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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: PhoenixFear on September 09, 2010, 09:20:57 pm
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This truck I bought in MI has no smog equipment at all. The 350 has been built by a speed shop down in Tennessee I believe, and all the ports and stuff have been plugged. My question is this. What would be a good comprehensive list of smog junk to put back on the vehicle to pass smog?
Also, would it be worth it, and what kinda guarantee would I have that it would even be able to pass? I personally was thinking cats, O2 sensors, egr, pcv, canister, and air pump. This is in Cali. It is either that or I might have to figure out another way to do this. I was just considering selling this truck however it would definitely put a huge damper on the price since it can't even be smogged. Thanks.
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I feel your pain. You are on a good start with getting all the smog parts. I have done this on a 79 and spent a lot of time at pick-n-pull. As long as they haven't modified the engine with racing parts then you should be able to piece it back together. There are some racing parts that are listed as illegal period in california. Don't know what part of Cali you are in but i am in Sac, if close I can help if wanted......Tom
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There are a few counties that dont need smog. So check to see if your county qualifies before buying stuff.
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Yeah my county does, it sucks. I might just have to find another way. Basically it has a 350 with who knows what internals and heads, a Holley carb that is all plugged off, some long tube headers and a quiet exhaust with no cats or anything, just pipes and mufflers.
Perhaps I can just throw everything on that I think I'll need and take it to a test only place and see what they say.
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That's what I would do first. But check for the crossover pipe, everywhere I have taken my other trucks they always checked to see if it was on there ( unless you got a rare factory dual exhaust, just not sure that had those for that year). That is why I have pre 75 trucks now. Anyway, I have done it in the past and it isn't that hard, just takes some time and effort.....tom
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Does it have the underhood smog/ vacuum lable??? That would be the place to start. Still have the OEM intake?? That makes it a lot easier, as you have all the ports needed. I'm in the process of replacing smog stuff on an '82 305 cause I think smog testing is comming back, (halted a couple years ago) and it would be a lot easier with the OEM intake. For example, non smog aftermarket intake has no spot for a Thermal Vacuum Switch (TVS)or EGR, and, non smog carb does not have enough ports. So for me the big items would be a smog carb and intake, not to mention the Air Injection with plumbing to the exaust manifolds if it had it. And I agree, "cats, O2 sensors, egr, pcv, canister, and air pump".
I found a canister at the local pick & pull, got it on but it's not right (full time vacuum) because I need a port in the intake for a TVS, and later EGR. So needless to say, been keepin an eye out for a OEM 305 or aftermarket smog intake.
Another thing to consider is what smog items the tester must visually verify/ see?
I do not know the critical/ minimum systems needed to get emission levels where they need to be. Any Smog Experts out there??? I imagine Cal is pretty tough though, but not a problem if your willing to hook it back up. The Chilton's # 28622 has the smog labels for 1985's.
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Like I said, I literally have no smog equipment at all on there. I have a Holley carb on there, so obviously that probably isn't legal. I do have the sticker under the hood, would be a good reference. I am almost thinking I might have a nightmare ahead of me though, it may just be easier to take the entire engine out and shove a stock one in. Who knows if my engine will even respond with all the smog stuff on it? It may just make it run a ton worse to the point where it won't pass. I remember when I did my Jeep, the smog certificate had a certain number of parameters that it needed to pass, at different speeds. Such as a 15 mph, 25 mph, and a 35 mph I think or something.
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That Holley could possibly be a smog carb, identify it. The biggest part IMOP is the intake. Did they replace the OEM exaust manifolds and what intake is on there? If the engine is in decent shape, I don't see why it would'nt conform when properly tuned with all the stuff. Now if the rings or valve seals were passing oil, that's a different story (compression test etc.). My truck like yours has had all smog removed, all that is needed is the complete intake w/ carb, dist & air pump w/ bracket and exaust manifolds. So i'm hopin to be the first at a 305 when it hits the local pull & pay. It's a PITA don't get me wrong, but can be done. I'll bet there are folks on this site that have exactly what I'm/ we're lookin for!!! But I guess it also depends on how much time you have, and who's doin the work... I should have held out for a computer w/TBI, easier to hit the smog numbers and as a daily driver, extremely dependable, easy to trouble shoot and pretty much bullet proof. Seein your location though, I feel your pain.
