Triumph Repair: emission systems, charcoal canister, engine emissions

Question
hi there,
I have a 1974 Spitfire withou an engine and a 1977 with a well running engine, emissions etc.   The 74 is a much better car overall and the 77 has a lot of rust, dents etc.  The 74 also is exempt from smog etc and the 77 is not.

I want to put the 1977 1500 cc engine into the 1974.  Can I   do this and take off all the emissions stuff ( pump, etc.  Does the emission systwm on the 1977 help performance in any way,or can I just transfer the motor into the 74 and leave off all the emission controls.?

Thanks so much
ED

Answer
Hi Ed,
I am not allowed to advise you to remove any emission stuff, all I can do is tell you what little I know of what it will do. An air pump is a drag on the power of any engine and is used to pump air into the exhaust ports to promote after burn to clean up exhaust emissions. If it were removed it would reduce the drag on the engine but other then on a dyno, you may not note much power increase. The venting of the tank and carb float chamber into a charcoal canister will not affect power in either way so it is of not help to remove it. While it is true that you can richen up the mixture and advance the ignition timing (short of detonation)and gain a little horse power and fuel mileage, you need to check with your local emission laws to see if you are allowed to do that.
Howard