Emissions

cheeks

Founding Member
Nov 30, 1999
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Hey guys,
I reside in Canada, and just realized that cars model year 1988 and newer must pass a smog test until they are 30 years old!!...This is not good cause I had plans to drop a 408 N/A carbed stroker in my 89 Lx, but now I have to find a way to get around this??...any suggestions? thanx...:shrug:
 
I have a 88 LX and live in Illinois with the emission test. My insurance (show car, collector car) got me exempt. No test. With the insurance I can only drive no more than 2000 miles a year which is fine with me. I only drive on dry weekends in the summer. Never close to 2000 anyway.
 
Cheeks, there is a Hot rod/Street rod clause in the Clean Air Act that basically states that if you swap in an engine that WAS NOT ORIGINALLY AVAIABLE from the manufacturer for that model year and vehicle, it will be tested to 1980 standards.

So since a 351W was not offered by Ford in 1989 Mustang's, you're 408 will be subject to 1980 standards, which will be a hell of a lot easier to meet than either '89 or current standards.

I researched it in hopes of getting my Carbed 5.0 with no emission equipt. through. So far i'm not having much luck, as a 5.0 was offered in '92 (I have a '92 coupe, originally 4 pot.) They claim induction does not matter, as it's still a 302. Bastards.
 
cheeks said:
Hey guys,
I reside in Canada, and just realized that cars model year 1988 and newer must pass a smog test until they are 30 years old!!...This is not good cause I had plans to drop a 408 N/A carbed stroker in my 89 Lx, but now I have to find a way to get around this??...any suggestions? thanx...:shrug:

Keep the efi
choose your cam wisely
utilize all factory emissions equipment

You should be able to pass.

If you do it right, no one will ever realize its a 408w.

The carb stands very little chance of passing.

A custom tune, either from a dyno shop or personal tuner, will help get you through as well. Especially with larger cams.

I would like to hear the results of your test when you go through.

jason