3.6 Conversions Vs. Ca. Smog

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I've been paying attention to all the 3.6 conversion threads with special attention to see what they are doing with exhaust. Most of them, it seems, are older cars that are exempt or in a state that does not have the draconian laws that the PRK has. Mine is a '78 SC and we, Patrick Motor Sports, and I are trying to find the best solution for this and be legal with BAR, have a street quiet system and have heat. All three of those requirements are important to me. We are set up to use SSI's.

I'm curious about what others might have done or suggest.

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Call the BAR. I'm NOT A PMS fan......

Canada Kev · 09-07-2010, 02:58 PM

I was under the impression that in CA you could update/change the engine if you used a newer one and included all the emissions equipment. Is this not the case?

Joe Bob · Joe Bob's Garage

Yes,you are right. But the swap involves idiot lights in the dash, sensors can't be put in the same place and the 964 exhaust can't be used. It doesn't fit.

It needs some custom work. Many have gone in for inspection after doing some nice custom work that gets axed by the BAR ref. Best to talk to the ref BEFORE you drop the cash. Replacement cats need CARB certs, O2 sensors need to be in the right places and dual exhausts aren't welcomed by all refs. Some refs interpret rules one way, some another....

Or else pick up a 75 or older chassis.

Drdogface · Drdogface's Garage

I'm beginning to understand. The original CEL was in one of the gauges...tach or speedo...does it matter if it's some where else on the dash ? What other sensors are there ?

cudabnu · cudabnu's Garage

I'm doing one right now, but will be awhile before I go to the Ref. But basically I put on a complete 95 exhaust, if it doesn't get the thumbs up, It gets registered at my Brothers house in Oregon!

mnmasotto · mnmasotto's Garage

I have been through all this and found a good solution. Call me and we can discuss the details.
Mark

Steve W · Steve W's Garage

to make it simple, I'd consider trying to fit 964 exhaust, keeping the 964 cat and primary muffler. That's essentially what the 964 guys are doing when they install a g-pipe in place of the secondary muffler. You can swap back and forth with a euro premuffler in place of the cat if you want to later. The power from this setup isn't really much different from a set of headers with a street muffler.