Emission Tests for 2.7 Engine

[NeedSpace]

I am searching for an engine for my 1976. I have read that from 1974 to 1975 the engine changed due to emission requirements, was this only in California? I assume my car has to pass emissions for the year of the car, thus, my car would have to pass 1976 emissions (actually my build date is 6/1975). If I purchase a 1974 2.7, would it be difficult to pass emissions for the 1976? Could I make the necessary upgrades to pass emissions?

BTW, I know in the great state of NJ, I can register the vehicle as historic and avoid all those emission requirements (my MB couldn't pass it in a million years). But if this works out well, I am hoping to get more than the 3000 miles a year limit.

Oh, related, how do I do a search for 2.7 using the search in this forum? When I do it adds quotes and doesn't find anything.

Thanks in advance.

[ossiblue]

The 2.7 engine is essentially the same for years 74-77 however, the CIS system is different and the emission components did change. All cars in 76 had the same emission components, nation wide.

76 engines required thermal reactors, smog pump, exhaust gas recirculation, and a 5-blade fan for emissions. If you bought a 74 engine it would not have the thermal reactors (a good thing), though I believe the erg and smog pump were required. Your problem will be to locate the required smog components for a 76--most have been discarded because they tended to overheat and kill the engines early, though you probably can locate what you need through the "Parts" forum. Additionally, if you go with a 74 engine, you will need to get a later set of heat exchangers to go with the exhaust emission parts.

All of this can be done, but you need to plan ahead and do a little shopping for relatively rare and unwanted parts. I think you will have better luck advertising for a 76/77 engine with all the components already there, including the later CIS with the later cold start components. All the original 2.7's suffered from a bad reputation due to pulled head studs from overheating but most ones you see on the market have been rebuilt to some degree to remedy that problem. Be aware of this in your shopping.

Easiest way to search: go to the "911 Used Parts for sale" forum and click on the tab in the upper right corner, "search this forum". A window will appear and click on "Advanced search". When the next page appears, go to the far left side and in the keyword box type, "2.7 engine" or "2.7 CIS engine" or "77S engine". Use quotes around the words. Hit the "search" button at the bottom, and results will appear.

[ededoad@hotmail]

My 76 has the muffler system like the California system but has no catalytic or any other smog equipment. On the door frame it had a sticker stating it was compliant to federal standards non- catalyst. I removed the sticker because of paint and am in the process of changing the exhaust. I think 76 was the last no smog year outside of California.

California emissions is a whole different animal.

[Targalid]

I just removed the thermal reactors and smog pump from my 76. I can now see the bottom of the engine and am searching out the oil leaks.

[Driver_X]

Go with the historic tags and forget about it....that's my plan :-)

[356911930]

How do you go about getting historic plates? I have a 1976 930...no smog.

[Driver_X]

Go to the NJ DMV website, download the form. Take a couple of pictures of your car and send them in along with the form and a check. I got my plates back in the mail three days after sending in the form.

State of New Jersey - Motor Vehicle Commission

[356911930]

Thanks DriverX, I will check it out!