I'm looking at upgrading my engine but of course have many questions about CA smog regulations which will of course dictate what I can and can't do. Here is my specific question...

I heard that having a 305 or a 350 doesn't matter sniffer wise because there is a standard max output for a given V8 series in a certain model range. For example a 92 Auto LB9 and a 92 auto L98 both have the same gas test max limits. TRUE or FALSE? Anyone have specifics?

The reason I ask is that I currently have a 92 auto LB9. I know I can upgrade to ANY SBC block and use any SBC based displacements and still look stock to pass visual. They don't run casting numbers. I also know that I could tune a 406ci for example to run just as clean as a used good condition 305 being that everything else is equal, TPI, etc. so the smog ***** are happy.

At this point I have no clue if I want to rebuild my 305, stroke it, do a 350, 355, 383, 396, 400, 406, etc. You get the idea. I just want to know that from a CA smog point of view, the internal SBC displacement won't matter enough to limit my choices.

Thanks!

 

Depends on the tech. I have had someone check the casting numbers in the past, and that is something they really are supposed to verify... that the engine is the correct year and size. Does not mean they will check though, I'd say most do not or at least I've never seen them look close enough to notice. The 400 has the dipstick on the opposite side (or other old blocks) so if the tech knows much about Chevy engines and cares to be accurate and not get busted by a undercover BAR agent they might fail it on visual.

I dont know that the limits are identical between the 305 and 350, but if you are going to lie about what the engine really is then what does it matter?