Oregon smog nazis vs. 75 US Carrera w/ 2.7MFI spec engine

[skinnerd]

Well, I finally got the 2.7MFI (8.5:1) engine installed last week in my 1975 US Carrera. The DEQ here in Oregon smog tests all cars 1975 and newer. Previously this was never a problem, as the car had a fairly stock 3.2Motronic installed that was very clean, and flew through the emissions testing. I knew the 2.7MFI engine would have more troubles. So I took it in today to the local DEQ garage, and here are the results. Against, a standard of 300ppm for max HC, I had 173ppm (passed) at idle and 345 (failed) at 2500rpm. Not too bad here. For the DEQ standard of 2.5% CO max, I had 5.29% at idle and 7.3% at 2500rpm (neither very good).

The engine had a small miss at 2500rpm, but otherwise sounds good and pulls strongly. Where should I go from here (besides my mechanic). What can I do myself, to lower these values? Obviously adjusting (temporarily) the pump will help, as in leaning it out a bit. How about timing, and heat range of spark plugs? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! If I can't get these levels down myself, I'll be visiting my local mechanic for his help.

Thanks in advance.

My twin pipe sport exhaust didn't seem to bother the DEQ noisewise. Both the young fellows running the emission tests were very interested in the engine. They see very few 1975 911's, and fewer (read none) equipped with MFI.

[dougcl]

Doug,
I was having the same problems a few months back. I found that retarding the timing helped considerably, and allowed me to squeak through. I set the idle advance on my HPV-1's to their minimum setting (2 degrees, I think), and brought the numbers down from the range you are seeing. Also, I believe you can run up to 1250 RPMs at idle, which should clean things up. Typically higher rpms clean out (???)

-Doug Clauder

[pwd72s]

Man, this makes me glad I live down in Linn County...no smog testing here...yet. The Porsche has "special interest" plates.... but my old '77 Dodge pickemup, with it's "slightly modified" 360 has me nervous. Isn't it great to live in the land of the free, where Government respects the rights of the individual?

[skinnerd]

What's the deal with a "special interest" plate? Is this another way around this? The car will probably not get all that much mileage put on it in a year. What is the max miles you can drive in a year? Thanks

[john walker's workshop]

get a post office box address in a no smog zone. seriously, you kinda screwed yourself, building such an engine for a car that needs to be smogged. if you crank down the CO at idle and mid-range, which is doable, the HC may or may not still be under the limit. you just have to try it and see. keep the idle speed at 1000 for best results, and don't advance the timing any more than necessary to keep the engine running right. MFI set real lean like that generally spits and pops, and runs poorly.

[pwd72s]

Originally posted by skinnerd
What's the deal with a "special interest" plate? Is this another way around this? The car will probably not get all that much mileage put on it in a year. What is the max miles you can drive in a year? Thanks

Way I read it, car gotta be 25+ years old. Dunno if there is an upper limit to the year model or not. Actually, I kept the plates my car came with, but now have a sticker in place of the Orygun year sticker that says "special interest". Mileage restriction, I believe, is 3,000 per year. But NOBODY from Oregon DMV has ever asked me for mileage proof. You're supposed to be driving to and from car events, OR for testing, OR for photographic purposes, something like that. Just to be safe? Always have a tool or a camera in the car. But the bottom line? A one time, LIFETIME, car license fee of $50 or so...and NEVER a smog check. With the Porsche at least, "Kitz" (Orygun Govenor) kan "kitz" my donkey... until the legislature comes up with another $$$ stealing scheme, and they seem to be talented at that...

[Early_S_Man]

Doug,

For the smog test ... be sure not to set the timing with vacuum hose attached any further advanced than 5° ATDC at 1000 rpm ... and if you have the old 2.7 CIS distributor or a 2.4 distributor, use that instead of an RS 2.7 distributor!

