New Emissions!!!!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 137
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From: Washington
If your state requires a visual safety inspection you may still be in a bind even if the state has a 25-year emissions exemption. Here in Virginia it looks like your emissions don't have to work after 25 years but for models years 1973 and beyond all of the parts have to be in place if they were there when the vehicle was new. It's bizarre and I'm trying to get to the bottom of it.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Colstrip, MT
I thought the 78 F-150,non CA emissions, were set up to run leaded gas, non catalytic converter. The F-100 was rated 6000 lbs GVW, thus had a catalytic converter.
Last edited by fatherdoug; Apr 27, 2004 at 10:34 PM. Reason: spelling error
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
you're right doug. 78s had no cats... even a few 79s were non cats... we have a 79 4x4 with quad fronts that had a higher GVW, no cats, but unleaded fuel.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Colstrip, MT
Could the requirements also vary from state to state? The Ford engine manual for 1978 states 6000 GVW or less require catalytic converters, or in the state of California, but also says that the other 49 states are "optional".
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Addison,Texas
If it's a '78 federal F-150 351M it SHOULDN'T have an air pump. The magic numbers for those should be either 7-71-R10 (manual) or 7-72-R11 (auto). (See the front of the passenger-side valve cover.) No air pump, no catalyst. The red emissions label on the driver's valve cover will clearly say 'CATALYST' in the upper-right corner if it has one and the line above the engine family identification should say 'EGR/PVS/AIR' or something close to that.
ash
['.']
A '78 CA model or an F100 will certainly have a cat.
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ash
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A '78 CA model or an F100 will certainly have a cat.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Texas
ok i have a 76 f100 did it have cats originally i live in texas and i dont know what they require here. i know we have the 25 year thing but if it had cats do i have to put cats back on it, i hope not it is toooo late
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 137
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From: Washington
I think Mattsbox99 has the best answer. Check with your state. I just checked with mine (Virginia) regarding a 1978 f150 4x4 that I'm considering. It has a 460 in it, which is obviously not original. Because the vehicle is over 25 years old I don't have to worry about an emissions inspection. BUT in Virginia we also have a safety inspection. The rules for the safety inspection state that vehicles from 1973 onwards have to have their pollution control equipment in place and the safety trooper (this inspection falls under police responsibility) stated that it must be functional. So the State's emissions requirements and the State's safety requirements are out of sync. With that said, I don't believe they do any more than actually just visually check if the components are in place.
Also, you have to double check your state's rules for what engine years are permissable in your truck. I think some states will only allow you to have a same year or newer engine in the truck. Again, for my state I was just told that its irrelevant, but they check the emissions for whatever year engine is in the vehicle. I had thought they check according to what the rules were for the vehicle model year.
If you don't need the truck for a commuter vehicle (to/from work) you might be able to register it as an antique at least until you get all of the emissions equipment in place (it looks like it can be tough to find all the parts if you're missing everything). Again, check with your state.
Also, you have to double check your state's rules for what engine years are permissable in your truck. I think some states will only allow you to have a same year or newer engine in the truck. Again, for my state I was just told that its irrelevant, but they check the emissions for whatever year engine is in the vehicle. I had thought they check according to what the rules were for the vehicle model year.
If you don't need the truck for a commuter vehicle (to/from work) you might be able to register it as an antique at least until you get all of the emissions equipment in place (it looks like it can be tough to find all the parts if you're missing everything). Again, check with your state.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 176
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From: Addison,Texas
Texas rules require emissions testing for 25 years old or younger. Those may change, but not until 2005. Other states have different rules which would matter if you relocated.
All cars and trucks under 6000 pounds GVW manufactured during 1975 model year and later have catalysts. They also have air pumps as a consequence. You need both to make the system work.
It is generally not street-legal to bypass the built-in emissions. That doesn't matter though if they ain't lookin' for ya.
ash
['HTH.']
All cars and trucks under 6000 pounds GVW manufactured during 1975 model year and later have catalysts. They also have air pumps as a consequence. You need both to make the system work.
It is generally not street-legal to bypass the built-in emissions. That doesn't matter though if they ain't lookin' for ya.
ash
['HTH.']