Jonweisw
09-30-2011, 08:13 AM
I need some advice:
I live in NJ, where in order to pass inspection, a replica/kit must have the emission control equipment based on the block-year of the engine. As such, I found a ("reputable") local builder to build me an engine based on a "pre-1973" block (1973 because that was the year that EPA began to require catalytic converters - until then, all you needed was a PCV valve). After waiting 4 1/2 months beyond the promised completion date, I took delivery of the engine, which he described to me as a 289 stroked to 331 which made 440Hp on a dyno, and installed it. I installed it with a Massflo EFI and straight four-into-four exhaust, and, with the exception of an oil leak at the rear seal that the engine-builder has promised to repair once the car is registered and I can drive it to him, the engine has been functioning flawlessly.
I finished construction of the Roadster last weekend and have been gathering all the required information and documents to present to the State for registration and inspection. Along the way, I had to take pictures of "all engine markings and serial numbers," which I did and found the following stamped above the starter: N E0AE D3G (see bottom of 9-28-11; NJ DMV Paperwork « Jon's F5 Roadster Project for a jpg). In about 5 minutes of poking around on the net (and subsequently confirmed by some very knowledgeable sources) I have learned that this is an engine from 1980.
I discussed this with the engine builder, who confirmed for me that he could provide no way to tangibly prove that the block was from pre-1973, other than to say that "the rear main seal was a two part seal which was only used in the the 70's" (which didnt help me much anyway as he confirmed that that could mean 1979, and no inspector is ever going to examine the rear seal to determine the age of an engine..). He was very humble about the problem and has offered to replace the engine and install it at his expense.
So, I am asking the Roadster community at-large, what should I do? Does anyone have any idea what emissions control equipment was standard on a small block (presumably a 302) Ford engine in 1980?
As I see it, my options are to;
A) leave it as is and put it through an inspection and deal with it only if it fails (problem being the cost in flat-bedding it to/from the facility which is 50mi away)
B) try to comply by changing the exhaust to include shorty's and J-pipes with catalytic converters in them and anything else that a 1980's engine came with.
C) Take the builder up on replacing the engine now (I would most likely change vendors if this is the best option).
The inspection in NJ does NOT include the use of exhaust sniffers; they only look at the installed equipment. After the car is titled and registered, it gets inspected with sniffers (at the usual car inspection-type facility).
This is really disappointing. I am so close and this problem has the potential to delay the project significantly.
ANY advice would be genuinely appreciated.
Jon
__________________
Jon Weiswasser
Mk IV Roadster In Progress
http://factory5roadster.wordpress.com
I live in NJ, where in order to pass inspection, a replica/kit must have the emission control equipment based on the block-year of the engine. As such, I found a ("reputable") local builder to build me an engine based on a "pre-1973" block (1973 because that was the year that EPA began to require catalytic converters - until then, all you needed was a PCV valve). After waiting 4 1/2 months beyond the promised completion date, I took delivery of the engine, which he described to me as a 289 stroked to 331 which made 440Hp on a dyno, and installed it. I installed it with a Massflo EFI and straight four-into-four exhaust, and, with the exception of an oil leak at the rear seal that the engine-builder has promised to repair once the car is registered and I can drive it to him, the engine has been functioning flawlessly.
I finished construction of the Roadster last weekend and have been gathering all the required information and documents to present to the State for registration and inspection. Along the way, I had to take pictures of "all engine markings and serial numbers," which I did and found the following stamped above the starter: N E0AE D3G (see bottom of 9-28-11; NJ DMV Paperwork « Jon's F5 Roadster Project for a jpg). In about 5 minutes of poking around on the net (and subsequently confirmed by some very knowledgeable sources) I have learned that this is an engine from 1980.
I discussed this with the engine builder, who confirmed for me that he could provide no way to tangibly prove that the block was from pre-1973, other than to say that "the rear main seal was a two part seal which was only used in the the 70's" (which didnt help me much anyway as he confirmed that that could mean 1979, and no inspector is ever going to examine the rear seal to determine the age of an engine..). He was very humble about the problem and has offered to replace the engine and install it at his expense.
So, I am asking the Roadster community at-large, what should I do? Does anyone have any idea what emissions control equipment was standard on a small block (presumably a 302) Ford engine in 1980?
As I see it, my options are to;
A) leave it as is and put it through an inspection and deal with it only if it fails (problem being the cost in flat-bedding it to/from the facility which is 50mi away)
B) try to comply by changing the exhaust to include shorty's and J-pipes with catalytic converters in them and anything else that a 1980's engine came with.
C) Take the builder up on replacing the engine now (I would most likely change vendors if this is the best option).
The inspection in NJ does NOT include the use of exhaust sniffers; they only look at the installed equipment. After the car is titled and registered, it gets inspected with sniffers (at the usual car inspection-type facility).
This is really disappointing. I am so close and this problem has the potential to delay the project significantly.
ANY advice would be genuinely appreciated.
Jon
__________________
Jon Weiswasser
Mk IV Roadster In Progress
http://factory5roadster.wordpress.com