Hello all. My name is Ron and I found this forum in my attempts find info re: emissions on a '77 403 Olds (CA) I've put in my '80 Trans Am. Since CA requires smog checks on all vehicles '75 and newer, I need everything to be in order. I was able to track down a good vacuum hose diagram from the autozone site. I have all the parts in the diagram, however in my search for emission parts at Rock Auto, I found there were several other emission parts listed that I'm not sure I need and if so where the parts are located on the engine. The parts in question are: air change temperature sensor, air management valve, idle stop solenoid, spark delay valve, and vacuum reservoir. I'm hoping there's a member here who is knowledgeable about the 403 CA engines.

 

Welcome to CO. Lots of engine specialists here, we'll get you fixed up soon.

 

Unfortunately, when you go to get the car checked out by the state referee, if the engine Block is from 77, im pretty sure it cannot go into an 80 car. The engine block needs to be the same year or newer than the car it's going into so I already see a possible problem for you there =( check out #1

California Engine Swap Guidelines
1. The engine must be from the same year or newer vehicle. For example, if the car is a 1999 Civic, the engine must be from a 1999 or newer car.

2. The engine can be larger than the original, but it cannot be from a heavy-duty vehicle, unless the vehicle was equipped with one from the factory.

3. The engine and chassis must have all of their original emissions components in place and functioning properly. However, mixing and matching emissions parts from different vehicles is generally not allowed. As such it's up to the reff to decide what needs to be there. A quick way to see what you need there is to look at the sticker under the hood. It will list all the emissions equipment that came on the car.

4. A federally certified engine cannot be used in a vehicle that was originally equipped with a California certified engine.

 

The 403 was never emissions certified for the 1980 model year, so Calif will not let you make this installation, period. The short form of the law is that you can swap a newer (cleaner) engine, but not an older (dirtier) engine. As noted above, you also cannot cross vehicle types - you can't install a 1990 truck 454 in a 1980 passenger car, for example, since trucks have a less stringent emissions requirement than cars. Stop now before you waste any more money, or sell the 1980 'bird and get a 79.