Smog Question

[MobSled]

Ok guys I`m new on this forum and by far the best source for C10 owners. Big thumbs up for everybody on here for their input. Enough of the sweet talk hehehe...

Just recently purchased a 1977 C10 LWB. Had numerous short beds before but just wanted to do something different with the LWB. Anyway, built numerous cars before, "Ricerockets", but never dealt with smog crap before.

The whole truck is bone stock with original 96K miles on her. All the smog crap (smog pump, vacuum lines, smog lines that go to the headers) are still on the truck. I purchased some hooker headers which I`d like to install and get rid of the smog stuff mentioned above. Once I disconnect all of it, install the headers how bad is my timing going to be and how bad is the carb gonna need to be adjusted? I know I need to get a shorter belt which brings me to another question, what size belt?

Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thx guys.

[Number21]

Honestly I haven't had time to check the timing or tune of my '79, but from what I can see, somebody just pulled off all the smog crap and crimped the lines into the exhaust manifold. Looks like crap but seems to work ok. I seriously doubt they made any other adjustments...

[GMC Guy]

Originally Posted by Number21

Honestly I haven't had time to check the timing or tune of my '79, but from what I can see, somebody just pulled off all the smog crap and crimped the lines into the exhaust manifold. Looks like crap but seems to work ok. I seriously doubt they made any other adjustments...

you can remove those rails from the manifolds. soak them reallllly good in penetrating fluid and carefully unscrew them. then go down to home depot and pick up 8 galvanized steel plugs from the plumbing section. trust me you'll be glad you did cuz those rails are ugly as hell lol

[Number21]

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

you can remove those rails from the manifolds. soak them reallllly good in penetrating fluid and carefully unscrew them. then go down to home depot and pick up 8 galvanized steel plugs from the plumbing section. trust me you'll be glad you did cuz those rails are ugly as hell lol

Yeah, I'm going to get a set of headers too, the old log manifolds are pretty rusted out. I still need to finish getting rid of all the extra vacuum lines and various crap I don't need. The engine bay needs a serious dose of bling.

[GMC Guy]

Originally Posted by Number21

Yeah, I'm going to get a set of headers too, the old log manifolds are pretty rusted out. I still need to finish getting rid of all the extra vacuum lines and various crap I don't need. The engine bay needs a serious dose of bling.

haha that's exactly what i just did. and i plan to get headers soon, but the plugs were more in the budget for now

[rfmaster]

Your 77, depending on the county (Livermore is in Alameda) is still subject to bi-annual smog checks. Before removing your smog equipment and installing non CARB certified headers I would seriously look into the headaches involving bi-annual smog checks.

//RF

[MobSled]

So in other words the timing wont be off as bad as other people have been telling me and the carb wont need that big of an adjustment. Thank you sir.

[GMC Guy]

i just yesterday removed all my smog stuff and rebuilt my carb, i haven't adjusted my timing yet, but it doesn't seem to be very far off. just make sure you plug everything not being used, and it should be ok.

[MobSled]

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

i just yesterday removed all my smog stuff and rebuilt my carb, i haven't adjusted my timing yet, but it doesn't seem to be very far off. just make sure you plug everything not being used, and it should be ok.

Thx for the info. I`m gonna throw those headers on this saturday and see what happens. Thx again.

[GMC Guy]

Originally Posted by MobSled

what size belt?

take a piece or string and wrap it around the crank, water pump, and alternator just like a belt. then make sure it's tight, and tape the ends together. then when you go down to the auto parts store you can say i need a belt this size
that's what i did anyway.

[MobSled]

Originally Posted by GMC Guy

take a piece or string and wrap it around the crank, water pump, and alternator just like a belt. then make sure it's tight, and tape the ends together. then when you go down to the auto parts store you can say i need a belt this size
that's what i did anyway.

Hahaha why didnt I think of that...thx man really appreciate the advice. I guess I`m all set then for saturday. I`ll give it a try and see what happens. I just hope the truck doesnt idle or run all weird. I guess we`ll see what happens. Only one way to find out.

Thx again.

[MobSled]

Yeah I gotta wait 2 more years before my truck becomes smog exempt. Until then we make it unsmogable, if thats even a word hehehehe and take it to a "friend" every year to get it smogged hehehe.

[GMC Guy]

the law in california is that vehicles made in 1975 or older are smog exempt, anything 76 and newer needs smog. when i bought my truck, i was under the impression that in 2009 it would hit the 30 year mark and taken off the smog list...found that not to be the case though....

[Malo83]

Before making any mods save yourself some headaches and double check the smog laws, heard that 30 yr rule is out the window

[Mike_D]

Smog exemption stopped at 1975. I've got a 1977 c20 and was forced to find a set CARB headers because of biannual inspection