I wonder what the effect on the emissions levels are if you remove the rat's nest and associated parts but keep the air pump and catalytic converter(s)?

I tested my newly acquired, completely stock 84 GS and it passed way below the limits (urban King County, WA) so of course I'm wondering how much of the smog equipment can be removed and still pass the emissions testing.

If I had access to a four gas analyzer I'd remove parts one at the time and track the changes in emissions, but I don't.

There is no visual inspection so keeping it looking stock under the hood is not an issue.

I'm also thinking that since it will only have to be tested every other year, the cat and air pumps can be spared much of their use and be installed / hooked up only for the testing day every couple of years...

Any thoughts and experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks
Thomas

 

Considering how easy it is to swap the engine, I would just advise getting a used engine right now and building it up. Rebuild and port you know the good stuff. then install that engine in the car. keep your emissions legal engine in one piece and just swap it in when needed.

 

That would be an excellent idea if I was just planning on making a hot street car, but the car will most likely turn into a PRO7 racer and there is no radical engine modifications allowed.

My main reason for wanting to have the car be able to pass smog is that I want to be able to drive it (legally) to and from the race track. I don't have a trailer and don't want one either

 

it needs the 2 acv (relief and switching) solenoids at a minimum to pass, and mine wanted the 2 vacuum advance solenoids too.

this means you can remove the shutter valve and the ac idle up solenoids, big whoop!

its only like 6 vacuum lines, just unbolt it and remove, takes 15 minutes