What’s the difference between an 81 or newer 12A to a 79 SA in terms of the engine and the emission stuff?

I assume the engine itself will fit perfectly, but not sure about how I can use the stock front mount oil cooler in my SA if I use a 81 or newer 12A.

For emission crap, 81 or newer uses cats instead of thermal reactor. Does that mean, I can use 81 or newer exhaust system?

The reason I am asking this question is that, I need to smog my SA in CA in a Test Only Station, and the stock 12A in my SA is smoking and leaking oil like crazy. So I figure an engine replacement is my best solution. In the mean while, I can have my stock 12a rebuilt and ported. So I will end up with two engines, one for smog, one for performance driving.

Thanks,
Nelson

 

Anyone?

 

Might be easier to pay somebody off or get a PO box in a non emissions county

 

It doesnt take that much to yank the engine/exhasut...if you have a full set-up for the 81...why not?

 

the stock intake will not work from a 79-80 on a 81-85. the center iron is a little different . if you have the 81 or newer intake, it will work fine. the difference is a hole in the engine of 81 up that the intake covers for emisions stuff i believe. the 79-80 does not have the hole so the intake does not cover it. then you have a huge exhaust leak spits crap all over your wheel well. yes i tried it. other than that it's all the same. drop the engine in, change intakes (you can use the 79-80 carb) bolt everything up as normal. hopefully you pass emisions. good luck

 

Find a relitive in a nonemission county and register your car there. or get a PO BOX. Easy enough and you don't get greasy. Why change a motor for a day if you don't have to. Do this once and be done with this. BTW I am from CA grew up there and lived there most of my life. I speak from experience.