Emissions Legality.

["therealdmcvegas" <DMCVegas@xxxx>]

I agree that removal of the heat stove, and air flap are detrimental 
to emissions. After all, the purpose of them is to reduce hydro 
carbons by way of rasing the interal combustion temp. So, since 
it is part of the emissions control system, you should technicly 
leave it in place. None of the Identification Labels on the car list 
the Heat Stove, nor the Air Intake Flap. However, the Engine Info 
label does state that the vehicle does conform to 1981 (or your 
mfg year) emissions standards by the EPA. So, if the regulations 
by the EPA do infact list this as a required item, then you are not 
able to remove it.

BUT, things don't end here. Just because your vehicle is exempt 
from emissions tesing, doen't mean that you've got a green light 
to remove these items. It just simply means that there is no 
clean air problems in your area, so testing is not nessisary. So if 
some vehicles are not running up to a par emisssions wise, 
that's fine. It does not mean that you are free to 
override/modify/shut off/remove the emissions controls as you 
see fit. It simply indicates that you have alot more leeway with the 
efficiency of the emissions controls. This is why thins that modify 
the exhaust system such as bypass valves are listed as for 
off-road use only.

And lastly, if you are considering an Island Turbo Kit, you 
probably can't run it legally where you live. You do of course need 
to check with local regulations. You'll need to verify the differance 
between is the vehicle simply exempt from emissions testing, or 
is it exempt from federal EPA standards? I believe that someone 
previously pointed out that once a vehicle hits 25, it is no longer 
mandated by EPA standards. But this depends on your areas 
local regulations (i.e. C.A.R.B.). So technicly, removal of a Heat 
Stove is no differant than remove of a Catalytic Converter. It's 
possible you might be able to install a modern more efficient 
emissions equipment. Something that could benefit both 
emissions, and performance. But you'll need to check with local 
regulations on that. Here in Nevada, if you have a classic car, you 
are restriced to originality, and milage. Rather than a smog test, 
the resigstration must include a signed affadavit by a car 
appraiser for correct milage, and orginality! So for me, that's 
more of a hastle than a smog check!

-Robert
vin 6585 "X"