[HarryD]

Originally posted by pwd72s
Way I read it, car gotta be 25+ years old. Dunno if there is an upper limit to the year model or not. Actually, I kept the plates my car came with, but now have a sticker in place of the Orygun year sticker that says "special interest". Mileage restriction, I believe, is 3,000 per year. But NOBODY from Oregon DMV has ever asked me for mileage proof. You're supposed to be driving to and from car events, OR for testing, OR for photographic purposes, something like that. Just to be safe? Always have a tool or a camera in the car. But the bottom line? A one time, LIFETIME, car license fee of $50 or so...and NEVER a smog check. With the Porsche at least, "Kitz" (Orygun Govenor) kan "kitz" my donkey... until the legislature comes up with another $$$ stealing scheme, and they seem to be talented at that...

Doug,

It's an "antique" plate. Supposedly you can only drive the car on Sundays and for special events but as long as you don't pass the Statie day after day, I am told that it is not usually a problem. I am not sure if this will exempt you from DEQ though. Check the DEQ and DMV regs. Also, you may have an issue with your insurance company, so I would check with them as well. If they think this is for a "garage queen" you may be no better off.

Later,

Harry

[pwd72s]

Harry...when I got my "special interest" plate? The guy at the local MV counter explained in great detail that this was NOT an "antique" plate...two different catagories. I suggest you check it out at your local DMV. Hey, it's FUN to wait in line, right?
Then you get to "enjoy" theglares of those in line behind you as you ask these "complicated" questions. Nevertheless, it was worth the hassles to me. Might not be worth it to others though...

[dougcl]

Doug, I aasked these questions a month or so back and got this reply:


Hello Doug,

Thank you for your inquiry. We have two types of registration for "old"
vehicles:

Special Interest Vehicles:
1. An American or foreign-made motor vehicle that is maintained
as a collector's item and is at least 25 years old as dated from any current
year; OR
2. The vehicle is sanctioned as a motor vehicle of special
interest by an established organization that provides for recognition of
motor vehicles of special interest.
3. A street rod as defined by ORS 801.513.

Antique Vehicle:
ORS 801.125 states that an antique vehicle is a motor vehicle that
is older than one-half the number of years between the current year and 1900
and is maintained as a collector's item.

A vehicle may qualify for either special interest or antique registration.
In this case, the customer may choose between the two.

When a vehicle qualifies for only one type, it may be because the year model
restricts the vehicle to one type or because the customer may want to
provide their own plates. For example, in 2002, a vehicle can qualify for
special interest registration if the vehicle is a 1977 year model or older,
or the vehicle may be sanctioned by an established organization if it is
less than 25 years old. For a vehicle to qualify for antique registration
in the year of 2002, the vehicle must be a 1951 year model or older {which
is one-half the number of years between the current year (2002) and 1900}.

Customers may provide their own plate for special interest registration, but
may not provide the plate for antique registration.

These vehicles must be maintained as a collector's item and may only be used
for exhibitions, parades, club activities and similar uses, but not used
primarily for transportation of persons or property. (ORS 805.030)

The main difference is in the cost of the registration and the types of
plates. When you have determined which way you want to registered I can
explain the fees or you could call 503-945-5000 and speak to an operator.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

Karen, Customer Assistance
Karen.M.KILBOURNE@odot.state.or.us
Cc: William.G.PLUMMER@odot.state.or.us

[skinnerd]

Thanks for all the great advice everyone. Actually this 2.7MFI engine used to be in my 73RS replica (makes sense), but I swapped drivetrains between the two cars thinking I was only going to club race the 75 with MFI engine. Well as you can guess, it's hard not to want to drive everything on the street... even your up and coming production class racecar. I will see if I can lean the engine down enough just for the emissions test without having the HC's go through the roof. I will certainly learn a thing or two about timing and adjusting the MFI pump (not a bad thing). I'll pursue the "special interest" plate....that really sounds interesting.

If worse comes to worse, and the engine won't pass emissions, that will give me a good excuse to look for a 1974 donor vehicle that the engine can be plugged into that will be emissions exempt here in Oregon.

I'll keep everyone posted. I'll be back in to see the emissions testers again mid week.

Thanks, y'all

[HarryD]

Doug,

You've got mail. I sent you some info that may get you out of this mess. If it appleis and doesn't screw up your insurance, no DEQ NAZI's for you.. Hee-hee.

[dean]

It might help to fix the miss in the motor (tune up)