84 ELK in California

[84calelky]

Motor is pretty good ,make good power 3500 >
I had to keep the CCC carb and smog equipment being in California . That has proven to be a headache as the low vacuum the 290 hp makes . I get 16 Hg when it's rated at 12Hg per GM . so Computer is trying to adjust for the low Vacuum .
I am currently looking into the MSD Atomic EFI , as it is smog legal and would eliminate the factory ECU .
but still researching that .
Hows your 350/290 ? did you keep the factory Carb etc ?

 

[Gwarren79]

nice El Camino

 

[Michael Watts]

I have an Eldelbrock 600 cfm carb on it,With a 1979 HEI distributor. Flow Tech "shorty" headers with 2 1/4 true dual exhaust.with Flowmaster 3 chamber mufflers ,7 1/4 rear end with 3;73 gears. I get close to 20 mpg. And when I had to pass emissions it passed easily. I understand your "fun" in California >I was stationed in the mid 1970`s to early 80` at MCRD San Deigo Camp Pendleton ,MCAS (H) Tustin ,MCAS El Toro .while in the Marine Corps. .How are you doing with all the fires down there ? I had some experience when I was there.

 

[84calelky]

California smog is a P.I.T.A. from what i have read the MSD efi plus a MSD ignition and MSD dizzy is the only real solution to running a 350/290 .

I am a good 100 miles North of all the Fires , I know I few people that it got real close to . but luckily no losses .

Happy Thanksgiving

 

[el camino ss 84]

I got a complete msd atomic efi setup if your interested.

 

[airboatgreg]

Welcome from SW Georgia

 

[Michael Watts]

So what is a smog legal set up .for your State.? I believe you have a visual check as well

 

[jiho]

Just looked at the CARB "EO" for the MSD. Had not heard. A welcome option for us Denizens of the Deep!

EDIT: Of course I don't find any instructions for achieving smog compliance with it. I assume at a minimum you'd need the stock smog pump and air cleaner.

 

[CaliWagon83]

Yeah. Basically anything attached to the engine that isn’t factory has to have a CARB EO number for ‘75 or newer models. Sucks, but dems da rules out here in Left Coast paradise.

 

[jiho]

The smog pump you can kind of understand, since the cat is dual bed and requires the pump for proper operation. But the ThermAC air cleaner seems a bit nit-picky given the climate, all the more so since you are free to ditch the EFE valve (or grid, if so equipped).