What is this tube? Options

[TRP]

What is this metal tube? I assume its part of the EGR / emissions system for a 1.8 and it allows gasses / vapors to flow back into the intake system. On my 1975 1.8 I do not have this metal tube, my car has this replicated via a series of rubber hoses and plastic connectors. Im wondering if a previous owner lost ir and recreated this part with the hoses/plastic connectors?

My car is a 1975, but it is not a smog system car. Should my car have this tube?





Thank you,
Ted

[bkrantz]

Reminds me how complicated (and desperate) auto emissions designs got in the 1970s, and how terrible engine performance got. And also how creative car owners got.

I had a 1976 X1/9 that had a restrictive exhaust, with (I think) a cast iron thermal reaction exhaust manifold with EGR injection, tiny pipe, and early tech catalytic converter. In my attempt to get more than 61 hp from 1300 cc (don't laugh--6 hp would be a 10% improvement) I got some headers and a custom "performance" exhaust.

But with annual emissions testing that included a visual inspection, I had to remove my headers and reinstall the factory exhaust every year.