ADVICE NEEDED FOR NEW ENGINE

1983 and I’m Dallas, TX…they’re doing away with inspections in general in May of this year

Being exempt from inspections doesn't make the car exempt from obeying federal laws just to keep things clear.

Unless the new engine has a really wild cam, the CCC should be able to run it. If you must you can delete the smog pump without effecting the ECM, but the cat converter won't be as effective. Be sure the engine has PC valve stem seals as computers don't run well with umbrella seals.

The big issue is you likely have the low performance LG4 PROM in the ECM. You could try to get an HO L69 ECM or PROM. If you get a 1987 or 88 ECM you can install a hot tune ZZ4 PROM.
 
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Being exempt from inspections doesn't make the car exempt from obeying federal laws just to keep things clear.

Unless the new engine has a really wild cam, the CCC should be able to run it. If you must you can delete the smog pump without effecting the ECM, but the cat converter won't be as effective. Be sure the engine has PC valve stem seals as computers don't run well with umbrella seals.

The big issue is you likely have the low performance LG4 PROM in the ECM. You could try to get an HO L69 ECM or PROM. If you get a 1987 or 88 ECM you can install a hot tune ZZ4 PROM.
I have no issue w/that. Everyone should drive at or below posted Speed Limits too.

FWIW, I'm in the Dallas area & my last El Camino had a mild 350 (.030 over flat tops, cleaned-up 1.94 heads, L82-ish spec'd hyd FT cam, Performer intake, L82 spec 650cfm Spread bore Holley carb, 1 5/8 mid length headers, 2.5" no-CAT true dual exhaust). It yielded better emissions results .vs the 'legal' OE high mileage 2bbl smog 305 w/catted single exhaust.

Point being.... Just because it's not within the government specs/rules, doesn't mean it's a polluter.
 
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Jan 1 2025.... san antonio did away with state inpections, i have no idea what the angle is unless its about money(revenue), which it always seems to be.

Maybe soon they'll start tail pipe sniffing everyone in the inspection's place, if so, i know for sure my malibu wont pass, ZZ4 engine, 1 5/8" headers, no catys, 2 1/2" dual exhaust to flowmaster with tail pipes, probably be exempt anyway being 46yrs old.

My 2005 GMC SCSB for sure will not pass, it still has the original "Y" pipe with a flowmaster 40series muffler to tail pipe and zero catys, it came that way when i bought it used, im 3rd owner. Funny thing though, because of the muffler thats on it, it makes the 4.3L V6 vortec rumble like a V8 at idle and up to 2000rpm or so, after that, you can make out the V6 engine.
 
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I’m planning on buying a dressed blueprint 350 crate for my Malibu sedan (305, th350h). I want to get ahead on wiring and electronics, so I’m wondering if I need the stock ecm?
I don’t plan on having ac/heating any time soon on it. Just pure motor. I know I’ll need a new gauge cluster since I have the stuck dummy cluster. So all things considered, what do my fellow g body owners think? Will it run without my stock ecm? Or what exactly needs to be ran through the ecm? Do I have to buy a new engine management system?
i assume it has a CCC and if gonna hook it all back up the orig ECM should work fine it basically monitors the engine and makes timing and fuel/air adjustments. so you need the hookup for the CCC, dist, O2 sensor, knock sensor and coverter lockup for base minimum. now i wouldnt do that as just went to a non CC qjet, vac advance dist and a b&m box to lock up the converter.
 
An out of tune smog motor will burn dirter than an in tune desmog motor. However, a well tuned smog motor will burn cleaner than a well tuned desmog motor, both running and off. Many gearheads only think of the tailpipe pollutants and never about evaporates from the fuel system, gas tank, and crankcase. Half the old emissions gear only operates when engines are cold when they burn the dirtiest. A big factor in tailpipe pollutants are the type and condition of valve stem seals. The PC type seals are basically low emission devices in themselves.

Personally I would keep the CCC, especially since you have the Chevy version of CCC which is more upgradable than the other versions. When I swapped my Regal from a Buick V6 to a SBC, I swapped out the Buick CCC system for the Chevy CCC system. There is even a sticky on this forum with links to professional CCC service training videos. I have the ZZ4 PROM upgrade which can handle more cam duration than even the stock L69 PROM.

Also didn't L82s come with Qjets, not Holley?
 
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An out of tune smog motor will burn dirter than an in tune desmog motor. However, a well tuned smog motor will burn cleaner than a well tuned desmog motor, both running and off. Many gearheads only think of the tailpipe pollutants and never about evaporates from the fuel system, gas tank, and crankcase. Half the old emissions gear only operates when engines are cold when they burn the dirtiest. A big factor in tailpipe pollutants are the type and condition of valve stem seals. The PC type seals are basically low emission devices in themselves.

Personally I would keep the CCC, especially since you have the Chevy version of CCC which is more upgradable than the other versions. When I swapped my Regal from a Buick V6 to a SBC, I swapped out the Buick CCC system for the Chevy CCC system. There is even a sticky on this forum with links to professional CCC service training videos. I have the ZZ4 PROM upgrade which can handle more cam duration than even the stock L69 PROM.

Also didn't L82s come with Qjets, not Holley?
Yes. L82's came w/a Qjet. Holley made a spread bore 650 VS replacement model (4175; p/n 0-9895).
 
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Jan 1 2025.... san antonio did away with state inpections, i have no idea what the angle is unless its about money(revenue), which it always seems to be.

Maybe soon they'll start tail pipe sniffing everyone in the inspection's place, if so, i know for sure my malibu wont pass, ZZ4 engine, 1 5/8" headers, no catys, 2 1/2" dual exhaust to flowmaster with tail pipes, probably be exempt anyway being 46yrs old.

My 2005 GMC SCSB for sure will not pass, it still has the original "Y" pipe with a flowmaster 40series muffler to tail pipe and zero catys, it came that way when i bought it used, im 3rd owner. Funny thing though, because of the muffler thats on it, it makes the 4.3L V6 vortec rumble like a V8 at idle and up to 2000rpm or so, after that, you can make out the V6 engine.

actually, the State of Texas did away with "safety inspections", but they raised the price of yearly registration by <guess how much>?

also, if you live in an emissions inspection county then you are still required to have that inspected. HOWEVER, this would not apply to the Gbody as only cars that are 0-25 yrs old are required to be inspected. so Gbodies are exempt.
 
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actually, the State of Texas did away with "safety inspections", but they raised the price of yearly registration by <guess how much>?

also, if you live in an emissions inspection county then you are still required to have that inspected. HOWEVER, this would not apply to the Gbody as only cars that are 0-25 yrs old are required to be inspected. so Gbodies are exempt.
Exactly. Only vehicles w/CEL's now get emissions checks ('inspections') in this area.

If there's a CEL/service light, you have to get it fixed first & have the drive cycles completed before it can 'pass'.
 
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Some guys are Pro smog/CCC equipment and some are not. I’m guessing they may also follow all the other vehicle rules as well. Dressed BluePrint are all Dynoed with their respective carb and distributor. They also recommend headers with their engines.

While removing smog equipment is technically against federal laws, it’s been done since the beginning of smog introduction.
I know I will have absolutely no problem whatsoever selling my Malbu with BluePrint engine and built my way.
 

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