SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 02:49:37 PM

Title: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 02:49:37 PM
Anybody else done this? What do I need to know before I do?
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Bill on September 03, 2026, 02:54:40 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 02:49:37 PMAnybody else done this? What do I need to know before I do?

Since day two when the cars were brand new this has been done. Pretty straight forward, remove and plug the holes left from removing the smog equipment.


Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: KR Convertible on September 03, 2026, 02:56:22 PM
Don't toss it.  Sell it or save it. It's expensive to replace
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: 98SVT - was 06GT on September 03, 2026, 04:19:32 PM
Quote from: KR Convertible on September 03, 2026, 02:56:22 PMDon't toss it.  Sell it or save it. It's expensive to replace
I'd leave it in place. You won't get much performance increase by taking it off. If you do take it off label everything and keep it ALL in ONE box and NEVER go in the box to rob a nut or bolt for another project. When you pass the car on the new buyer will probably by that time want a full museum restoration and you'll be able to get extra $$$ for the original pieces.
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 05:05:56 PM
Quote from: Bill on September 03, 2026, 02:54:40 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 02:49:37 PMAnybody else done this? What do I need to know before I do?

Since day two when the cars were brand new this has been done. Pretty straight forward, remove and plug the holes left from removing the smog equipment.


How many holes? Best way to plug them?


Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 05:06:41 PM
Quote from: KR Convertible on September 03, 2026, 02:56:22 PMDon't toss it.  Sell it or save it. It's expensive to replace

Understood. I'll save it to go with the car.
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 05:07:38 PM
Quote from: 98SVT - was 06GT on September 03, 2026, 04:19:32 PM
Quote from: KR Convertible on September 03, 2026, 02:56:22 PMDon't toss it.  Sell it or save it. It's expensive to replace
I'd leave it in place. You won't get much performance increase by taking it off. If you do take it off label everything and keep it ALL in ONE box and NEVER go in the box to rob a nut or bolt for another project. When you pass the car on the new buyer will probably by that time want a full museum restoration and you'll be able to get extra $$$ for the original pieces.


I had already planned on keeping all the parts, I've done that for every car I've owned.
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: J_Speegle on September 03, 2026, 06:34:23 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 05:05:56 PMHow many holes? Best way to plug them?

Depends on what your car is and the system (internal or external) you have installed.  If its the typical external then there were plugs originally made by Ford and I think they are or were reproduced. Of course you will have to choose to leave all the brackets and mounts or to buy new/different ones to hide that the Thermactor system was there. Also for that system and design you'll need 8. One per cylinder


(https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/23/6-030926183343-235571595.jpeg)
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 06:57:43 PM
Quote from: J_Speegle on September 03, 2026, 06:34:23 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 05:05:56 PMHow many holes? Best way to plug them?

Depends on what your car is and the system (internal or external) you have installed.  If its the typical external then there were plugs originally made by Ford and I think they are or were reproduced. Of course you will have to choose to leave all the brackets and mounts or to buy new/different ones to hide that the Thermactor system was there. Also for that system and design you'll need 8. One per cylinder


(https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/23/6-030926183343-235571595.jpeg)


Where can I get those?
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: J_Speegle on September 03, 2026, 07:28:15 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 03, 2026, 06:57:43 PMWhere can I get those?

Don't know haven't had to look/use them for over 40 years. Guess you need to look in the regular locations/sites  ;) 
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: azdriver on September 03, 2026, 07:45:27 PM
I have seen some on Ebay....

Pat
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Special Ed on September 03, 2026, 08:56:39 PM
They were called bullets
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: TA Coupe on September 03, 2026, 11:47:57 PM
You might try here:
Cylinder Head Smog Plugs - V8 https://share.google/jxmEI7Jcr96iKM3yd

    Roy
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: SHELB66 on September 04, 2026, 12:02:55 AM
I would definitely leave everything on the engine.  It will look naked without.  Many years ago that was the first thing to go.  Then the smog inspections took hold and we had to put it all back on (if we still had it!).  My feeling is that a Shelby engine compartment looks much better wearing everything it originally came with, including smog tubes, backfire suppressor valve, Thermactor pump, etc.  Just my opinion.

Craig R.
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 04, 2026, 09:37:54 PM
Quote from: TA Coupe on September 03, 2026, 11:47:57 PMYou might try here:
Cylinder Head Smog Plugs - V8 https://share.google/jxmEI7Jcr96iKM3yd

    Roy

That's not them.
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 04, 2026, 09:38:31 PM
Found them here...

https://www.dscmotorsports.com/Cylinder/index.htm
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 04, 2026, 09:39:05 PM
Quote from: SHELB66 on September 04, 2026, 12:02:55 AMI would definitely leave everything on the engine.  It will look naked without.  Many years ago that was the first thing to go.  Then the smog inspections took hold and we had to put it all back on (if we still had it!).  My feeling is that a Shelby engine compartment looks much better wearing everything it originally came with, including smog tubes, backfire suppressor valve, Thermactor pump, etc.  Just my opinion.

Craig R.

Thanks
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: TA Coupe on September 05, 2026, 07:52:31 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 04, 2026, 09:38:31 PMFound them here...

https://www.dscmotorsports.com/Cylinder/index.htm

Let us know if you can actually buy something from him. I never had any luck and I'm surprised he's still around if he actually is.

      Roy
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 05, 2026, 08:15:53 PM
Quote from: TA Coupe on September 05, 2026, 07:52:31 PM
Quote from: Brian350 on September 04, 2026, 09:38:31 PMFound them here...

https://www.dscmotorsports.com/Cylinder/index.htm

Let us know if you can actually buy something from him. I never had any luck and I'm surprised he's still around if he actually is.

      Roy


Will do!
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: aj on September 05, 2026, 11:58:34 PM
I have a set i'd gladly sell.  Removed from my car when I put smog back on.  PM me if interested.

Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 07, 2026, 01:29:46 AM
Quote from: aj on September 05, 2026, 11:58:34 PMI have a set i'd gladly sell.  Removed from my car when I put smog back on.  PM me if interested.



PM sent
Title: Re: Removing smog equipment?
Post by: Brian350 on September 08, 2026, 08:36:33 PM
Got a set of plugs from someone here on the Forum, thanks everyone!