Cal. smog v. HP
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 1
From: Redding Ca
Cal. smog v. HP
Hi everyone. I am a newby here but I have been reading the Forum for a couple of days, and you guys know your stuff!
1. I have a high mileage bone stock 1988 coupe, L-98 w/700R. This is a daily driver and I will need a new engine before long. I have been considering a crate ZZ-4 or Fast burn 385. I know these engines do not have a Cal EO#, but I believe either will pass the Bi-annual Cal smog test. Does anyone have any direct knowlege whether they do or not?
2. I am also considering a medium compression, like 9.5:1, big cubic inch motor, like 406 to 427. But I have no idea whether these things will pass Calif. smog once a good set of heads and cam are installed, such as 195 AFR's and an LPE 219/219 together with an LPE Superram.
This car is mainly for a reliable fun driver, not a drag strip terror. But I would like a car that will eke into the 12's at the strip if I want to. I would appreciate any comments
1. I have a high mileage bone stock 1988 coupe, L-98 w/700R. This is a daily driver and I will need a new engine before long. I have been considering a crate ZZ-4 or Fast burn 385. I know these engines do not have a Cal EO#, but I believe either will pass the Bi-annual Cal smog test. Does anyone have any direct knowlege whether they do or not?
2. I am also considering a medium compression, like 9.5:1, big cubic inch motor, like 406 to 427. But I have no idea whether these things will pass Calif. smog once a good set of heads and cam are installed, such as 195 AFR's and an LPE 219/219 together with an LPE Superram.
This car is mainly for a reliable fun driver, not a drag strip terror. But I would like a car that will eke into the 12's at the strip if I want to. I would appreciate any comments
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Re: Cal. smog v. HP (GeosFun)
If I were you, I'd have my stock motor rebuilt into 355cid, using some 10:1 hyperutectic slugs, slap in the LPE 219 cam, reuse your stock heads, but have them rebuilt with new valves/springs/etc, as well as a small port job (even a home job probably would work, if you took your time). Then top it off with a SuperRam. Since you live here in California, I would suggest headers, but we can't run them (yet) so I do recommend getting a new Front Y-pipe (possibly custom made) utilizing mandrel bends and NO precats. Then back it up with a high flowing main cat (such as Carsound) along with a Flowmaster Catback from TPiS.
With that setup, you could pass smog just fine, because you would have all smog legal parts (Cam/Intake/Stock heads). On the no precats subject, don't worry, 99.95% of the smog shops in CA don't know or care about precats.
With that setup, you could pass smog just fine, because you would have all smog legal parts (Cam/Intake/Stock heads). On the no precats subject, don't worry, 99.95% of the smog shops in CA don't know or care about precats.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 34
Re: Cal. smog v. HP (GeosFun)
I have heard the 383's pass with a 219.
I knew of a guy in nevada who had an LPE 420, which has the 219 cam, he said his passed the emissions testing there. Im not sure if NV has the same test as CA, but it made me think my next engine will be a 420 as well.
I knew of a guy in nevada who had an LPE 420, which has the 219 cam, he said his passed the emissions testing there. Im not sure if NV has the same test as CA, but it made me think my next engine will be a 420 as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Cal. smog v. HP (GeosFun)
I agree, for a good street motor that will dip into the 12s nicely, have yours rebuilt with a good exhaust (port stock headers for for the smog guys), ported #113 heads, and a 219 or ZZ-9 cam along with BM base & LT runners.
Take a look at Vit'89's record; he's well into 12s with stock cam, heads and rockers.
Take a look at Vit'89's record; he's well into 12s with stock cam, heads and rockers.
