Hi guys...new to the group...bought my 15yr old son an 81 with the 229...the smog pump and exhaust manifold hardware was previously removed by others...I'd like to remove as much of the other stuff as I can to clean up the engine compartment ie: charcoal cannister, any hoses not needed...I was told it's possible but would need different distributor and how do I get around the lockup torque converter? I want to go with a different intake, carb and headers/exhaust...I know it sounds like a waste but I told him get through the first year without any tickets and we will build a v8 for it...
any help would be appreciated...
Thanks

 

Just treat it like a 1979 or earlier car.. I have a 1981 El Camino SS with a 290 HP 350 crate engine.I kept the Charcoal canister because it helps fuel mileage ..But it has Eldelbrock Carb and performer intake .Even true dual exhaust with headers ,

 

If you want to eliminate the old 3C computer system correctly you would need a carb a distributer and you would need a control model for the lockup converter. B&M makes one for around $250. You can get rid of the the air injection and fuel tank ventilation without removing the CCC system.

The primary sensors are O2 and MAP sensor. IMO they do not clutter up the engine bay that much.

 

Thanks for the response...I found an edelbrock kit with manifold, carb, cam and lifters for 900$...suggestions on distributor?

 

A nun computer HEI distributor

 

This.

 

You can use a HEI distributor made between 1975-1980. This gives you a vacuum advance. In your 81 the advance is controlled by Computer Command control. Pre HEI is points and no one wants that.