SC: air pumps vs lambda CIS reliability
 

Are there any differences in terms of CIS reliability, etc. between '78/79 SCs with smog pumps and '80-83 lambda systems?

No question in my mind, for a road car, the later lambda SC is the better machine.

i have to agree with Paul, as he is 100 percent correct. Most people don't understand how the 80-83 02 cars work. These cars have a 35 degree throttle switch, and once you go past that, and it not much on the acc, pedal, the system goes into "open loop" with means its NOT working to control the mix, so unplugging it thinking its going to help it run faster is incorrect. leaving it hooked up will get you 25+ mpg, lower you emissions, and make your engine last longer. Plus, the beauty of an 02 car is being able to make afr adjustment past the 35 degree switch (richen it up and put the timing where it is supposed to be) and still get the great mileage and drivability at idle and part throttle. all things being equal, you can make an 02 car outperform a non 02 car, in performance and drivability.

he asked about reliability.

yes, the 78-79 is more reliable. no electrical stuff that will leave you stranded. i would much rather have the non lambda system.

there is nothing on the 02 system that will leave you stranded, the 02 harness is not even conn. to the main harness, its is its own separate system. as far as reliability, the only things that i have ever seen go bad in normal use are the sensor itself, (Bosch 1 wire, 20.00 bucks at any parts store) and the relay, also 20.00 from pelican.