Hey man,
From the most humble 3.3 liter 87 hp X code to the best CFi HO 5.0
As long as the stuff is on,
Read again Page 34 from HR 1988 August
1. Pre OBD2 (Pre 1996 ) cars don't have a sage log of Emissions equipment checks that prove function of
2. the Cat, (via comparison between upstream before cat, down stream after cat)
3. AIR,
4. EGR,
5. EVAP,
6. unleaded only fuel filler flap hasn't been changed to allow leaded AVGAS,
7. Computer function (often not equipped) ,
8. O2 sensor function (often not equipped) ,
9. The 25 and 50 thou statutory bleed cyclic tune function tests (if equipped) ,
10. All of which resolve a 1000 item P series fault code, with histogram via Executive Command Access code.
Pre OBD 1.5's (1990 CA-1994 CA) They have some of that activated PIDs stuff.
Pre OBD 1.5's, none of it at all, even GM's ALDL Check Engine light systems from 1979 to 1990.
Fords non feedback 1983-1985 M code 4bbl 5.0 makes better power and economy than the 1986 and 1987 feedback SEFI HO 5.0, and 1984.5-1985 Central Fuel Injection HO. The early 1986-1992 SEFI HO and 1984.5-1985 M code CFi don't have a log of PID's, and Ford was very, very smart on the whole V8 truck, Police Cruiser and Fox HO program engine options from the 1982 2-bbl 5.0 Fox, 1980 Panther, 1983 F-truck and E-van variants, and especially, the 138 hp non HO H code 351M's.
Engine swaps from same year or newer engines that have Car Vin equivalents, read up about them.
Ford was smarter than GM and AMC, but not Mopar, who used the ELB system with the Feedback Rochester carb right up to 1988 in 4bbl 318 Dodges.
The whole thing got reigned in by SAE engineers and the automotive computer industry in the OBD development;
Any 1978 to 1992 non feedback or Feedback 5.0 or 5.8 is Public Enemy No 1, because its got no functional checks except by technicians who know the eventual 103 VECI components by name and function.
OBD2 fixed all that stuff, and makes Vehicle Emissions Component Instructions so lovely and easy. The 1320 feet of wire replaced 1320 feet of vacuum hosing, and decimated the total number or required emission devices, Thermactor AIR was gone on the later 5.0 SEFI's for instance, but also a huge hunk of other emissions doo dads that now can be controlled by Pulse Width Modulation from simple wires.
To avoid being victimized by CARB, BAR and I/M tests, you just have to remain wise over what is included in the VECI, and for G''ds sake, don't tell the ignorant dumb asses at the emissions testing place what they should already know. The only reason for Pre OB2 hate and lack of decision making is because of pure ignorance and the inability of people to understand that emissions devices are just diodes and throttles and a means to an end.
If the engines devices are functioning, and things like coils and distributor caps and Vacuum Operated modulators are working and not rusted out, and the engine is clean inside and got good leak-down percentages and the cold cranking compression isn't to high and the catalysts are still bricked inside and still operative, remain firm over the responsibility of the emissions guy to pass your car. EGR function is important, and plenty of cars pass without the cats working. If you are able to have approved updated cats fitted, be very careful to keep the original, even if its damaged.
I'm a lab technician, I've dealt with these Smoke and mirror's issues from international agencies which are frequently being controlled by non USA societies. Just talk to SEMA and decide if you want to sign the RPM Act, or if you trust diplomacy instead.
I'm in both camps. Love me Carburetors, can cope with the simplicity of OBD1.5 and above injection. Don't be scared of either of this stuff. Its ultimately very easy. The real evil, is someone trying to con you with alternatives that aren't legal. Don't be easily conned.
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