Emission controls questions

Steve Vague · #1 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 03:17 PM

I am in process of replacing the original TBI setup, with a carb and manifold etc. on my '82 Aurora, (302 CI). I am removing about 140# (seriously) of wiring, relays, pumps, pulleys and god knows what else.

In my State TN, we have yearly tail pipe inspections, (visual on cats and unleaded fuel fill restrictors along with tail pipe sniff) but nothing under the hood. I am worried about other states, (forget CA) and potential future marketability issues if I go to far.

I was not succesful in passing this the sniff test with the TBI, though I am sure this was more a factor of too many electronic varibles than strictly the FI.

I am considering a (non EGR) Edelbrock performer manifold, with a manual choke #1850, 600 CFM Holley carb. In TN I am required to keep the catalytic converters, (yes it came with these std) but want to simplify everything else under the hood.

I have also considered going with the EGR style manifold and a"50 state legal" Holley, but the idea of less under the hood is attractive. Do you think this (non EGR) combo would pass a sniff test?

Does anyone know a good source (Book, or?) of emission requirements, on a state by state, year by year basis? In otherwords, at what year would the EGR valve, air-pump, cat converters, etc be mandated? Actually a book illustrating "Typical Ford" emmisions designs yr by yr would also be valuable as well!

As always the info on this forum is invaluable, and I thank any and all respondents in advance!
Steve

Jack21 · #2 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 06:14 PM

Approach #1. The FFR guys use all late model Mustang running gear. Emissions don't seem to be an issue. Find out how they do it.

Approach #2. Most Cobras get emissions exempt through a variety of methods available in their State. Registering the car as an Antique, Classic, Specially Constructed Vehicle, or over 25 years old based on the year of manufacture of the engine block.

If your car is already registered, talk to your emissions inspector to see what exactly he'll be looking for.

Satanpez · #3 (**permalink**) 10-06-2003, 08:32 PM

I think a lot depends on what the state wants to see coming out from your tailpipe.

Here in NJ my 1990 Mustang passes inspection no problem with no air pump, no thermactor hooked up, but egr/cats are still on.

Keep the cats. Removing things like EGR in most states won't get anyone's feathers ruffled, but if you remove cats you can get yourself into some hot water.

A lot depends on how well the car is tuned. With a well tuned carb and good ignition system you may not have that bad of emissions. Running overly rich or lean will make you fail.

1982 emissions I'd imagine are rather lenient. (hell I'm betting on it, I just removed the air pump/thermactor/egr from my '82 Mustang this past week)

-steve in nj-