1969 Smog system application

[John M.]

I'm hoping (financially speaking) that a smog system was not standard on the regular production 1969 L46.

Please tell me it wasn't.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

I'm hoping (financially speaking) that a smog system was not standard on the regular production 1969 L46.

Please tell me it wasn't.

John-----


I could only tell you it wasn't standard if I was inclined to lie to you. Believe me, EVERY 1969 L-46 was originally equipped with the air injection reactor system (AIR). If anyone tells you that's not the way it was, they're wrong. Period. Not only was every 1969 L-46 originally equipped with AIR but EVERY OTHER 1969 Corvette was originally equipped with AIR, too. No exceptions, regardless of where delivered, what engine or what transmission.

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

That's not what I wanted to hear, as I'm sure it will cost me $1500 minimum even to mock one up without correct date codes.

Lovely.

Any extremely hard to find or unavailable parts or is it pretty much standard fair?

I know the pumps, Diverter valves and check valves are pretty available, but not sure about any Corvette specific bracketry.

I would assume all available aftermarket.

I guess I'll have $40K into a $30K 69 Coupe before it's all said and done.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

That's not what I wanted to hear, as I'm sure it will cost me $1500 minimum even to mock one up without correct date codes.

Lovely.

Any extremely hard to find or unavailable parts or is it pretty much standard fair?

I know the pumps, Diverter valves and check valves are pretty available, but not sure about any Corvette specific bracketry.

I would assume all available aftermarket.

I guess I'll have $40K into a $30K 69 Coupe before it's all said and done.

John-----


The most difficult-to-come-by component of the entire system is the original diverter valve. That's the Big $$$$$ piece. It's Corvette-specific and not reproduced. The manifold trees are well-reproduced and the pumps are not too hard to find in original configuration, if not original date code.

The pump bracket and brace are also Corvette-specific. However, these are not that difficult to find. I used to see them on eBay fairly frequently and sometimes they did not even draw a bid even with a low or no reserve.

[Warren F.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

John,

As many members here will agree. Give Bill Hodel, a fellow NCRS member a call. He could probably set you up with a complete A.I.R. system properly date coded for your application for about the same money as you suspect it will cost for just some of the components.

[Steve F.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

I agree Bill Hodel is the one to talk to about smog systems. He has original & repro. Did a great job for me

Steve

[Chuck G.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Another vote for Bill Hodel.

My 69 BB came with absolutely NO smog equipment.

Bill fixed me up with everything, down to the correct nuts and bolts.

Chuck

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

John

I just found this thread and am sick to my stomach over it from one aspect.

I was about to kill myself trying to figure out where this dang fuel filter bracket mounted when I stumbled on to Joe saying all 69's had AIR and I was like WHAT. As I looked further I found this thread and will stop here with a pit in my stomach.

Of course every single piece of mine is gone; had I known this a month ago, I may have chosen not to go with headers. Both of my manifolds were cracked and I debated for days on what to do; nobody makes exact replacements and the idea of used manifolds does nothing for me, so I decided to go with headers and gain the HP. Had I known at the time the added consideration of AIR I would have gone manifolds.

Geez!

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

They are reproducing the drivers side Manifold that has all of the Alternator attachment holes drilled into it. I can't remember who recasted them but he peddles them on E-bay from time to time. Crane's I believe. I ended up using one as my correct manifold was missing and the qualities not too bad. Won't get past an Eagle eyed judge of course but it is true to form recasted from an original.

The Passenger side is pretty easy to find, the drivers side is the hard one.

How are you going to mount your Alternator using Headers?

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Headman makes a bracket that is suppose to work; I'll find out this weekend how correct that is.

Still sick about this after a nights sleep.

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Sell the Headers on E-bay and do it right.....

Don't be telling these NCRS Guys your installing Headers, They'll revoke your Membership.

Seriously though, I'd sell them and have done that myself after deciding to change direction on a build.

Better yet return them for full refund.

Anything incorrect is likely going to eat at you anyway. HP will be negligable unless your referring to 10th's of seconds on a 1/4 Mile run WOT.

Do it right or before you know it, you'll be installing a Chrome Alternator from Pep-Boys to match that Headman Chrome Alternator bracket.

[Kenny C.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Steven
I had the same experience, started out one way and am now doing the same thing and eating lots of cash to go stock. However if you are inclined to leave on the headers and need a alternator bracket i have one you are welcome to have. I think it was originally off a Malibu or something, it bolt to the front of the head not the manifold. And hey its already clean and painted a nice Chevy orange!

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Just promise me not to use Metric Bolts.

[Steven H.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

If Headman's brackets don't work spot on for the stock alternator location; yeah I may shift gears. But the problem is I still have NO desire to run hand me down manifolds; and the choices for reman are not good, trust me I have dwelled on it many nights. The headers may not be so bad for the first few years anyway; I have like 10 zillion other things to work on before that would really be an issue anyway.

PS the brackets are black

[John M.]

Re: 1969 Smog system application

Lower Alternator Bracket is Orange as it was attached prior to painting.