1975/1976 2.0L emissions control removal, How difficult would it be to remove 1975/76 emission equipment? Options

[914Meister]

I am looking to buy a clean 1973 or 1974 2.0 and have been steering clear of the 1975-1976 2.0 versions. Although the bumpers appear to be not too difficult to retrofit, to 1973-1974 spec, I am wondering about the emissions controls. I would consider buying a 1975/76 model if I could get the same horsepower and performance as the 1973-1974 models. I suspect that there are design issues within the engine that are paired with the emissions equipment, and this is not as simple as removing the catalytic converter. The 75 model is now smog exempt in California where I live, and the 76 model will be exempt in less than a year. Any thoughts/advice/experience would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Bleyseng]

Removing the smog pump is easy to do and upgrading to SSI heat exchangers and a Bursch or similar muffler gets you to the same HP as a 73-74 2.0 with Djet FI. Going to carbs without a cam change doesn’t improve HP.