California Smog-legal Bronco Upgrades

[151fab]

I have a '94 Bronco with the 5.8L in it. I had a 5.o mustang that I built up until one day it no longer passed smog. So I "de-tuned" it back to it's passing level but by then I'd upset the gods and it never passed smog again. With the Bronco I've got speed density to deal with so I'm starting even further back from where the 5.0 was. I know alot of you guys are prerunning with broncos that are far from stock powered. If any of you are California registering your vehicals what tricks are you using. I'm debating building a second engine to swap for smog tests but thats a hell of alot of work every two years. Also the gears and electrical wiring wouldn't work with both the MAF hot-rod engine and the stock speed dense motor. Supercharging the stock motor requires a MAF swap and I'm afraid that'll upset the gods and I'll never pass again. Arazona registration isn't an option because I don't own property there? So whats the tricks you all are using. PM me if you are worried about posting "semi-legal" solutions. Thanks, Todd

[SPONSOR]

Membership in the largest desert racing community has its advantages - Participate in Forum Discussions - Send and Receive Private Messages - Maintain Public Photo Albums - Access to Groups - User Profile in our Social Network - Increased Access to more Sub Forums - Reduced Online Advertisements Join our community today

[SimonSays]

I have a '94 Bronco with the 5.8L in it. I had a 5.o mustang that I built up until one day it no longer passed smog. So I "de-tuned" it back to it's passing level but by then I'd upset the gods and it never passed smog again. With the Bronco I've got speed density to deal with so I'm starting even further back from where the 5.0 was. I know alot of you guys are prerunning with broncos that are far from stock powered. If any of you are California registering your vehicals what tricks are you using. I'm debating building a second engine to swap for smog tests but thats a hell of alot of work every two years. Also the gears and electrical wiring wouldn't work with both the MAF hot-rod engine and the stock speed dense motor. Supercharging the stock motor requires a MAF swap and I'm afraid that'll upset the gods and I'll never pass again. Arazona registration isn't an option because I don't own property there? So whats the tricks you all are using. PM me if you are worried about posting "semi-legal" solutions. Thanks, Todd

I have a built 5.0 in my Ranger, registered in cali. you just need to know the right people and pay a $150 smog check anything will pass. Just remember that all engine mod were done 'after it passed smog' (keeps the smog shop from getting in trouble)

[steveG]

How much power do you want to make? There are a ton of bolt-on smog legal parts for that engine. Unless you use a super-radical cam it should pass fine as long as it's working properly.

[151fab]

I've heard of smog test troubles after just swapping the speed density for MAF. The headers are already done, the MAF swap would come next, then the intake, cam, etc. I'm sure I can squeeze 350hp out of it before it fails. I was just looking for some real-world combos or cheats. I'd hate to go through all the trouble of building a smog legal engine that performs just o.k. and then constantly worry about passing smog just for a lousy 300hp or so. Just because the package says it's smog legal doesn't mean it'll pass the sniffer... Is anyone running a centrifical super charger kit or a nice set of heads/cam and still passing smog? I'm going to post this question over on FSB also and I'll relay any info I get there also.

[steveG]

350 HP should be relatively easy with smog legal parts. It's certainly easier than building 2 engines, storing one and swapping them as needed.

There's no reason for a mass air conversion to negatively affect your smog test. All you're doing is converting to a later model system.

You're going to need to replace the heads to really let your engine breath. The best advise I can give is make sure all the parts that a smog tech can inspect are smog legal (stock or C.A.R.B approved with the numbers to show it).

"Just because the package says it's smog legal doesn't mean it'll pass the sniffer..."

Actually, if it comes with C.A.R.B. numbers, that's exactly what it means. Remember, though, the tests used to pass these assume that the rest of the engine and engine controls are in good working order.

Also keep in mind that just because a part is not C.A.R.B approved, doesn't mean it won't pass smog. I have a friend with a mustang with a 5.0L that produces well over 300 HP running an "X" cam of all things and it has legally passed its smog tests for the past 6 years. Is the X cam smog legal? No. Are smog techs required to inspect camshafts? No.

[151fab]

Steve, my point was that you couldn’t just indiscriminately bolt on any combo of CARB parts and expect to pass smog and I've had similar experiences as your friend with non-CARB parts. I'm just looking for some combos being used in our application that have worked for others. Thanks for your help by the way. I've read all your posts about the Bronco TTB suspension and such... Great stuff. I know you post at FSB too; what do you think of the constant bashing of our fine TTB system by all the on-roaders who want to look like off-roaders. Ten percent of that site are true wheelers who use all of their 44s the rest are sheep who SAS for the bling. I just want to buy all the discarded TTBs and add 2 or 4 inches. TTBs forever!
Todd

[151fab]

Simon, thanks for your reply as well. I haven't come across a contact like that yet but I'm always looking. A friend in the industry (smog tester) here in Cali. is worth thier weight in gold.
Todd

[SimonSays]

Simon, thanks for your reply as well. I haven't come across a contact like that yet but I'm always looking. A friend in the industry (smog tester) here in Cali. is worth thier weight in gold.
Todd

I know The guy I used 2 years ago got shut down and my prerunner came up for smog in Nov. I had to Non op. it till i can find someone to do it for me.

[BajaBronco13]

I'm with Simon. One of my neighbors had a connection that somehow made my Bronco w/351 and no smog equipment pass. It was totally worth the $125.00 I paid. Unfortunately, my neighbor has lost touch with that guy and now I need another certificate. Though I have to admit, showing up the the dmv to pick up your tags is pretty nerve wracking.

I once saw this old timer try to pass a false proof of insurance card, and watched the CHP escort him to a back office.

[steveG]

When you need it a crooked smog is well worth whatever you have to pay for it, but wouldn't it be easier to do some extra work during the build-up and be able to smog it anywhere?