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Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade
Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade [message #256059] Mon, 21 July 2014 20:14 Go to next message
George B. is currently offline  George B.   United States
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Registered: February 2012
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Just moved my two GMC's to Las Vegas Nevada from S. Calif and learned Nevada requires a emissions test on all Las Vegas or Reno based 1968 and newer vehicles. Was worried about my 73 as emissions tests were never required on it in California. Just put on a Jim B rebuilt carb and blocked the crossover. Additionally was concerned as I have headers, an after-market distributor, no heat riser, and some changed vacuum lines. Good news it passed first try. They do not do a visual inspection as in California so the mods were not a problem.

Experienced a two-coach performance comparison on my trip to Vegas from S. Calif. Outside of Baker California there is The "Baker Grade." In just 19 miles Interstate 15 climbs steadily in an almost straight line from Baker 960 ft. above sea level, to Halloran Summit Road, at 4,130 ft. My 73 is a 26ft with a somewhat fresh 455, headers, single Spintech muffler, 3 inch exhaust, Pertronix Flamethrower ignition, 3.42 final drive, trans cooler,and just put on a Jim B. remanufactured carb & blocked crossover. My 76 is a 23ft stock all the way with fresh tuneup and new carb. Both had a similar fuel load but the 73 was loaded with more "stuff" and both experienced similar 100 degree heat. The 73 pulled the grade at the 70 MPH speed limit all the way, water & trans temps held steady. The 76 labored but held steady at 50-55 MPH (should have down shifted) no water overheat but trans temp unknown. Used Archoil AR6200 fuel treatment in both.


George Butts Las Vegas Nevada 73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven 71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
Re: [GMCnet] Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade [message #256063 is a reply to message #256059] Mon, 21 July 2014 21:11 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
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Location: Fremont, CA
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I’d wager the fresh engine helped, but the final drive was the biggest factor in the difference.

That Baker grade is nothing to take lightly. We (foolishly) ascended it one August afternoon. My coach has a 3:55 (?) final drive and we had 6 people in the coach. She climbed right up at about 55, but once we stopped I realized what a strain I’d put on the coach. My crossovers were not yet blocked and the carb boiled off almost instantly when we stopped at Baker. It acted like it was very hot!

Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, CA

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Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade [message #256071 is a reply to message #256059] Mon, 21 July 2014 22:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Craig Lechowicz is currently offline  Craig Lechowicz   United States
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I have never been on a trip there, but I'm sure Bob DeKruyff has. GM uses Baker grade extensively for cooling, trailering, and hot fuel handling testing.

Craig Lechowicz
'77 Kingsley, Waterford, MI
Re: Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade [message #256075 is a reply to message #256071] Mon, 21 July 2014 22:46 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Bob de Kruyff   United States
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Craig Lechowicz wrote on Mon, 21 July 2014 21:16
I have never been on a trip there, but I'm sure Bob DeKruyff has. GM uses Baker grade extensively for cooling, trailering, and hot fuel handling testing.

Yes we do and it can be a killer. SAE J2807 is the latest procedure for establishing tow ratings and it uses Davis Dam grade near Bulhead City in AZ. It is not nearly as severe.


Bob de Kruyff
78 Eleganza
Chandler, AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Nevada Smog Test & Climbing the Baker Grade [message #256086 is a reply to message #256075] Tue, 22 July 2014 01:40 Go to previous message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
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Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
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George,
Headers are legal in CA. Only when there is a catalytic converter involved,
is there a concern.
Passing smog in CA is not as bad as people think. If your having problem
passing it , then you'll find that there is a burnt vale, broken valve
spring,etc . where the engine will need to be rebuilt.


On Mon, Jul 21, 2014 at 8:47 PM, Bob de Kruyff wrote:

> Craig Lechowicz wrote on Mon, 21 July 2014 21:16
>> I have never been on a trip there, but I'm sure Bob DeKruyff has. GM
> uses Baker grade extensively for cooling, trailering, and hot fuel handling
>> testing.
>
> Yes we do and it can be a killer. SAE J2807 is the latest procedure for
> establishing tow ratings and it uses Davis Dam grade near Bulhead City in
> AZ.
> It is not nearly as severe.
> --
> Bob de Kruyff
> 78 Eleganza
> Chandler, AZ
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> GMCnet mailing list
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--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
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