Being in California, and having just went through all this; i can assure you of how it works here. Effective of 1/1/04, all cars model year 1975 and prior are NOT required to have any smog equipment on them (the reason i bought a '75, not newer). I dont know if the year changes every year or not now. I do know that last year ago, my 74 Nova needed a smog cert. You will have to have a smog check done when you transfer the title, however, there is no failure to it. At least that was the case when i brought mine into the state this year.

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/Smogcheck/doineed.htm

All 30 and older model-year vehicles are exempt from all aspects of the Smog Check program, but owners of these vehicles are required by law to keep their emissions systems intact. Vehicles built in 1975 for the 1976 model-year are 1976 vehicles and must be tested accordingly.

If you have an 81 or 82 you have an oxygen sensor. Dispite the check valves, if you remove the air pump you MUST seal off the lines, or the sensor will pick up oxygen, and drive the system rich trying to compensate, and mileage will drop like a rock.

Great post, good info!

Ben, thanks for the California Smog req. link. I have been curious about this topic for some time. Nothing like getting it from the "horses mouth".





Bret

getting it from the horse's mouth is much better than the horse's ass...

but in this case.. you got it from both..