My 87' W250 is registered in a no emission testing state. I am interested in pulling as much as I can off the engine, without hampering performance and gas mileage. What can I realistically remove to do this? Has anyone else pulled some odds and ends out as well?

 

I'm sorry, is this blasphemy? I am talking about A/C and such.

 

i've got a buddy with a 85-ish 1st gen that had an air pump/smog pump thing on it.
we removed the drive belt from it, and also plugged off all non-essential vac lines with golf tees. the transmission vac line was needed. also maybe cruise?
we removed evap system because it ruptured.
we left AC on for the hot georgia summer.

 

Since you asked. No, it is not blasphemy, it is illegal here in VA. I am waiting for 2014 when I can do it legally here in Va. You can do it legally in Va. in 2012 and that is why I will not comment about doing this.

 

SEAL, my truck is registered in Illinois. They have no guidance on the matter. Share with me oh wise one, haha.

 

Thought you were in VA. like your location says. Illinois does have mandatory emissions testing but it only applies to 1996 and newer vehicles with OBDII. Virginia's emissions testing ends when the vehicle is 25 years old. Sounds like you can remove everything from the front of the engine except the alternator. The onboard diagnostics will be unreliable and because of that the computer may be confused and improperly control the engine. Are you talking about reverting to pre injection era also? (such as carb, manifolds, and no electronic controls)

 

I want to remove as much as I can without hampering mpg and performance. My old man was telling me to pull belts, remove the A/C. And smog control? I am not 100% on that.

 

Your state might not require it but removing emissions is against FEDERAL law. Will you be caught? Probably not... but just know that in advance.