I am finally bringing my Camaro to Cali from Florida, and I'm researching what all I'll need to get emissions legal again. Anyhow, maybe you can help me? I just want to know what the smog guys and DOT people look for on a '79 so I can get it to pass.

If I have my list right so far, they look at/test the catalytic converter, EGR valve, PCV valve, smog pump, smog canister, and the original air filter housing with heater hose to the manifold.

Am I forgetting anything?

Since I have aftermarket valve covers and an Edlebrock carb I'll have to put those back to stock too, so I can hook everything up. Luckily I have a stock exhaust manifold.

Oh, and do any of you have any good junkyards/mechanics you recommend out here? I haven't decided whether to buy/install this stuff in Florida where it's cheaper, or Cali where they know more about smog regulations.

Thanks in advance for your help.

-Eric

 

Sheez sounds easier to do an ls swap. LOL

 

That is probably what I would do if I lived there. Which, I doubt I ever would. Sounds like a PITA dealing with all of their cutting edge laws.

 

I'd slit my throat before taking my car to California. Must be some really important reason you'd want to move there and have to hang all that crap back on your car, but not sure I'd find any reason to do so.

 

Come on man, I'm looking for help, not judgment.

 

Basically you need to return the emissions system to 100% stock. I would guess that I might start by researching the original system, pricing out the pieces needed if you dont have them, and have them all in hand. Then I would take it to a place in Florida if you cannot perform the work, and have the things installed, as labor will be alot cheaper. Some shops might not even want to touch it once its in California without that stuff on it.

 

cut a hole in the floor and kick your way around?

 

Thanks for the advice....good point on the labor cost difference and the fact that cali wrenches might not want to deal with it.

 

I was serious and not being judgmental. A ls swap might be cheaper. 5.3's can be had for as little a 500 around here. Leave the stock manifolds on it and original converter. A 600 dollar intake and toss on a used carb. I bet you could do it for less than two grand. From your posts I'm guessing you don't plan on doing the wrench work your self though. I don't know I've never done all the math but is seems like a posability. Couldn't you stuff any motor with all its smog crap on it from any car that is newer than the Camaro? Ie; Caprice, Monty Carlo, ect. I come across those cars all the time with all the gear intact. Pull the motor, drop it in the camaro call it a day.

 

Dont forget we are talking about California here. I'm not 100% on this, but isnt just about ANY modification to the car basically put under the microscope? You'd have to look into the laws to see if you could even get away with doing a swap like that.