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I forgot what carb it was exactly, it was an electric choke model and whatnot. I believe there is an Edlebrock manifold on there, long tube headers and true dual exhaust. I guess it is illegal in CA to sell a catalytic converter in a junkyard, otherwise I would just snag the entire exhaust system off right at the manifolds.
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Yup, we have the same Mods, welcome or not!!! And if I was a betting man, not a smog carb.
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Yeah I'd agree, probably not a smog carb. I could try my luck at a junkyard and pull everything I could possibly think of but that might cost a few hundred bucks.
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Should'nt be that much. I got a complete intake w/ throttle body for abt $125.00. Was at the yard today and there was a complete intake off an '85 with a quadrajet. Those quadrajets are complex (lotta stuff), but once you get them right their pretty much bullet proof. If I had to go that route, I would find someone who really knows thier stuff on those an get one rebuilt, or one would pay in the neighborhood of $325 and up. I think $150.00 would have taken the whole deal. Just need the exaust manifols after that. The rest is small stuff. But that's at a U Pull it off yard. Before I do anything else, I need to see if this 350 throttle body would work on a 305. A lot less emission stuff with the TBI, but you have to work the computer into the mix. There's outfits that make the computer harness's. Those quadrajets are complex (lotta stuff), but once you get them right their pretty much bullet proof.
Since the Calif Govmnt forces everyone in the state to continusly buy new cars, the used stuff should be plentyful I would think. Or have they put such a burden on it, it all goes to scrap???
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Looks like they just check for cats and your gas cap
http://www.dmv.org/tn-tennessee/smog-check.php
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Since the Calif Govmnt forces everyone in the state to continusly buy new cars, the used stuff should be plentyful I would think. Or have they put such a burden on it, it all goes to scrap???
Used stuff for this truck is cheap, however it is the stuff I can't legally buy that is expensive. Since I can't buy a cat in the junkyard, I'll have to look to Summit Racing or a parts store to buy a 50-state legal cat. They run I think $150 each or so. Then hit up the junkyard for the smog carb, and the intake, and the manifolds, and the air pump, all the vacuum accessories, canister, and custom make an exhaust for it or find someone who has a stock exhaust for it, and then the O2 sensors... the list goes on. The more I think about it, the more I really don't want to deal with it. This truck probably isn't worth hardly anything either, especially since it isn't legal here. I really like this truck though and it is extremely dependable.
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Looks like they just check for cats and your gas cap
http://www.dmv.org/tn-tennessee/smog-check.php
That's for TN.
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VileZambonie, That link is for Tenn. PhoenixFear is workin Calf, I'm doin Colorado. They stopped the testin here abt two yrs ago. As long as they don't bring it back I have a sweet runnin, hard hittin 305. If they do bring it back, which I suspect, I'll be prepared. If I get lazy, let me know if your in the market for a slick 305. All jokes aside, I wanna do TBI conversion, an the smog is much easier to pass once done. I hate to mess with this as she sits, cause she runs real good. All I've had to do so far was straighten out the wiring for the TCC and set the floats in the 1406, and shocks in the front. And I can tell Ya, when Colorado sticks the butt sniffer to Ya, you gotta be pretty close. Colo dosent stick it up as far as Calf, but far enough, Ya systems gotta be workin pretty good.
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Yeah, when you add the CATS to the mix, and ya can't buy em used here either, you have a point. Somebody in a non smog state is lookin for just that truck!!! For sure I know what you mean, this one here runs really sweet too!!!
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Your right, cat's are illigeal to sell in California used. But as I have said before with a little time and money, it is not that hard to find what you need cheap in Cal. I have done several oner the years and not spent a fortune, just some time hunting. If the truck if worth it it ya, if not maybe do what I did and find a pre 75 to work on. ( I hate the 2 year smog check thing. )
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I wish Cali changed the smog requirements to 30 years or older vehicles are exempt.
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So bake74, your not doin any truck smog because it's pre 75??
And beastie_3, how do you do on the smog checks? I see you have that RPM intake. Is that a smog intake and carb??
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So bake74, your not doin any truck smog because it's pre 75??
And beastie_3, how do you do on the smog checks? I see you have that RPM intake. Is that a smog intake and carb??
Yeah, down here pre-75 does not need smog. I'm starting to want to sell this truck and buy a pre-75 truck. Basically though, I'd like to sell it if I know I can get at least $2500 for it after I fix it and get it legalized. Sucks because I like this truck, but as my dad's friend basically said, this is probably the worst truck to take here.
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You could buy a 75 or older and ditch everything except the cab. Or do the same with a diesel.
