124 California car, how much difference?
 

I am looking at a very nice 88 300TE. Carfax shows it was originally sold in California.

How much difference would there be between California and 49 state version in 88?

The car really is nice, but I need to make sure it will be servicable here without drivability problems or parts concerns.

Thanks

California required fuel system fault self diagnosis in their emission program. THAT is the major difference. Also the M103 engine needed an EGR valve for that emission program. The federal version didn't get an EGR valve until 1990 & the self diagnosis was never as good as the Calif version.

Hi Doc

I worked on an awful lot of M103's under warranty here in California, personally I do not recall them having EGR valves fitted on them until 1990. Without going into any details about electronic control differences I do recall the fuel system for Cal being fitted with fault diagnosis and a "Check Engine" mil. To my knowledge this was/is the single most difference between Federal and California vehicles of that era.


:cool:

No air pump on '88 CA 103 engines, but I recall CA 103s did get pumps in '89.

As stated, the primary difference between CA and federal emissions configuration is CA's built in diagnostics, which means a different ECU (sometimes called "Lambda Control Unit") for CA models, but there is no reason NOT to buy a CA model because of the difference in emission certification and configuration. Just remember to point this out if you ever have to take it to a shop.

If anything, the additional built in diagnostics can be an aid to troubleshooting.

Duke

Thanks Guys.

Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough, somebody else bought the car this morning. At least now I know not to be scared of CA models.

Except for the fact - they have been driven by Californians! ;)

Taxi!

California cars last the longest;)