I just bought a 1985 IROC with a carbed 305. I need it to pass CA smog.
Basically, I need to know what they will be looking for when they inspect it and if they will access the ECM to check for codes or whatever. My first concern is getting it to pass visual and any possible computer checks. Once it can pass visual and any computer checks I can find out if it will pass the actual emissions test.

The engine bay does not look too butchered, but there is no smog (AIR) pump and the oxygen sensor is not connected. I am assuming this is why the check engine light is on. I don't even know if this car is supposed to have a AIR pump. Also no EGR system. I am not sure how much emission components to look for and what they want to see when they open the hood. It does have the catalytic converter still.

Hope someone can steer me in the right direction.

 

Make sure to get the correct smog parts on before you take it in to get it smogged. Everything that the car came with from the factory(smog equipment) has to be there or it will fail the visual. Invest in a good shop manual, they can be found on E-Bay or other sources. The factory manual is your best source of info about smog equipment, it has pictures of the parts that should be there. Make sure when you are ready to get it smogged that you take it where they will do a pre-test on the car. They should be able to tell you what is missing and what you need to pass. You do not want to try and smog your car if parts are missing, it opens a big can of worms. If you have problems finding someone to do a pre-test, keep looking until you find someone.

 

Pay a visit to your local self-service junkyard (Pick-A-Part, Ecology, etc.) and you will usually find quite a few 305 carbureted third gen's relatively intact with regards to emissions. This will be both a good source for parts and provide some visuals.

If my memory serves, the required emissions equipment for your ride would be:

Catalytic Converter
A.I.R.
E.G.R.
Canister Purge
Thermal Air Cleaner
PCV
E4ME Quadrajet
Computer Command Control

By the letter of the law, the smog tech is supposed to poke the ECM for codes. At the very minimum the Check Engine light should not be lit.

 

What part of California are you in?

You definitely need an AIR pump and the lines to run the air to the exhaust manifolds. You will also need to install an O2 sensor and get that SES light to go out.

 

Camp Pendleton, between San Diego and Los Angeles.


Anyone know of a good junk yard in this area?

EDIT: I just checked Helm's web site and they print-to-order shop manuals for it, at $176!
Anyone got a 1985 Helms or pics of their stock '85 305?

 

http://www.ecoparts.com/locations.htm

http://www.pickapart.com/sandiego.html

 

When I lived out there, I always went to the EcoParts right across the highway (76 I think it was) from the Oceanside airport.

 

I bought my helm manual for the 1982 TA for $40 off their website....???

 

GO down to your local parts store, and look in their paper catalog; and make a list of everything you see listed in there for your car. Go find it on your car.

You can even just go to partsamerica.com or autozone.com or pepboys.com and click on "Repair Parts" for your car, go to "Emissions", and write down or print the list.

Alot of inspection places (I used to use the one on the south side of the 78 in Vista, about 1 mile and a half or 2 miles east of the Carlsbad mall, not far from the In N Out, kind of in the corner of a shopping center along the highway there, if they're still there) will pull out their books and look at your car, and point out each thing that's supposed to be there that they'll be looking for. The place I just talked about charged $30 to do that.... maybe cheaper than a manual.

 

Thanks for all the tips guys. Tomorrow morning I am leaving for a few weeks so I guess I will have to deal with this when I get back.