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Garage => Mechanicals => Topic started by: PMcG on 02 September 2020, 11:01 PM

Title: 1975 450SE CA Emissions: can you modify?
Post by: PMcG on 02 September 2020, 11:01 PM
A couple questions: can you modify 1975 CA 450 engines with greater emissions standards?  Does this improve performance?  Or is it just what it is, and best to leave it alone?  I understand the equipment is moot now, and you can be granted exceptions.  Any pointers or insights are greatly appreciated! 
Title: Re: 1975 450SE CA Emissions: can you modify?
Post by: rumb on 03 September 2020, 08:28 AM
I think the only thing on there is the EGR system and Cats.  The cats have to stay. The egr has a slight performance hit but you would have to check very carefully to see if you can remove it in Cali. In Colo it would have to remain in place.

If you have an original euro car then you might be able to delete.

The latest issue of the Hagerty magazine has a great article on the history of CA and EPA engine emissions development.
Title: Re: 1975 450SE CA Emissions: can you modify?
Post by: PMcG on 03 September 2020, 12:11 PM
That's the thing, the car will be purchased in California, then brought to another state.
Title: Re: 1975 450SE CA Emissions: can you modify?
Post by: Mattr on 03 September 2020, 09:17 PM
Quote from: PMcG on 03 September 2020, 12:11 PM
That's the thing, the car will be purchased in California, then brought to another state.
If you're bringing the car up here to Washington, then it shouldn't matter. I just wouldn't touch anything until you've gotten the car fully titled/registered.

Functionally, I don't think you're going to do much to the car, performance-wise by removing the EGR system. There's not a lot, from what I've seen, that can be done to upgrade the W116 cars beyond swapping in a different engine or transmission.
Title: Re: 1975 450SE CA Emissions: can you modify?
Post by: PMcG on 03 September 2020, 11:10 PM
Good to know, thanks!