Hi,
I'm new to this forum also, so hope I'm replying appropriately / not stepping on any toes.
I've been through this with an '81.
You'll need to comply with the smog equipment and specifications for the year in which it was imported. This should be on a metal plate affixed to the drivers door pillar. Your car is 37 years old, as will be your emissions system, and all the other things: injectors, CIS, ignition - the 'green wire' , fuel pumps and filters, etc, etc. that make the vehicle run cleanly. You will likely have to inspect/test all of them (I certainly did) and do a bit of repairing and replacing of components to get through it. This is mechanical/vacuum emissions, so no OBDII diagnostics to help you!
I'm not a smog guru. Because of my ignorance, i spent months working on my car to get it right. I didn't have to replace my CAT or injectors (however, I have all new MBZ injectors ready to go in because the old ones are pretty well shot), but I sanitized my ignition and fuel systems, and used a wide-band O2 sensor and guage to help me tune the air-fuel mixture. I barely passed, had I installed a new CAT and injectors I'm sure my numbers would look a lot more comfortable.
Looking over its history, I suspect imy car has sat for many years of its life because it couldn't pass emissions. I bet the same is true of most ROW cars, because they weren't designed for emission controls. But there's hope: if I can do it, anybody can, AND you only need the emissions equipment and to meet the regulations that were in effect when it was registered on US soil.
One more thing: Be very careful of the shop and technician that you allow to smog your car. Most (IMO - Toes) are ... I n e x p e r I e n c e d when it comes to these ROW cars. Be Sure that if you are getting a 'diagnostic' test to check your progress, that the 'technician' (said through forced smile) is running the equipment in its 'diagnostic' setting (many don't seem to know there is one) so it isn't sending info to BAR. These.... 'Technicians' also will see things that aren't there, and look for stuff that shouldn't be there. Keep referring them to the emissions plate. INSIST THEY READ IT to you, if needs be. Also, nothing implied here but simple clarity of communication, only deal with someone who is a fluent English speaker (or at least fluent in your native tongue).
Other than that, piece of cake! (0:,'
PS: One more thing: DRIVE it before emissions testing. Drive it all you can, even thrash it a little. These engines really need it, and will respond by running better and better.
