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,194
Likes: 7,795
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

I have a 77. Didn't come with to much smog stuff. But enough.
one day I hit a bump in the road and it all fell off! My was I shocked! Even the Cat fell off! And duel exhaust took it's place. It was like magic! And just like that my car went from turtle to fun!
I never did go back looking for those parts.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2023 | 06:14 AM
  #11  
Golfobsessed's Avatar
Golfobsessed
Drifting
Supporting Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 931
From: Arizona
Default

Originally Posted by RC81
Golf - love those wheels. Torque Thrust right? Looks like a deeper dish style. Look great on that body style.
thanks RC81, torque thrust 1055861 15x8.5 with 3.75 backspace
Reply
Old May 20, 2026 | 04:51 PM
  #12  
Eli hayes's Avatar
Eli hayes
Intermediate
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2026
Posts: 30
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by 4-vettes
I have a 77. Didn't come with to much smog stuff. But enough.
one day I hit a bump in the road and it all fell off! My was I shocked! Even the Cat fell off! And duel exhaust took it's place. It was like magic! And just like that my car went from turtle to fun!
I never did go back looking for those parts.
what road, i might need to have mine "fall off" too. i think its about time.
Reply
Old Yesterday | 11:09 PM
  #13  
YELLOW78's Avatar
YELLOW78
1st Gear
 
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default

Yeah, I thought that was a Corvette cat I ran over.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Smog removal





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:43 AM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE