Stupid question time... Is a heat riser valve absolutely necessary? Its purpose is to help the car warm up, correct? I live in So Cal where it rarely gets below 60 degrees even the winter time so cold weather starting is not an issue.
I'm getting ready to replace my exhaust with the 70-74 aluminzed kit from Classic and I'm wondering if I need a heat riser valve. My engine currently has nothing after the stock manifolds.

Thoughts?

Sal Garcia
Los Angeles, Ca.

[This message has been edited by SG71SS (edited May 04, 2005).]

[This message has been edited by SG71SS (edited May 04, 2005).]

Trash it!!!

The heat riser valve's function is to warm the passenger side manifold quickly so that warm air will be available to the intake tract sooner than it would be without it. It helps heat up the heat stove for the warm air intake that connects to the bottom of a factory air cleaner's intake.

It is mandatory smog equipment that you cannot remove under penalty of federal smog laws. You may not legally de-certify ANY vehicle that had smog equipment installed from the factory.

Now, that being said, it is not a necessary item, no.

LOL!!

Thanks fellas.

Sal Garcia
Los Angeles, Ca.

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by 73454:
It is mandatory smog equipment that you cannot remove under penalty of federal smog laws. You may not legally de-certify ANY vehicle that had smog equipment installed from the factory.

Now, that being said, it is not a necessary item, no.</font>

Was the heat riser actually a required smog device? I thought the factory put it in more to help cold weather driving. I'd say to keep it because it benefits you.