Fellow Listers,
I'm in the process of sorting out the emissions on my 79 Spit, and have
a few questions for the greater knowledge of the list. I am currently
using it as my daily driver in Florida but will be moving to Los Angeles
in the following months. As a recent resident of LA, I'm aware
(somewhat) of the more stringent California emissions standards, but
what about visual check standards? There seem to be several things
amiss under the bonnet, and I'm worried about not passing muster in
California. First, hot air pump is missing in its entirety, but EGR
seems to be all there and properly connected (SEEMS being the operative
word). Most importantly, the exhaust manifold connects to a catylitic
converter. Now, my ignorance is boundless, but I understand from the
Haynes that the converter was only fitted to Cal spec cars. Is this
correct? I know that this engine could be a replacement (but who'd want
to put a Cal spec engine in a Federal car?), since there are lots of
other suspicious DPO-related issues with the car already, but I'd like
to get the facts straight first.
Additionally, if I removed the converter, what would be my chances of
passing tailpipe tests in Cal? Since the car's titled as a Federal
model, I know I'll already be paying the non Cal-spec registration
premium (California listers, how old does a car have to be to be exempt
from that?), so is there any reason I couldn't lose the converter (I'm
thinking of adding headers)?
Thanks in advance,
Shawn Mann
shawmon@worldnet.att.net
79 Spitfire (getting new carpets and exhaust for BC Week)
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