Re: Crazy idea...

Posted by 55PackardGuy On 2011/12/4 16:14:01

HH56,

Not sure what the NOx device was. Was that the "air pump?"

As I recall, in the late 60's when they tackled hydrocarbons with leaner mixtures, PVC systems and stuff, it all worked pretty well, but when it came NOx ("oxides of nitrogen" was the term, I think) all hell broke loose. The worst though was the EGR stuff (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). Those stupid tubes running from exhaust pipe or manifolds straight back into the cylinders via HOLES drilled in the side of the heads. Most of them were scrapped and the holes plugged with bolts about a week after the cars were purchased. Many just could not possibly be driven. This was especially true in the 80's horror-cars. Then they got the EGR system with the valve that let exhaust gases into the intake manifold. Awful stumble with most of these when you stepped on the gas because it closed the valve and leaned out the mixture. Remember the "Reg-Right" that you could put in the vacuum line on the EGR valve? I got one for my '84 V8 Capri and man did that make a difference.

I had ONE of those EGR tube into the block cars that actually worked. My '89 Camaro IROC with the 350 had very good manners and no driveability problems at all. It was probably one of the last cars to have those tubes, and I guess with all the computer stuff and fuel injection they could make it work. The biggest hassle (has been for a long time) was the O2 sensor continually triggering the "check engine" light.

Actually, I think this discussion is on topic, since this IS the "crazy idea" thread and some of that stuff fits the category, even though engineered by the manufacturers.

In fact, more comments on factory "crazy ideas" that we amateurs could hardly hope to match would be cool to hear. Not styling so much, but mechanical foibles a f-ups from Detroit.