Emission Equipment and Headers = Make Legal

[ed1948]

A few of the MCSS I've seen during my search have been modified, usually headers and a carb swap. Some actually will include the original smog pump and hardware with the sale. Probably won't be doing this, but, can the header pipes be tapped for air pump fittings and will it make OEM emission equipment compliant in a visual road side inspection. Here in southern Ont (Canada) the MTO (DOT - US) are doing roadside inspections for installed emission equipment and impounding/ticketing offenders for modified 'classics'..

 

[Texas82GP]

I would think it could be done. I would think you would have to weld a fitting to each header tube since the tube is too thin to tap. I don't know if they still make them, but back in the day the headers were offered with provisions for the A.I.R. (pipes for the air pump to blow air into each header tube).

 

[Gozer442]

Living in Southern Ontario, I've never experienced this problem. Have you ed1948?

 

[pontiacgp]

I have headers and no air pump. I have a serpentine set up and cut the bracket where the air pump in installed so it doesn't look like it's missing a component. I also have vortec heads which have no port for the EGR so I installed the EGR with JB weld putty on the intake in the basically same place where your find it on a 305. I also have duel snorkel which has the 5.0 decal on the lid which I left. I have been stopped a few times but not within the last two years and got one ticket which I got tossed out. They cannot test anything and can just look and they are not all that familiar with these car so they usually ask questions. I was asked about an air pump so I told them the car was originally from Florida and I have no idea what the car came with other than what's on it now. When they see I have two cats on it they like that.

 

[axisg]

I agree with GP. I have done similar mods to my car and in the 7 years ( IIRC ) have not been stopped once to check for emissions or their related equipment. Really only stopped 3x and twice were roadside spotchecks looking for drunk drivers. However if you are interested Edelbrock used to make an emissions compliant header for these cars ( TES ). Its the same setup I am currently running with all the air tubes capped and brazed. They come up in the for sale threads on the rare occasion.

PN below still listed at summit but I believe they are long since discontinued

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/edl-68793/overview/

 

[Gozer442]

...and where I live in Ontario, there are no emission tests required, for any vehicle.