To desmog or not to desmog...that is the question...

[iptman]

I'll be getting my Federal spec 2F manifold back from the ceramic coater in the next couple weeks and I'm trying to decide if I should desmog my 40 when I swap out the cracked CA spec Thermal Reactor exhaust manifold. As far as I know I have all the smog equipment and it all works. The other option would be to swap out the manifold, get all the vacuum leaks fixed and then see how it runs with the smog equipment before making the decision. Most of the vacuum leaks appeared to be coming from around the manifold gasket. I've already replaced all the 3mm vacuum line. I like the concept of keeping the engine bay as OEM as possible but if the truck will run noticeably/significantly better desmogged then it might be worth it. I'm interested in what the collective thinks about this.

 

[HoundDog]

IMHO, I would keep it OEM and get it working right. A lot of that equipment actually improves the operation of it. Plus, desmogging might devalue the truck.

Mine is desmogged and I must say it's easier to work on and runs good. However, I think it would be very difficult to re smog if you ever wanted to, esp if you sold the parts. It will only ever be OEM once.

 

[iptman]

Yeah I'd definitely keep the smog parts in case I ever wanted to re-smog it for a nut/bolt restore. This is more a will it run better enough to make it worth it exercise.

 

[Stumpalama]

I too an smogged, for now... However, in your case, since you do not have a catalytic converter, I would seriously consider desmogging and keeping the parts safe in case you would want to go back. It's a tough choice.

 

[Jakes40]

Do the research. JimC has talked a lot about this. I would desmog just becouse Ih8vacume lines!! Les to go wrong when done right.

 

[Explorer4Hire]

When I had my 22r mini I desmogged it and put a Webber 38 on it. It was cool and convenient I guess, but I always regretted it. Little things popped up that just didn't feel right. I realize it's apples to oranges but I'm a big fan of keeping motors stock. I know absolutely 0 about the 2F other than I would love to wrench on one, so I guess it comes down to your gut feeling.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

Since you have everything and it looked like a clean cruiser I would try to get it running with all the smog stuff in place. Once you have it running properly with everything stock then you can start messing with stuff if you want. That gives you a starting point to base things on. After that, if you decide to desmog you know that at least it SHOULD run right.

If you are thinking about ever selling it I think most buyers willing to pay top dollar for an fj40 would prefer it to be 100% bone stock and un-f**ked with.

Personally, I have desmogged every 2f I've had and they have all run great, but I wasn't looking to keep them OEM or worried about resale.

 

[Devilmans Hand]

Ah, the 2f bundle of black worms.

When I got my cruiser all the smog equip was in place and it runs pretty well after some tinkering, but if you do develop issues it would be easier to remove the fluff.
That being said, I'm going to desmog since I antiqued the plates and one or two random nipples have snapped off.
I like simplicity, but I also like having built in spare parts that I can MacGyver on the side of the road.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

If it's legal, and you never plan to sell the truck in a smog state (which is like 50% of your market at least) then remove the smog stuff. I would also change out the ignition to FJ60 and use the FJ60 distributor. Then send the distributor and carb to JimC and have him do the "desmog" recurve on the distributor and rebuild the carb with that in mind.

This totally simplifies the engine bay-you loose the smog pump, air rail, miles of vacuum tubing, EGR valve and you can run a normal intake and exhaust manifold. Keep the good stuff like the charcoal cannister, PCV, and the good running aisin carb.

Lots of desmog threads.

But if there is a remote chance you will one day live or sell in a smog state (heck even Nevada requires smog!} then do not desmog or you will one day regret it.