Engine size will matter. Ford engines in 1977 came with many different engine emission configurations. It should be noted, the engine will only need to be restored to it's original factory emissions configuration (Federal Emissions) and not that of the California emission configuration (if different), for the same engine size. In other words, simply because the vehicle is being registered in California will not require that you perform any upgrades to the engine. If the California emission version if different then the Federal emissions version, you'll only need to install components which are federally required. This is assuming the vehicle was original Federal certified (the vehicle's underhood emission label will indicate its emissions certification), and that the California and Federal versions are different. We'll only be able to ascertain this once we learn of the engine size.
Emission components can best be located from a restoration parts supplier and/or junk yard specializing in older Ford engines/vehicles. Parts should be relatively inexpensive compared to later model vehicle emission components. Repair costs should be considerably low as well given the ease of working on older model vehicles, i.e. minimal electronics, ample engine compartment space, simplistic engine design.
posted by SmogTips Support
