Just found this site and looking forward to learning a few things. We just "inherited" a tired '81 with the small V6 from a relative. Had to replace the trans and rebuild most of the engine to get it to run and pass the Calif. smog testing (AZ car). Even with the freshened V6, it is still pretty gutless. But, the body is in good shape and as I have always liked El Caminos, I am inclined to keep this one a while.

My question is, can you swap out the 6 cyl. in CA and replace with a 350 (assuming smog pump and related emission stuff are added)? I have a fresh 350/700r4 and a fresh stock 305 I was going to use for other projects until I got this car. I thought the 305 was the V8 used in 1981, but not sure. Would the stock 305 hook up to the 200r transmission?
Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Can't see why you wouldn't be able to swap out for the 350 as long as the end result passes inspection----the 305 and 200r tranny should be a match--this is what my first elky had from the factory-- :D Pete

So long as the new motor setup passes the smog requirements for the vehical it's going into it will pass. I'm just in the last stages of getting an LT1 running in my El Camino. Since you live in M.V. if you go to Fuddruckers in Lake Forrest on Tuesday night you should see it there in about 2 weeks. If you go before then look for a Pewter 2002 Camaro with a mesh grille w/ a bowtie. That's me also.

Since the 81 El Camino has OBD, are you going to be required to install OBD for your 350?

Also, don't you have to have a VIN change to reflect the new motor?

:mrgreen:

Since the 81 El Camino has OBD, are you going to be required to install OBD for your 350?

Also, don't you have to have a VIN change to reflect the new motor?

:mrgreen:

Depending on the motor installed you may need to take the vehical to the Bureau of Air Re(something or other) or BAR for short. They will look at the new setup and make that it passes the standards for the car or motor (which ever will give the cleaner air). The BAR then puts a sticker in the engine compartment showing compliance. The smog stations see this and know that at least at one point it was a legal setup (how long do they stay that way?) and will then do the normal smog thing to it.

As far as requiring OBD I don't think that would necessarily have to be installed. But anymore it's usually the surest way to make sure the motor will pass the sniffer test. At least that I've seen.

LT1, I usually go to Fuddruckers every couple of weeks. I have the Red/White 56 Chevy 4dr wagon usually parked in the aisle closest to El Toro Rd. I am either by the car or near the front door to Fudd's at the Cruisin For A Cure table handing out entry forms and selling tickets for the 3 give away engines. Hope to meet you there.

Maybe I'm an air head. What's OBD?
JC

OBD = On Board Diagnostics.

It was also called Computer Command Control (CCC) by GM.

:mrgreen:

I've been reading alot about the CCC in the old Chiltons manual. Where exactly would that be located on an 81?
JC

Passenger side kick panel.

:mrgreen:

I'm swapping in a V8 from an 84. Would I have/be able to swap the CCC from that car into the 81. I'm still not sure of the logistics with this swap, as far as wiring harness hook up and whether it will even run once I do the swap.
JC

You'll need to get both sets of schematics and find out what you'll need from the donor car. Unfortunatly for you, the 81 was the first year for the CCC and it's different than the 82-88 CCC. You'll need the complete passenger side harness that goes through the firewall to the ECM. I'm not certain what else you'll need.

The alternative is ripping out the CCC and getting a new carb and HEI distributor.

:mrgreen:

Ya, my mechanic had told me if I put the newer (84) V8 into the 81 I would need to get the 81 version carb and dist. for the engine. Thanks for the info.
JC