Why do almost all the crate engines say not emissions legal on a newer car. I'm still looking into the LS1 or Ram Jet IROC conversion. Even the LS6 says only legal on a Z06 no other C5
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on 23 May, 2004 03:14 PM:
Because a specifc motor was not tested in that application... there is a TON of tests the EPA makes you do... cycle test, fuel economy, durability etc. Thats why its so expensive to certify a vehicle and you never see more then a couple of engine options. What are you looking at puting a crate motor into? Modern crate engines when put into a old muscle car etc. are a lot more effecient and pollute a lot less then the "old" motors... I can smell all the hydrocarbons etc. (its VERY dirty) behind my 69 chevelle... The plan is to put a ramjet 502 in it... when I can get the money.
Posted by killabee (Member # 860) on 23 May, 2004 06:13 PM:
I'm looking into buying another 3rd gen. I assume a LS1 or Ram Jet 350 would pass a sniffer so is that all it comes down to or is it just not passable with it at all.
I have a few options, find a 91-92 Z28 5sp 305 with low miles/good condition and pay top dollar, figure 7-10K or buy any 91-92 Z28 put a crate in it + T56, paint it(SOM). Does 12-15K sound realistic?? Any idea of the labor I could expect to pay?
I leaning towards the conversion for several reasons. 1. It would be a lot stronger, unique, and a real headturner. 2. I could do it in stages and not have to fork all the money out at once.
Posted by MM (Member # 1247) on 23 May, 2004 10:26 PM:
The ramjet will not pass emissions... it uses a MEFI controller which stands for marine electronic fuel injection... they do not have an O2 sensor so they run in open loop all the time... Plus I don't know how you would put cats on the motor. The ramjet is rather crude as it fires in banks (left and right side) so 4 injectors fire for each cylinder intake... its not the most effecient system but it works and gives you injection. Motors like the LS1 fire one injector at a time... thus better fuel economy and emissions. Now it varies on where you live but often you can "upgrade" and put a new engine in an older vehicle... so if you kept all the emission equipment in tact you "might" be able to swap a LS1 into a 3rd gen....
