Zora350

I have a stock 1973 Nova with a 350/350. What smog stuff is on it and how can i remove it? I think i was reading and the olny thing to remove is the EGR, but i dont know where that is or how to remove it.

AlmostStock

You have a PCV and a EGR. If it's a California model it may also have an AIR pump. The EGR is located on top of the intake manifold next to your carburetor on the passenger side. Merely removing or disconnecting it will not add any power. To get more power you need to do some or all of the traditional things that will increase flow thru the engine like improve the intake, cylinder heads, camshaft and exhaust. Also slightly increase spark advance. Get one of the "How to Hot Rod your Chevy V-8" books, read car magazines like Car Craft, and yes keep pokin' around on AF. Hangin' around other guys with fast cars also helps. Then let us know how your Nova turns out. Oh yeah, welcome aboard!

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Mark's Garage est. 1983

Zora350

thanks for the help. It is a CA car, so there must be an air pump. Where is that and how would i go about removing that? also the PCV valve?

AlmostStock

Let's start with the PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) valve. It is located on top off the driver side valve cover and has a hose running to the base of the carb. Removing it will not only net you zero HP but will also allow excess sludge to build up in the crankcase. The PCV keeps the crankcase clear of blowby gasses and is your friend. Install a new one instead because if it is clogged or not functioning properly the engine will run poorly. New valves are cheap and easy to install.

The AIR (air injection reactor) pump is mounted to the front of your engine and driven with a belt. By pumping oxygen into the exhaust it helps to continue the combustion process (in the exhaust manifolds) and thereby reduce emissions. Since the engine has to turn the pump I suppose removing it (or the belt) would result in a small amount of HP increase but I highly doubt that you would notice the difference. As stated in my previous post, if you really want more power you need to hop up your engine.

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Mark's Garage est. 1983

Zora350

ok, right. i was planning on the standard hop-up stuff. I was just wondering if there was any power i could gain free-of-charge. Well, next month i paint it, then the ralleye wheels come. Then i run out of money, lol. same old story. thanks for the help