MGB Calif. smog questions

[MGYoungn]

Absolutely ! As an owner of three MGs ( a TC an MGA and a 69 MGB) I appreciate your enthusiasm for the car enough to use it properly. I'll bet there is still plenty of later cars not being used out there because of the smog issue. Its too bad , an MGB can be kept running on the cheep and make for a great car.

Heh. Thanks. A lot of my enthusiasm comes from the fact that this car has been part of my life in some way or another as long as I can remember. The guy who said it would be better to sell in AZ and buy something already good to go in CA isn't wrong, but its also not the right answer for me. It's not going to probably ever be my daily driver, but I'd love to get her fixed up and driven around on the weekends or taken to shows/events if there are any around here (not that it's likely to win any prizes, but always nice to chat with other owners).

I'm currently debating if I want to pick up the guys manifold / cat. I don't think I actually need the manifold, for one. My dad has a 2 piece aftermarket on it, but I can't see why that would matter. Its still just a manifold. Should fit either carb as I understand it. I need a cat (there isn't even one present at the moment) but with the crazy high shipping on these heavy parts I can't decide if its worth it. The guy's carb looks fantastic and I'm snagging that, but the cat doesn't exactly look brand new and I wanna be sure I get something that will pass the actual emissions part of things.

 

[Grantura_MKI]

Good luck with it.

 

[Joe Reed]

I'm currently debating if I want to pick up the guys manifold / cat. I don't think I actually need the manifold, for one. My dad has a 2 piece aftermarket on it, but I can't see why that would matter. Its still just a manifold. Should fit either carb as I understand it. I need a cat (there isn't even one present at the moment) but with the crazy high shipping on these heavy parts I can't decide if its worth it. The guy's carb looks fantastic and I'm snagging that, but the cat doesn't exactly look brand new and I wanna be sure I get something that will pass the actual emissions part of things.

I'm not aware of any separate intake/exhaust manifolds that fit the ZS carb. You'll almost certainly need the original intake/exhaust combo. What kind of carb is on your car now?

 

[PAUL161]

As your main concern is California's smog requirements, very strict, I would definitely stick with the factory setup. By using other parts your gambling they will pass inspection, if they don't, it's back to square one and more time and money. I would match the original manifold, carb and hook ups. JMHO. PJ

 

[MGYoungn]

I'm not aware of any separate intake/exhaust manifolds that fit the ZS carb. You'll almost certainly need the original intake/exhaust combo. What kind of carb is on your car now?

Hmm, talking with my dad he seemed to think carb hookups were pretty standard so I thought the manifold would work. I have a weber on it at the moment.

As your main concern is California's smog requirements, very strict, I would definitely stick with the factory setup. By using other parts your gambling they will pass inspection, if they don't, it's back to square one and more time and money. I would match the original manifold, carb and hook ups. JMHO. PJ

Well, its certainly a valid concern. I sort of expect it to fail the first time, to be perfectly honest. I plan to get it smogged with a known mechanic who works on these cars so they can tell me properly what all I need to fix before it can pass. If I can get away without spending more money on parts I'm happy. I'll think about it, though.

 

[Joe Reed]

The most common Webers used on an MG are a 2 barrel downdraft (DGV or DGAS) or a two barrel sidedraft (DCOE) - so I assume your car has one of those (probably the former). The original ZS is a single barrel sidedraft...so neither of those Weber manifolds will come close to working. There is a single barrel sidedraft Weber (45MCHH) that mates to the original ZS manifold, but I'm not aware of any options that mate that carb to a separate intake/exhaust system.

 

[JPSmit]

I sort of expect it to fail the first time, to be perfectly honest. I plan to get it smogged with a known mechanic who works on these cars so they can tell me properly what all I need to fix before it can pass. If I can get away without spending more money on parts I'm happy. I'll think about it, though.

I was going to suggest this. I know that my mechanic and I work together around the emissions test on our oldest car.

In terms of the original equipment, the reality is that no one really wants this stuff. I got rid of pollution stuff - I think for shipping. Likewise I am pretty sure I shipped my ZS carb. Most people don't like the ZS carb and, they are not as easy to set up as SU's. So, you ought to be able to get every bit of equipment you need for under $100 - a few hours to put it on and get it right - half that to take it off again and Bob's your uncle.

 

[MGYoungn]

The most common Webers used on an MG are a 2 barrel downdraft (DGV or DGAS) or a two barrel sidedraft (DCOE) - so I assume your car has one of those (probably the former). The original ZS is a single barrel sidedraft...so neither of those Weber manifolds will come close to working. There is a single barrel sidedraft Weber (45MCHH) that mates to the original ZS manifold, but I'm not aware of any options that mate that carb to a separate intake/exhaust system.

Bah. Thanks. Was wondering how that would work out. I have a ZS in the mail on its way here. Was going to take a look at this once I got it, but sounds like its not going to work. I'll keep the header on my growing list of what I need to buy.

 

[AngliaGT]

You might want to wait & see if the Bill passes,exempting
1980 & older cars.

 

[drooartz]

That bill will be a big help for y'all out in California.