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So bake74, your not doin any truck smog because it's pre 75??
And beastie_3, how do you do on the smog checks? I see you have that RPM intake. Is that a smog intake and carb??
Yeah, down here pre-75 does not need smog. I'm starting to want to sell this truck and buy a pre-75 truck. Basically though, I'd like to sell it if I know I can get at least $2500 for it after I fix it and get it legalized. Sucks because I like this truck, but as my dad's friend basically said, this is probably the worst truck to take here.
Roger PhoenixFear on the pre 75 out there, probably the same here as well. Your Dad's friend is probably right If I had to guess, being Calf is probably the toughest in the nation. Take your time, I'm sure you'll come up with the best answere.
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Yea, I bought a 74 srep side k10 cause I was tired of smog problems. Though I did just buy a couple of months ago a 81 k10, not sure what I am going to do yet but the 81 had 3/4 running gear and a/c and other things I wanted. Might combine and make 1 truck out of them, and sell the other stuff.
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I hear ya bake74...
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If it really is a nightmare to smog this and I can't find any other way to do it, I may just buy a pre-75 cab and paint it and throw it on. It should fit right? All the other stuff would work.
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As long as you are going 4x4 to 4x4, not 2wd on a 4x4 truck frame. If you are serious I have a line on 2 pre 75's that I have been talking to the owners about, let me know and I'll see if I can talk them out of them for cheap.....
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Would it be better to buy all the parts to smog the truck or just have it smogged under the table? The only thing I am having a problem with is the cats. If I could find someone who is willing to sell or give away their stock exhaust I might go that route, otherwise right now it is looking better to just find someone to smog it. I paid $240 so far for the registration and I still have to have the truck weighed and that is looking like an $80 fee. Then I have to smog it, and then I can get my plates. Not as easy as it sounds.
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Dont know if you will find anyone that will do it under the table. There was a big crackdown last year in the bay area with undercover agents. Word spreads fast.
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Would it be better to buy all the parts to smog the truck or just have it smogged under the table? The only thing I am having a problem with is the cats. If I could find someone who is willing to sell or give away their stock exhaust I might go that route, otherwise right now it is looking better to just find someone to smog it. I paid $240 so far for the registration and I still have to have the truck weighed and that is looking like an $80 fee. Then I have to smog it, and then I can get my plates. Not as easy as it sounds.
If I was gonna go the smog route, I would definetly go with a OEM throttle body and intake. You would need the computer, engine harness and distributer to go with it. There is less smog stuff on a throttle body set up versus a carb, and should be easier to pass. I'd talk to a smog tech and make sure there are no rules like; the vehicle has to be equipped with the original smog set up etc,. You'd almost need to find a wreck, or a blown engine job still in the vehicle. Your not limited to trucks either. California is so tough though, I'd definetly talk with at least a couple two or three smog techs that really know thier business. Get a few estimates to see if it's even feasable or do-able.
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Yeah it is looking that way. I may have found a little better solution but still. It would seem that I'm spending more money getting this truck legal for Cali than what I bought it for.
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I believe the rules for Cali and engine swaps is that it is OK to put a newer engine in a vehicle, so going TBI should be ok as long as all the smog equipment for that engine is there, but double check first.
Or just get GMs new E Rod engine.
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You are right beastie, it is ok per California smog to go newer on a engine swap. If you put an older one in you still have to meet the trucks smog year regulation and that is about impossible. The newer engine will have to meet the new engine smog, so if you have a 81 truck and put in an 87 engine, the truck now has to pass a 87 smog requirements....
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How about just updating the fuel delivery and intake???
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Might be better to go that route, since the engine probably has less than 10000 miles on it. Kind of a waste to swap it out. I think I have it all figured out now though.
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What did ya come up with?
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Not really sure, the registration place said it would take them a few weeks to get things sorted out. I've been jumping through hoops with this truck and it's really aggravating me but oh well, I'm sure the registration place will help me out. I've paid them over $400 so far and haven't gotten squat in return, but they said they'll have the truck ready in a few weeks. Not sure what will happen but oh well. In the mean time I've been fixing all the rust and TLC issues, I won't be surprised if the truck ends up looking like new by the time I get to drive it with how long this legal junk is taking.
If they still tell me it cannot be registered, guess I'll be looking for a chunk of a frame and a cab with clean title from a '75-down vehicle.
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Hey sounds good, I'll be interested to see how it turns out since it's calf and all.