CA Smog Question
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CA Smog Question
Hello, I'm a recent proprietor of a not-so-healthy 82 T/A. =)
I've seen people post here that the 305 4bbl to 350 4bbl isn't legal because the engine was never offered carbed.
But if I understand the CARB rules, third gens from 1982-1985 have a pass here as the 350 4bbl setup was offered with the Chevy Impala.
So even if the smog check were to fail you on visual, you theoretically should be able to go to a ref and get the sticker as long as all the smog equipment is functioning correctly. (This of course is assuming the smog equipment is interchangeable/not that different then the 305's)
I've seen people post here that the 305 4bbl to 350 4bbl isn't legal because the engine was never offered carbed.
But if I understand the CARB rules, third gens from 1982-1985 have a pass here as the 350 4bbl setup was offered with the Chevy Impala.
So even if the smog check were to fail you on visual, you theoretically should be able to go to a ref and get the sticker as long as all the smog equipment is functioning correctly. (This of course is assuming the smog equipment is interchangeable/not that different then the 305's)
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: California
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 7004R
Axle/Gears: 3.27/42 ?
Re: CA Smog Question
I would say that as long as the Chevy Impala engine is newer than 82 then you are good to go as long as you get it reffed. Just double check though... I live in CA too.
Joined: Sep 2005
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Re: CA Smog Question
You are correct.
You might not even have to deal with the ref, if the inspection station doesn't notice that it's been swapped; which if you put the OE carb and exhaust and all the emissions devices from the 305 onto the 350, they probably won't. They look EXACTLY the same. Only difference, to the eye, is the block casting # which they most likely won't check if it all looks right otherwise and blows clean on the rollers ... there'd be no reason they'd even suspect anything, that would trigger them to do extra work and check extra stuff.
I wish when I lived out there that I had known more about the process; I stupided out and rebuilt the original 305 in my Camaro. I kick myself daily for that. Which reminds me: I'm overdue for my daily kick.
[kicks self in butt]
There, I feel better now.
You might not even have to deal with the ref, if the inspection station doesn't notice that it's been swapped; which if you put the OE carb and exhaust and all the emissions devices from the 305 onto the 350, they probably won't. They look EXACTLY the same. Only difference, to the eye, is the block casting # which they most likely won't check if it all looks right otherwise and blows clean on the rollers ... there'd be no reason they'd even suspect anything, that would trigger them to do extra work and check extra stuff.
I wish when I lived out there that I had known more about the process; I stupided out and rebuilt the original 305 in my Camaro. I kick myself daily for that. Which reminds me: I'm overdue for my daily kick.
[kicks self in butt]
There, I feel better now.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: California
Car: 1991 Pontiac Firebird
Engine: 355 TBI
Transmission: 7004R
Axle/Gears: 3.27/42 ?
Re: CA Smog Question
Wow, well I should kick myself too now lol I should have paid more attention to his original question.
Yes, the 305 and 350's are exactly the same... So if your car came stock with a 4bbl carb on a 305 then go ahead and throw a 350 in it with the same 4bbl carb and all the rest of the smog crap.
Ya, I would be pretty pissed off too if I had rebuild a 305 just to stay in accordance to the smog rules to find out I could have just put a 350 in it with no problems lol
In fact, a friend of mine built a 383 stroker and got it to pass smog with no problem.
(They dont bother to check the number since its so hidden, they really wont bother to tear apart your engine and measure the size of the crank lol)
Yes, the 305 and 350's are exactly the same... So if your car came stock with a 4bbl carb on a 305 then go ahead and throw a 350 in it with the same 4bbl carb and all the rest of the smog crap.
Ya, I would be pretty pissed off too if I had rebuild a 305 just to stay in accordance to the smog rules to find out I could have just put a 350 in it with no problems lol
In fact, a friend of mine built a 383 stroker and got it to pass smog with no problem.
(They dont bother to check the number since its so hidden, they really wont bother to tear apart your engine and measure the size of the crank lol)
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