Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

The only component missing from my base '69 convertible is the smog pump/emissions system. All of the other major components are correctly date-coded and most likely original, so I plan to have the car flight judged when I am done with my restoration. That being the case, I would like to add a correct emissions system back to the car, but I don't know where to begin. Here are some specific questions:

1. What would be the best source for the components?
2. Are reproduction smog pumps an option (I see that Ecklers has them), or should I look for an original that can be restored?
3. Is there anybody the specializes in restoring smog pumps?
4. I have heard that the pumps can be modified to be non-functional so that they do not rob any horsepower. Would this cause the car to take a hit in flight judging, or is it impossible to detect?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Paul

[Michael W.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

4. I have heard that the pumps can be modified to be non-functional so that they do not rob any horsepower. Would this cause the car to take a hit in flight judging, or is it impossible to detect?

Paul-

Disabling the system for the purposes of regaining power is not worth it. The pump consumes about 1 HP, contrary to old myths.

The cost of purchasing an entire system in top condition will run you around $1500 or so, possibly more. It's usually a correct diverter valve that is the hardest to find and most expensive. There's several NCRS members who restore and sell systems.

[Alan S.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

Hi Paul,
You might consider contacting Bill Hodel about parts for and rebuilding of your AIR system.
He generally had an ad in the DRIVELINE.
I believe he's located in Ohio
Good luck!
Regards,
Alan

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

Hi Paul,
You might consider contacting Bill Hodel about parts for and rebuilding of your AIR system.
He generally had an ad in the DRIVELINE.
I believe he's located in Ohio
Good luck!
Regards,
Alan

I second Alan's suggestion. I have bought smog systems from bill & his systems are great & reasonably priced.

[Joe L.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

Hi all,

The only component missing from my base '69 convertible is the smog pump/emissions system. All of the other major components are correctly date-coded and most likely original, so I plan to have the car flight judged when I am done with my restoration. That being the case, I would like to add a correct emissions system back to the car, but I don't know where to begin. Here are some specific questions:

1. What would be the best source for the components?
2. Are reproduction smog pumps an option (I see that Ecklers has them), or should I look for an original that can be restored?
3. Is there anybody the specializes in restoring smog pumps?
4. I have heard that the pumps can be modified to be non-functional so that they do not rob any horsepower. Would this cause the car to take a hit in flight judging, or is it impossible to detect?

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Paul

Paul------


I would not even consider disabling the AIR system, especially since you have a convertible. With the system properly operating you will have much less in the way of exhaust odors/fumes in the car, especially when you're driving with the top down. I discovered this one day when I was out driving my original owner 1969 convertible. I always had the AIR system operating but this one day the pump seized causing the belt to instantly "fry" and break. I figured no big deal. However, thereafter when I drove the car top down, the exhaust fumes in the cockpit were MUCH worse. I replaced the pump and all was well again.

Folks today are MUCH more sensitive to exhaust (and gasoline) fumes because they're not used to them with modern cars. Back in the "old days" these things were common and folks got used to them and figured it was "normal".

[Douglas L.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

1. What would be the best source for the components?
2. Are reproduction smog pumps an option (I see that Ecklers has them), or should I look for an original that can be restored?
3. Is there anybody the specializes in restoring smog pumps?
4. I have heard that the pumps can be modified to be non-functional so that they do not rob any horsepower. Would this cause the car to take a hit in flight judging, or is it impossible to detect?

Paul,
1. Like others have said, Bill Hodel is a good option as is David? at Crane Corvettes.
2. I dont know about repro but getting a rebuilt one from the local auto parts store is a option. They wont have the correct white fan but you might get lucky and get one with date code that will work for you.
3. Bill Hodel is the only one I'm aware of.
4. I gutted mine but mostly because my diverter valve has a bad diaphragm, the pump does run quieter now though. As far as I know the only judging on them is appearance(finish/date stamp, etc.), there is no judging them in operations.

Good Luck,Doug

[Terry M.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

Paul,
1. Like others have said, Bill Hodel is a good option as is David? at Crane Corvettes.
2. I dont know about repro but getting a rebuilt one from the local auto parts store is a option. They wont have the correct white fan but you might get lucky and get one with date code that will work for you.
3. Bill Hodel is the only one I'm aware of.
4. I gutted mine but mostly because my diverter valve has a bad diaphragm, the pump does run quieter now though. As far as I know the only judging on them is appearance(finish/date stamp, etc.), there is no judging them in operations.

Good Luck,Doug

Actually, there could be under the right (or wrong, depending on which side of the clipboard you are on) circumstances. A bad diverter valve will sometimes, depending on the failure mode, make a noise somewhat like breaking wind on engine deceleration. A curious operations judge might detect this none too subtle malfunction and ask something along the lines of "WTF?" You can imagine the two-step the owner would have to do and where that might go. In most cases, however, you are right. Even on a PV there is no overt check of the AIR pump for function, but perhaps there should be.

[Jim T.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

Paul I replaced the air pump a few years ago on my original owner 1968 convertible with a rebuilt air pump I bought from my local Auto Zone parts store. Cost was reasonable and the purchased air pump did have a different color front plastic piece which was easily replaced with the one from the original air pump.

[Dan A.]

Re: Advice on finding smog pump/emissions equipment for a '69

One more vote for Bill Hodel. He recently rebuilt the smog pump on my 72 LT-1 and did a great job. Very reasonable, quick turn around and great communication.