Possible to pass smog in Cali without thermo reactor?

No, you will fail the visual inspection.

 

I want to say "Yes!" ----But CA is tricky on what they require. The fact that you are cool on visual is great. That part always is a headache to me, especially when they gripe about no EGR, and the carb cars never had these!

Anyway, do you know what they are demanding for tailpipe requirements? I can give you a better answer knowing those. ie is CO requirement down approaching 1%, and HC about 175? Or is it more generous? Also - What is the tune condition of your car? Dizzies spot on and in synch (assuming you have the twin dizzy setup). Do you have the AIS hooked up, and is your airpump good? Carb's are reasonably synched? If you have every bit of equipment, you can cry to the referee. If not, make it pass by making it clean.

Thermal reactors are good at helping burn the exhaust pollutants, but a good AIS pumping into an exhaust system can do pretty well. Again, it depends what you gotta meet. Best of luck!

 

Before, I was able to pass smog with my shiny stainless steel muffler with no problem as long as you have good cat pass all the emissions. They did however ask to see my charcoal canister but when the found out it's hidden as you have to take the wheel and the wheel well liner, they said it's ok, they don't need to see it.

 

I don't really think the smog guys know what they are looking at. They couldn't tell an original TR muffler from a Tubi. So, it's all about the tailpipe readings, really. I think on a '77, the standards are relaxed enough that it may just magically pass....
If not, then you've got a lot of work ahead of you! Exactly why I drive an EXEMPT '75.
My 2 cents.

 

Yes, that is true, and that's why and how mine pass all the time before with this SS Larini exhaust even without the diaper.
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+1

 

That sounds great! An intelligent mechanic who's on your side is a huge plus. You should be most the way there. Now keep in mind that with a good AIS in place, you want it to be a little fat so the air will have a little fuel to continue burning. This is also benefited by a little ignition retarding (R-2 set of points). If you're near lean drop-off, the AIS will help, but follow the TR recipe on the emission label for tuning. Ferrari spent gobs of time developing this. Also, your jetting should be close to the original recipe too. IIRC you have 55 idle jets + or -. If you're off a size, it's a little tolerant. Unless you are on the fence. I chased down 20-40 ppm HC for a long time, and was helped out by throwing out to the F-chat world, and one of them got it! Again - do yourself a favor and figure out what specs you need to pass. Is yours a static test, or dyno 15 & 25MPH? A 1977 might be not-too-terrible, or - - - - - - - Keep your fingers crossed!