Smog Issue...

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Fri May 29, 2015 2:51 pm

Hello again gang,

Well ye Old Baron has been great as usual hence no mutterings on this website...until SMOG TIME!

I removed the thermals right after the smog 2 years ago and of course at the time it passed with flying colors. Well I since put 535 exhaust on and its catalytic converter.

Well my old smog tech states he is a gross polluter!

Can anyone forward me or tell me next steps so that my boy can pass his smog here in good ol' California?

Appreciate it!

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Fri May 29, 2015 3:51 pm

What is there now? Did you do a lambda conversion? Is it an OE or aftermarket cat? OBDII cat? Modern ignition? How is it timed?

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Fri May 29, 2015 6:58 pm

I'm pretty sure she changed to a Pertronix Ignition System.

CabbageFumes · Post by **CabbageFumes** » Fri May 29, 2015 11:56 pm

The car needs to be put back to all original. Otherwise it needs the complete injection system changed to the later Motronic to be able to use any of the later e28 era exhaust. Then, it has to go to a referee and then to CARB for certification. Not easy here in CA if you want to take your smog equipment off. It's only going to keep getting harder, so bottom line is to just keep it original, or look for a <'76 model year car. Or, register it out of state....

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Sat May 30, 2015 10:08 am

Thanks for replies. I didn't do anything but replace the exhaust with the 83 535i....everything else I simply took off.

I have no problem with replacements - just need instructions and parts list.

I believe I understand now that it is also visual and they are going to look for the equipment for reactors? I took that all off and its long gone.

Car was running hot as I don't know what and since I removed it all - he has ran like a champ!

Quick question for forum buddies in other states. Will the same emissions test be performed in these states?

There is a cat but I think this guy just looked at visuals and didn't even hook it up.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sat May 30, 2015 11:13 am

I suspect you could do a lambda conversion, which is what they used on 79-81 528i's and probably keep the 535i exhaust, but you would need to do everything and take it to a referee. Everything would include an O2 sensor, 528i harness, ECU, AFM, distributor and probably factory electronic ignition. You could probably keep the injectors as they are so close but they could get sticky and even require them.

shebuilt · Post by **shebuilt** » Sun May 31, 2015 9:48 am

Thanks Mike!

By chance do we have a step by step write up to do this on our forum?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sun May 31, 2015 12:03 pm

But of course, right in the FAQ.

You might want to call the BAR just to make sure my info isn't out of date and they haven't changed the rules.

http://www.firstfives.org/faq/ljet/lambda530i.html