Quote: I did. Emission and safety standards began to take hold in 72'. Hence the 400 "smog" big block. Even my 71' has some vapor lines from the gas tank, some kind of canister below the battery tray, and noise reduction package indicating pre emissions before they were mandated by the federal government. This is on my car because it was built to california standards and sold in california.
That's why most enthusiasts of ford, mopar, and chevy recognize 71' as the end of the muscle car era.
Correct; emissions requirements did become more 'strict' in '72, but they did not 'start' in '72 as you originally intimated. The separate evaporative emissions tank in your left rear fender well was a piece new for '71. (Ask any of us that were there when the '71's were new; the emissions equipment issue was already a reality...) Need more examples? Take a look at the complex smog pump set-up on late sixties Camaros and Mustangs.
