Is there a procedure to remove the smog equipment?

[Guest]

Hi - I recently purchased a 1978 California MG Midget that still has all of its' smog equipment. Removing the smog pump, catalytic converter, and other hardware is easy to do but what about re-tuning the engine. Do I need to get a non-smog distributor? Are there any changes to the carb? Any changes to the fuel or cooling system? Has anyone put together a procedure to de-smog and re-tune a Midget? Thanks.

 

[RobSelina]

Re: Is there a procedure to remove the smog equipm

Here are my general thoughts:

1 - keep the vacuum advance on the dizzy. In my case, it runs better in the top end.
2 - most people say to keep a line running from the valve cover to the air line on the carb (it's the larger diameter port on the intake side). This will help avoid excessive oil leaks by negatively pressurizing the crank case. IMO, the charcoal canister doesn't really hurt anything.
3- plug the EGR port in the exhaust manifold as well as the air pipe ports on the head.

Anyway, you get the idea on what to remove and how to handle it. On to your specific questions:

Your distributor is fine, just keep using the vacuum advance. Fuel & cooling systems shouldn't require modification.

The ZS carb will behave fine with the extra emission ports pluged off. You may have to retune your idle mixture and throttle position, but it'll run happier. I had mine setup like this for a year or so. I very recently swapped out to a single SU HS4 carb (the one used before smog standards were implemented) I think its a very worthwhile mod.