Emission Parts Removed

[TAS9966]

Recently purchased 81 vette. The previous I believe two owners ago removed all of the emission parts, smog pump all brackets cat converter etc. Car has 83,000 mi on it and she runs wonderfull. inside and out she seems very well taken care of, clean car fax. My question is will removal of emission parts hurt the engine in any way? I had her licenced in Ill where they dont do emissions testing so the license part is not a problem. I had an estimate for adding back the missing parts and most places wanted at least 1500.00 and they could not even locate all of the missing brackets so thats not even an option. Anyway, was just curious as to the effect on the motor, again she runs really strong. Thanks in advance for anybodys opinion.
P.S. this is my first post,great website thank you! Tom

 

[Yoda]

TAS9966 ~ Welcome to the Corvette Action Center & L81VetteRegistry ~

Tom,

If you car is running good and the smog requirements aren't part of your State's Lic, I wouldn't worry about them. AND by not being required to have them, you can take your time in locating the parts.. Check Ebay for the pump, exhuast manifold and other items you're missing, sooner or later they will probably be sold there

Or if you're into swap meets, HEY here's your excuse.. oops REASON to make a few more next year

Welcome aboard and enjoy the

Bud

 

[TAS9966]

Thanks Bud, I just didnt know if without having those parts would be extra hard on engine. I was going to put catalytic conv on but was told not to without having AIR pump it would fry my manifold. Anyway Thanks Again Tom

 

[81 Corvette]

i've removed all that crap, but did put a hi flow cat on along with the headers. all is well

 

[TAS9966]

thanks 81 corvette, appreciate the feedback, im going to install true duals with headers. Tom

 

[aerie1761]

I have true duals with headers and series 40 flowmasters sounds and run great . If you are looking for all that emissions junk I have it in a big box.

 

[bill81vette]

probably the best place to find most of your parts (if you want them) is in carlisle Pa at the corvette show in aug.....if you plan to go make reservations for a hotel NOW!!! or you wont find a room and bring lotsa $$$$$$$


BTW welcome to the forum and the L-81 registry!!!!!

 

[Nut]

Tom.... my emissions equipment was ditched years ago. ALL of it except the O2 sensor. I currently have 213,000+ miles on my '81. The engine has never been overhauled nor has the TH350 tranny and she is still running strong with the exception of just recently a tiny bit of smoke on start up (valve seals). I too have full length headers, 2.5" stainless true duals (no cat) to Flowmaster Delta 50's. You will not hurt the engine. I've also been running Mobile 1 Synthetic for the last 100K miles too.

Good luck............... Nut (Bob)

 

[TAS9966]

Thank You To Everybody Responding To My Thread, Great Info, Thanks Nut That Gives Me Great Peace Of Mind, Also I Will Start Using Mobil 1 Oil

 

[like2drive]

Smog-Clog

When I moved here in NC from SC last year (where there are no emission taxes , testing yet) I had to put the stuff back on to get my sticker. I'm sure it was less efficient (slower) with the junk on, & I'm sure it runs better w/o it now. I resigned myself to sacrifice a week every year, to put the crap on, get the sticker, and then take it back off.
In some states there is a loop-hole for older Vintage cars with that registration. And, also if you have made improvements that result in less emissions than the original. I might test that here when I get the 700R4....and if I ever get to convert to fuel injection. I don't really believe our emission stuff results in less pollution & would be willing to do a exhaust test to prove it. Luck, Jim,,,,and welcome!

 

[81' Corvette Guy]

I was told that the 81's once passing inspection this year..will be exempt from smog/sniffer test from this point on..I live here in texas. I do have all the factory smog stuff on..will be applying for antique plates and converting to sidepipes next year though...all will be good!

 

[1fun81]

do you still have your computer hooked? that is the one thing that is important to have hooked up if your runnning the original transmission and carb. i took all of the smog crap off my car including the cat and now i have true custom made duals. i also took off the computer and replaced the transmission and carb. if you are looking for the cat, y-pipe, or any other part i've got it cuz i'm in the middle of restoring my vette.

 

[aerie1761]

No my computer is not hooked up I still have the original trans and carb just changed the distribuor and set everything up runs great

 

[vette333]

I also have a 1981 Corvette with all emissions removed. In my opinion the emission controls choke the motor and reduce horsepower. "The better a motor breaths, the better it performs". I've added true dual exhaust and also disconnected my ECM computer module (which requires replacement of the stock distributor with a vacuum advance distributor). I've never had my car dyno-tested but I assume I have picked up at least 20-25 horsepower by removing the emissions.
I've had my car set-up this way for years and it runs great.

Vette333

 

[1fun81]

i'm pretty sure if you dont change the transmission that it will overheat because the computer tells it when to start running fluid to the trans cooler. but i could be wrong.

 

[TAS9966]

Dumb Question, I Have My Emmisions Removed As Well Car Runs Great But How Can I Tell If The Computer Is Hooked Up Still Or Not? Cats Gone As Well. Tom

 

[1fun81]

You might have to take the battery out to check. but the computer is located on the inside of the storage compartment on the forward wall on the drivers side. check to see if there is a wire harness hooked up or even if the computer is there. Adam

 

[vette333]

I think, if you ECM was still connected and the emissions were removed your check engine light will be on. The ECM is located in the battery compartment and that is where I disconnected mine.

Vette333

 

[TAS9966]

Thanks for the feedback guys!!! With all the emmisions gone, how much hp boost do you think you get? I have an 81. Thanks Tom

 

[Nut]

Tom......... removing the emissions equip off my '81 might have bought me a 10 HP more, she just ran smoother and the mileage got better. Now..... after the headers, true dual stainless to Flowmasters, a mild cam upgrade and a K&N set up it totaled up to almost 40hp on the dyno. My ECM is still controlling the carb and I get the phantom "Check Engine" light all the time. But I don't ignore them. I do check to be sure the O2 sensor hasn't gone bad. Still need that with the ECM/carb too.

........ Nut