360/390 smog test
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Hemet, Ca
360/390 smog test
i recently blew up my 360. I have been researching upgrades to the 360 and it seems as though for about $400 more at a local builder, I can turn the 360 into a 390. This motor is in a 1976 in California, so I am subjected to smog tests. Will this modification effect me passing a smog test?
I would like to thank you in advance for any information.
I would like to thank you in advance for any information.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
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From: Long Island USA
Depending on the limits set by CA, even a pretty lopey cam and high compression can be tuned for inspection, and then retuned afterwards 
The secret is advancing the idle timing enough to keep it from loping too much, while keeping the idle down by adjusting the carb idle.
Is it an idle test or a full dyno run-up-to-60MPH test?
The secret is advancing the idle timing enough to keep it from loping too much, while keeping the idle down by adjusting the carb idle.
Is it an idle test or a full dyno run-up-to-60MPH test?
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Depending on the limits set by CA, even a pretty lopey cam and high compression can be tuned for inspection, and then retuned afterwards
The secret is advancing the idle timing enough to keep it from loping too much, while keeping the idle down by adjusting the carb idle.
Is it an idle test or a full dyno run-up-to-60MPH test?
The secret is advancing the idle timing enough to keep it from loping too much, while keeping the idle down by adjusting the carb idle.
Is it an idle test or a full dyno run-up-to-60MPH test?
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Let me guess, they check NOx, too, right? They used to do that here in NY, but they stopped with the dyno setup. Too expensive, private mechanics do the inspections here.
Now they do OBD-II or nothing at all, and I don't think they even have the sniffer setup at the local shops I go to.
Last time I saw a sniffer test done, they had to calibrate it with gasses in tanks as reference values. I'm guessing those tanks were expensive too.
--
One thing, if the truck has an EGR, and they are checking for NOx, I would suggest you make sure it works. Without an EGR, it'll be higher then with.
Now they do OBD-II or nothing at all, and I don't think they even have the sniffer setup at the local shops I go to.
Last time I saw a sniffer test done, they had to calibrate it with gasses in tanks as reference values. I'm guessing those tanks were expensive too.
--
One thing, if the truck has an EGR, and they are checking for NOx, I would suggest you make sure it works. Without an EGR, it'll be higher then with.
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Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
Let me guess, they check NOx, too, right? They used to do that here in NY, but they stopped with the dyno setup. Too expensive, private mechanics do the inspections here.
Now they do OBD-II or nothing at all, and I don't think they even have the sniffer setup at the local shops I go to.
Last time I saw a sniffer test done, they had to calibrate it with gasses in tanks as reference values. I'm guessing those tanks were expensive too.
--
One thing, if the truck has an EGR, and they are checking for NOx, I would suggest you make sure it works. Without an EGR, it'll be higher then with.
Now they do OBD-II or nothing at all, and I don't think they even have the sniffer setup at the local shops I go to.
Last time I saw a sniffer test done, they had to calibrate it with gasses in tanks as reference values. I'm guessing those tanks were expensive too.
--
One thing, if the truck has an EGR, and they are checking for NOx, I would suggest you make sure it works. Without an EGR, it'll be higher then with.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Hemet, Ca
Yes they definitely keep you honest out here. I have even failed for a bad gasket in my gas cap. They remove the caps and test it off the car. I have to buy two new caps for my truck and bronco, every two years because the rubber gaskets won't even last the two years between tests.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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Yes they definitely keep you honest out here. I have even failed for a bad gasket in my gas cap. They remove the caps and test it off the car. I have to buy two new caps for my truck and bronco, every two years because the rubber gaskets won't even last the two years between tests.
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Hemet, Ca
I have been getting mine at napa auto parts. I have learned the hard way that places like pep boys, and auto zone don't normally have anything I need for my 76 unless it is hose or spark plugs or something like that. I can go into napa and they will have things like a steering box or carrier bearing in stock.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,595
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From: Pasadena, Ca
Im in California, and to pass smog i swapped out my #56 jets to #54s. Also a new fuel cap, and spark plug wires. Here in california, as i understand, any transfer of title you will take it to a test only station. Any failure, you will have to take it to a test only. And older vehicles, a test only.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2005
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They won't know the difference as the 360 and 390 are externally the same. Just don't volunteer any information at the smog station or the DMV.
I replaced the 351m in my '79 with a 400. Same scenario, as far as the smog station was concerned it was the 351 that came with the truck. Never had any problems.
Most states that still do smog exempt cars 20 years and over, but we're backwards here in California. Just try to get smog parts for your '76 Whatevermobile at the local dealer.
I replaced the 351m in my '79 with a 400. Same scenario, as far as the smog station was concerned it was the 351 that came with the truck. Never had any problems.
Most states that still do smog exempt cars 20 years and over, but we're backwards here in California. Just try to get smog parts for your '76 Whatevermobile at the local dealer.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: Hemet, Ca
They won't know the difference as the 360 and 390 are externally the same. Just don't volunteer any information at the smog station or the DMV.
I replaced the 351m in my '79 with a 400. Same scenario, as far as the smog station was concerned it was the 351 that came with the truck. Never had any problems.
Most states that still do smog exempt cars 20 years and over, but we're backwards here in California. Just try to get smog parts for your '76 Whatevermobile at the local dealer.
I replaced the 351m in my '79 with a 400. Same scenario, as far as the smog station was concerned it was the 351 that came with the truck. Never had any problems.
Most states that still do smog exempt cars 20 years and over, but we're backwards here in California. Just try to get smog parts for your '76 Whatevermobile at the local dealer.
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