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Make Chevy Blazer K5 with a 454 Engine California Legal

I would like to know how to make my 1978 Chevy Blazer California smog legal. The Chevy Blazer was purchased with a 454 engine and no smog accessories, only the charcoal canister.

The truck is on non op right now and the engine is knocking so I would like to register it and replace the engine. Can I keep the 454 engine and get the required smog accessories, like the egr valve, cat converter, ect, and still be compliant with California smog laws? Or do I need to purchase a 350 engine around the same year and with the smog accessories for 77-79.

I have asked the smog technicians and got different answers about the 454 engine. I would really like to keep a 454 in it. If it’s possible to also get a list of smog items that are required for the California smog I would appreciate it.

Answer:

As far as we understand you can keep the 454 engine on your Chevy Blazer as long as you install all the emission components for that engine as well. After the job is complete, your Chevy Blazer will need to be inspected by a California State Referee. The Referee will ensure that the job was done properly and that the new engine does not pollute. If all is well they will issue you a BAR label which will be placed on your Blazer's chassis and will indication that the vehicle is now California legal. We highly recommend you speak directly with a State Referee before beginning any work, just to get the fine details. You can contact the referee by calling (800) 622-7733. The California smog equipment requirements (or 49-state emission; they're both the same) for a 1978 Chevy 454 engine are as follows: PCV (Positive Crank Ventilation) System ACL (Pre-Heat Tube - This component is required on most vehicles with carburetor engines. The pre heat tube is usual a flexible metal duct attached to the engine's air filter housing on one end and an exhaust manifold cover on the other) AIS (also known as the Smog Pump) EGR (exhaust gas recirculation valve) EVAP system CAT (catalytic convertor) posted by SmogTips Support

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