68 smog system

[Joeseph Clarino]

I need a complete 68 smog unit. Car was made Late Oct 67. I think $1600-2100 is a little much!!

[Kevin M.]

Re: 68 smog system

Yea just wait till next year, I'd jump on it now.

Kevin

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 smog system

Joseph-----

It depends upon how original that you want the system to be. If you want a compeltely original system including exhaust manifolds, it's going to cost you just about the range you mentioned. If all you care about is functionality, it can cost you a lot less.

1968 used a unique-to-1968 system with respect to certain components. For a completely original 1968 system, the key parts are the diverter valve, the diverter valve elbow, and the elbow support bracket. These parts are unique to the 1968 system, are not reproduced, and are BIG $$$$ type items. That's where all the money is.

The remaining parts can all be had rather easily and inexpensively. The pump, although unique to 1968 (and, 1969 L-88/ZL-1) can be obtained in rebuilt form from auto parts stores for about $50 (albeit with black centrifugal filter). The pump bracket is reproduced or you can find good used ones on eBay all the time for about $50. All of the 68-77 small block brackets were the same and of GM #3923214. The 78-79 bracket, GM #14007354, will work perfectly, too, although it's configured slightly differently.

The check valves can be obtained in restored form for about $50/each in the Corvette marketplace. The manifold "trees" are available in reproduction for about $75 each. The inner tubes are also available in reproduction.

The pump pulley is available in reproduction for about $100 and the pulley spacer available for about $30.

Reproduction hoses are available for about $60.

Exhaust manifolds, if you need them, are available in reproduction but will cost you about $500 for more-or-less accurate reproductions. Used manifolds are out there and available all the time on eBay for about $200-300 per pair. You need manifolds with the casting number 3872765 (left side) and 3872778 (right side).

So, like I say, the "key" is to find the correct diverter valve, elbow, and elbow bracket. You can look and look, but I don't think that you'll come up with these parts cheaply. You're going to be talking in the range of $700-1000 for these parts. So, if you put that together with all of the parts I described above, even though they are rather easily and inexpensively obtained, you're going to be in the $100-2100 range for everything you need.

If you will settle for a strictly functional system, it can be a lot cheaper. In that case, you would need to convert to the 1969 system and use the available replacement, PLASTIC diverter valve. With this system you would also need the 1969-71 diverter valve elbow, which is discontinued. Dr. Rebuild can sell you the diverter valve described + the elbow for about $225. He can also sell you most of the other parts I described above, too. So, your total cost for the system will be well under $1,000 unless you need the manifolds.