Intake Manifold

[Rick Schoenborn]

When I went to have my 78/440/RK smogged it failed and I was told it had an aftermarket Edelbrock intake manifold and in order to pass CA. smog I would need to get a stock intake manifold installed.  Did these Clippers come with Edelbrock intake manifolds or did a previous owner actually go through the trouble to install one.  It looks original to me and there was some leaking so I cranked down the manifold bolts to tighten it up.  Could that have been the reason for my failing smog?  Any feedback would be appreciated.[/color]

[Mac]

The first question is, why did it fail?  I've seen smog tests pass with after market manifolds and carburetors as well as headers unless the system is running too rich and blowing black smoke. 

If it is running too rich, you can clean things up by ensuring the plugs are clean and plug wires are good.  A new air filter does wonders as does adjusting your ignition timing and your idle mixture.  Make sure the engine is good and warm and that the choke isn't sticking.  You can also (with the engine running) shoot some carb cleaner down the venturis and clean it all up from there.

The Edlebrock is not a stock item and was likely installed by a previous owner to gain a bit more horsepower.  Your carburetor may also be after market as well as your camshaft.  Do you have any history on any of that?  These are common bolt-on upgrades for 440 cid that almost any weekend mechanic can accomplish.  Some of these parts are CA legal, but you'll need model/part numbers to be sure.

At any rate, a good tuneup always helps when going for the smog check.  I heard once that if you fail three in a row, or if the cost to revert to stock were too great you could ask for a smog waiver.  Is that still a possibility?

Mac