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Bret
Yoda
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More stuff on V6 & V8 Engine swaps "Emissions" issues
Not to put a damper on things in the previous thread as I have enjoyed reading everything so far.
But I feel that the issue of your states’ emissions standards must be brought into this conversation. While I personally would like to see how far I could stench the performance envelope of my B’s engine – I can’t due to the laws here in California. Because of the strict emissions testing here (as well as some other states) I am limited in what I can actually do to my engine. So the idea of performing an engine swap is a valid option but for the very same reasons entails it’s own limitations and concerns.
The biggest limitation on smog equipped 1800cc engines like my 78B is the breathing system. I can use a Alloy head and upgrade the entire lower end (bore & stroke whatever). While these modifications might see some small gains in HP & Torque at the lower end of the rev range, the engine’s full potential will never be reached as long as have the single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor manifold and smog pump setup. But if I want to remain legal – I must retain that “entire” setup like it or not. The main stickler is the fact that the EGR valve in built into the combination (intake/Exhaust) manifold. Just so you know – California smog testing actually checks to see that is as well as all other emissions equipment is installed and functional.
These limitations have forced me into taking a serious look into installing either a V6 or a V8 from a donor vehicle. While the sentimental part of me favors the idea of a going with a Rover V8, the skinflint side seems to feel that the V6 is the way to go price wise. Thus far the V6 option seems to have the upper hand in my research, as the best bang for my buck.
Don’t get me wrong there are some emissions issues to be considered with regards to a V6 or V8. One item to take into account – is where to place the Catalytic converter. Assuming that the donor car you decide on could pass your State’s smog test prior to being swapped out – the Cat’s actual placement under your car would seem to be the only real issue. Especially if you have significantly lowered your vehicle’s ride height. For this little dilemma – I have heard that from some of the local Hotrod types that there are a number of Performance “low-profile” Cats that exist on the market that might solve this problem.
Anyway whatever the final choice – if your car had to be tested prior to the swap - you will still need to pass the emissions testing afterwards. In the case of California – you will need to take the car to a state referee for a certification of your engine swap. The normal rule regarding swaps is that your car has to pass emissions testing for the year of manufacture for your particular vehicle. But if you to swap your 1800cc engine for say a V6 or a V8, your car will need to pass the smog test for that replacement engine’s year of manufacture and retain any and all smog equipment that came on the donor vehicle. The problem is you can’t go with an engine out of a vehicle that is older than the car you are putting it into. If you do – your car will be tested for emissions based on the year of it’s manufacture regardless of what the engine you put in. So if you are planing on putting a 63 Buick V8 in a 78 MGB you could be asking for trouble. If this is your plan make sure to do a lot of homework on your state’s laws before you start, unless you are comfortable with the idea of entering into uncharted territory.
In my case the engine swap is on hold for the rest of the year, as I owe the fed's a lot more in back taxes than I had originally counted on. Oh well - such is life, there’s always next year.
Bret
[ 04-12-2003: Message edited by: Bret ]</p>
Not to put a damper on things in the previous thread as I have enjoyed reading everything so far.
But I feel that the issue of your states’ emissions standards must be brought into this conversation. While I personally would like to see how far I could stench the performance envelope of my B’s engine – I can’t due to the laws here in California. Because of the strict emissions testing here (as well as some other states) I am limited in what I can actually do to my engine. So the idea of performing an engine swap is a valid option but for the very same reasons entails it’s own limitations and concerns.
The biggest limitation on smog equipped 1800cc engines like my 78B is the breathing system. I can use a Alloy head and upgrade the entire lower end (bore & stroke whatever). While these modifications might see some small gains in HP & Torque at the lower end of the rev range, the engine’s full potential will never be reached as long as have the single Zenith-Stromberg carburetor manifold and smog pump setup. But if I want to remain legal – I must retain that “entire” setup like it or not. The main stickler is the fact that the EGR valve in built into the combination (intake/Exhaust) manifold. Just so you know – California smog testing actually checks to see that is as well as all other emissions equipment is installed and functional.
These limitations have forced me into taking a serious look into installing either a V6 or a V8 from a donor vehicle. While the sentimental part of me favors the idea of a going with a Rover V8, the skinflint side seems to feel that the V6 is the way to go price wise. Thus far the V6 option seems to have the upper hand in my research, as the best bang for my buck.
Don’t get me wrong there are some emissions issues to be considered with regards to a V6 or V8. One item to take into account – is where to place the Catalytic converter. Assuming that the donor car you decide on could pass your State’s smog test prior to being swapped out – the Cat’s actual placement under your car would seem to be the only real issue. Especially if you have significantly lowered your vehicle’s ride height. For this little dilemma – I have heard that from some of the local Hotrod types that there are a number of Performance “low-profile” Cats that exist on the market that might solve this problem.
Anyway whatever the final choice – if your car had to be tested prior to the swap - you will still need to pass the emissions testing afterwards. In the case of California – you will need to take the car to a state referee for a certification of your engine swap. The normal rule regarding swaps is that your car has to pass emissions testing for the year of manufacture for your particular vehicle. But if you to swap your 1800cc engine for say a V6 or a V8, your car will need to pass the smog test for that replacement engine’s year of manufacture and retain any and all smog equipment that came on the donor vehicle. The problem is you can’t go with an engine out of a vehicle that is older than the car you are putting it into. If you do – your car will be tested for emissions based on the year of it’s manufacture regardless of what the engine you put in. So if you are planing on putting a 63 Buick V8 in a 78 MGB you could be asking for trouble. If this is your plan make sure to do a lot of homework on your state’s laws before you start, unless you are comfortable with the idea of entering into uncharted territory.
In my case the engine swap is on hold for the rest of the year, as I owe the fed's a lot more in back taxes than I had originally counted on. Oh well - such is life, there’s always next year.
Bret
[ 04-12-2003: Message edited by: Bret ]</p>