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getting an 81 vette from CA power question?

Joined
May 4, 2003
Messages
240
Location
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Corvette
1981 Corvette Spectramaster Blue
First of all this is my first post, I just purchased an 1981 corvette from CA the engine has been replaced but currently it is 300hp, but is there smog equipment or other stuff that I should know about that I won't need in WI that will give me more power??

Thanks,
John Dykstras
 
Depends on what was replaced with the engine. You can check with your local DMV about emissions requirements, there are links to DMVs in the tabs above (i believe portal).
In NY im required to basically have all the original emissions equipment ( i assume it can be replaced if malfunctioning but the configuration must remain). Your state may be very different. If there are no equipment requirements, then see if you still need to pass a sniffer. I guess then if you dont care about whats coming out the back of your tailpipe you can remove anything thats left. I don't know all the names of the equipment, theres PCV and EGR and AIR and all those things on the engine and then theres the cats down the line. If you're state is strict maybe they can even require you to put some equipment on to the engine if it doesnt meet standards.
hope i helped, basically research is in order unless you find a person with info from WI
tom
 
I probably should have added that there is not any emissions requirments in WI where I live My chevelle is duels rite off of the headers loud as all get out but get more power that way and it does sound nice :). I think I am going with side pipes off of the headers with this one. Not sure yet.

John Dykstra
 
-et cetera...

HI JOHN: -as Tom said, check your engine's serial-number designation to see if you have the 49-state 350ci-engine, or the lil'305ci/Calif.-engine to begin with; --then check your '81-Factory/Service-manual to see what they say about any difference between Calif. and the other States. Seems I recall '80/Calif.-vettes only had the small-engine (with the first computer-controlled Rochester-carb.), --whilst all '81-vettes had the computer-controlled solenoid-valve equipped Rochester-carb. system and the 350ci-eng.; --then in '82 they went to a quasi/Fuel-injection I believe. But to confirm all of this blather, -you need to obtain the truly excellent Factory/Service-manual (sometimes found used 1/2-price on Ebay), as it will tell you everything... ~Bob vH
:(
 
I think 81 had the 305 too, no? doesn't really matter as i think john you said the engine has been replaced.
If there are no sniffer requirements or any equipment required, and you don't care, you can take it all off. I can't imagine most emissions reducing equipment to actually add performance. That doesn't mean take out something like an EFI system just because it reduces emissions.
You can take off all the equipment, get rid of the cats.
Bob is correct about the semi-computer controlled 81. Many people i have talked to complain it creates problems for service and such, but you may not have that problem if the whole engine was changed. in 82 there was corssfire which AFAIK was throttle body injection. As i understand it the fuel is injected somewhere in the intake, instead of in the individual cylinders.
Take off the equipment, open the exhaust up, you can also try to change the thermostat.
I think that higher temps or compressions can yield more efficiency and potentially power but also produce emissions.
while you're at it add some lead.
My point is if you really have no regard for emissions you can just reverse alot of the changes in the past 40 years
tom
 
In this case, it's kinda academic whether the car originally had a 350 or a 305. (However, all '81s originally had a single engine--the 350 ci L81).

Let us know if the car arrives loaded with smog stuff or not. We'll all be interested in finding out!
 
Thank you page62 ;) thus the
 
Only 11K? You lucky dog! That is one sweet-looking car.

By the way, the engine is in "full-smog" trim. It still has everything from the AIR pump to the EGR system. And I'll bet the exhaust is basically factory, too. You'll have no problem pulling a few more ponies out of this baby!

But remember, this car has a very early computer control system: carb, ignition advance, and transmission lockup. You'll have to do some extra planning to determine how far from stock you want to take it. Have fun!
 
Sorry for beiung off topic, but . . . John, any relation to Lenny Dykstra?
 
being off topic is fine yes I am a second cousin to him just have never met him. I get that alot. So full smog trim even headers and better exhaust and maybe free up the intake with like k&n and I might get something. Down the road I am looking to put a supercharger on it not the one that sticks out the hodd the hidden one from vortech but for now I am just looking for a few more where I can get them eaisly.

John Dykstra
 
holy cow john thats real nice for 11k.
Everything work, including ventilation systems?
good deal. What is the total mileage? would help me price mine.
Tom
 

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