How much can I take off and still be legal?

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Old 02-27-2013, 09:24 PM
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Question How much can I take off and still be legal?

Hello all,

I have a 1977 351m that has all that smog crap and what not.

What can I take off and how would I take it off?

BTW I'm in Cali so smog here SUCKSSSS.
But if I remember correctly I passed smog with a 236 and scored really well.

Thanks.

--Bryan
 
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Old 02-27-2013, 09:31 PM
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Nothing.

California requires all the OEM stuff, plus pass at the pipe.

Evap would be an area of concern, as some components are easily damaged and the lines are subject to decay in an older vehicle.

Your 351M will gain no power without the smog stuff, as the smog equipment is not the problem. Emissions goals contribute to the problem with low compression and a weak cam, but you "can't" fiddle with those under the law either.

In theory, you could rebuild it as a 400 with 9.3-9.5 compression. Put a decent cam in it, and make sure the carb is on spec. (OEM 2bbl only) With a functioning EGR and a good cat, it would probably smog just fine.

It would be an expensive gamble.

But back to the 351m, keep everything hooked up and working, and enjoy all that power and the ability to keep it registered.

http://www.autorepair.ca.gov/70_Site...rary/faqs.html
 
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Old 02-27-2013, 10:05 PM
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WAIT

I was told that my f150 is a 77 but on the VIN it says it was built in late 76.

Does this mean I don't have to smog it?
 
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Old 02-27-2013, 11:18 PM
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1976 and newer. Even if built in late 1975. You need to smog it.

A 1977 could have been built in late '76. Still a '77. Still needs smog.
 
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Old 02-28-2013, 06:11 PM
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You have a 1977 year model.

The new year models were introduced into to the dealerships in September usually, though there are exceptions.

Build dates from August 1974 to July 1975 are 1975 year models.
Build dates from August 1975 to July 1976 are 1976 year models.
Build dates from August 1976 to July 1977 are 1977 year models.

As for removing any of the smog components, you cannot do it by law. You do not want to remove the components anyway as it can negatively effect performance. Changing parts that are not concidered factory replacements, are also illegal unless they are certified by the state and have a CARB compliance number. The engine was calibrated for the components and removing them will throw the adjustments out.

Also there is a very large misconception about what is smog exempt and what is smog TEST exempt in this state.

1954 and older vehicles are smog exempt.
1955 to 1975 year models and 4 year old vehicles or newer, (6 years old or newer in some areas) are smog TEST exempt.


Here is the legislation in question that is currently in effect:
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/03-04/bill/asm/ab_2651-2700/ab_2683_bill_20040923_chaptered.html


Here are proposed legislation:


Extend the Smog Test exemption to 1980 year models and older..
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/11-12/bill/sen/sb_1201-1250/sb_1224_bill_20120223_introduced.pdf



To repeal the exemptions:

SB 1549 was going to repeal the Pre 1976 model exemption in eight counties, but was fought off successfully and changed as a result. Do a internet search for Dean Florez smog exemption to read comments on what he was proposing.

1955 to 1975 year models cannot be modified or tampered with in the same way as later model vehicles by law. They just do not require testing these vehicles for compliance. 1961 and older cars and 1965 and older pickups had no smog devices unless retrofited. And yes there was a california law to retrofit vehicles with PCV valves and crankcase breathers and other devices for 1955-1965 vehicles. Specifically Health and safety code 39129 and CARB #72-39 and #72-39A

http://www.arb.ca.gov/board/res/1970/reso1972.pdf



So even if you do have a 1975 and older vehicle in this state, by law if its a polution controlled vehicle, 1955-1975 or 4 to 6 years old or newer, it has to have it's factory equipment or retrofitted equipment in operating condition. They just don't require you to test the vehicle for compliance and is exempt from testing only.

If you do remove the smog devices on a smog TEST exempt vehicle, I would suggest putting it all in a box as you may need it later.

Also a law enforcement officer can pull you over, do a vehicle safety inspection and force you to comply, give fixing tickets for unsafe vehicles, or for missing smog control devices on any polution controlled vehicle. (Remember polution controlled vehicles are 1955 and newer) Specifically Vehicle Code 2813, 2814 and 2814.1 and health and Safety code 39129.

CA Codes (veh:2800-2818)
 
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Old 03-06-2013, 10:32 PM
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put a 100hp nitrous plate under the carburetor, daily driver until you find a stretch of open road and open the valve and hold on, come time for re-inspection just yank the plate..
 
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