396 375 HP smog equipment

[HS PROFESSOR]

finishing up the engine for my X-66 375 hp car and was wondering about the smog stuff.does it take away from the car not to have it??its big money to add it,and i wonder if that money that will be re-grouped later??? i was planning on manifolds but now i'm thinking of shorty headers and no smog.the engine is all date code correct i even scored a set of 12/68 840's for $500. right in my own county!!!! thanks for any input.


bob

[nuch_ss396]

A couple of thoughts:

1) If a restoration, just look at all the Chevy muscle cars
at the B-J auctions. Most, if not all of these cars have
the SMOG equipment. It's the thing to do these days.

2) If you can't go for the entire system at least get the
SMOG manifolds and install them with plugs. You can always
add the SMOG equipment later.

3) Remember, the SMOG pump can be modified to be "free
wheeling" so it doesn't actually operate.

Remember what Fernando ( Billy Crystal ) said on SNL?
It is better to look good - than to be good!

Lastly, the price of these systems and components will only
go up in value in the future. Better to get the system now
if you can stomach the cost.

Steve

[bigchevydaddy]

An original, dated-to-your-car smog system IS pricey, expecially the original 29297 diverter valve, 458 DG smog pulley and dated pump.

BUT, if you want the look of an original system without spending $3 grand, the Parts Place repro 458 pulleys are dead-on without the runout problems of the other repro pulleys, and the 29295 diverter valves are plentiful on ebay. Just re-orient the diverter hose connections to 10 O'Clock (29297) vice the 9 O'clock (29295). This can be done with a long 3/8" drive extension from inside the hose fitting, you just have to move it a little. The hoses and tubes are available repro. the 149 smog pumps are also plentiful on ebay, as well as the brackets and other misc parts. The Parts Place also has an excellent white fan. If you already have the manifolds, you can put together an appearance-correct system for a little over $500.

Good luck, BCD.

[TDW]

1969 Restored original smog pump system for 396-427 Camaro or 396 Chevelle, Nova, complete $1550.00
+ $20 for shipping and insurance

This is on MacNeish's site. www.z28camaro.com
A friend of mine bought a whole system from him. He is happy with it.

[CamarosRus]

Big Chevy Daddy and others, I agree with your appearance package idea...........but restoring the divertor valve cosmetics to me is the most crucial. Finding a source that can replate the yellow zinc to the front metal cover and stain the pot metal body with "chromate" (ala Holly Carb) is a problem. Removing the muffler and zinc phosphating shouldnt be too dificult and much better than the commonly seen paint. I also feel the branches/tress were Black Zinc plated
Any suggestions would be appreciated.........

[bigchevydaddy]

Don Dorfman restores diverter valves to a work of art, but ONLY works through Bill Hodel. They are functional as well as beautiful, but it's NOT cheap.

Scott Tieman (Supercar Specialties) does very nice cosmetic restorations on diverters, for about half the price of Dorfman/Hodel, but it's a cosmetic, not functional resto.

Does anyone else know of diverter valve restorers?

Thanks and Good Luck, BCD.