restoring '79 emission equipment

[Henri]

Hello,

I have a quite original (except for the engine block, bummer) 1979 Corvette with all the emission stuff still in place.

One of the mechanics who occasionally performs repairs on it once suggested 'to remove the emission equipment, because most of it won't work anymore after 21 years'. Of course I replied 'not in a hunderd years', because the presence of this emission stuff was one of the reasons to buy this particular Vette.

What parts of this system are likely defective and how can I test it? I already re-lubricated the AIR pump, and installed a new EGR or EFE switch (the one in the thermostat housing) The actual EGR and EFE valves, are these known to fail?

In one of the upcoming winters I want to restore 'everything under the hood'. One problem I foresee is to regain the correct 'golden' finish of these valves. Can these be cadmium plated, if that is the correct process?

TIA!

Henri Kroeze the Netherlands

[Chuck S.]

Re: restoring '79 emission equipment

Henri,

Unless your mechanic can specify what detriment the emission equipment is having on your car's performance, I wouldn't worry about the equipment working, particularly if there is no regulatory incentive, Other members may provide additional insight on this subject, but my opinion is that troubleshooting emissions equipment is difficult for most technicians. EGR valves will go bad, but the effect on performance is obvious.

When you get ready to restore your emissions equipment, a good source would be ASL Company (Automotive Specialities, Ltd, 702-331-3331) in Sparks, Nevada. I would shop for this equipment like anything else for Corvettes, but ASL semi-specializes in AIR systems for Chevy muscle cars. The owner, Don Dorfman, caters to the restoration market, and in my experience, his stuff is correct and relatively reasonable in price. I have not contacted them in a couple of years, so the telephone number is dated. ASL also has a website, but I can't raise it this morning. I have included a web address that has ASL, as well as several as several other sources.


Corvette Parts

[Joe L.]

Re: restoring '79 emission equipment

Henri----

I do not recommend removing any emissions control equipment, especially on a 1979 year model. By 1979, much of the emissions control equipment was integrated into the car's overall ignition/carburetion systems. Consequently, removing or modifying any of the emissions equipment can cause more problems than it solves. Most of the equipment is pretty reliable. You may have to install a rebuilt air injection pump from time-to-time and you may need a replacement EGR valve now-and-then, but otherwise I don't think that you'll have too much trouble. Even with EGR valves, very often the problem is only a sticking valve cused by carbon build-up. Thoroughly clean the valve orifice with a wire wheel and, usually, you're back in business.

Chuck's suggestion regarding contacting ASL would be a good one, but, unfortunately, ASL is out of business as an entity. Don Dorfman is trying to get back into the business on a smaller scale, but I don't know where the project is at.

[Chuck S.]

Re: restoring '79 emission equipment

Joe,

Thanks for the tip-off on ASL.

I hope Don Dorfman can get it going again; he sold good stuff in my experience. I had a nagging doubt this morning when I couldn't reach his website. Things must be pretty lean for Corvette part suppliers these days.

Chuck Sangerhausen

[Terry M.]

Re: restoring '79 emission equipment *TL*

Chuck,

Don's problems were not business related. I too hope he can get it going again. He provided a good service with honesty and reliability.

Terry