Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12-26-2025, 09:57 AM
DANTIP DANTIP is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 285
Default California NOX Exempt label

This label is on the inside of the original windshield of my '66 California Tri-Power /4-speed GTO. I was told by a previous owner that this California NOX "EXEMPT" label was placed on cars that met certain exemption rules at the time. He thought "Tri-Power" cars qualified for the exemption. Does anyone have any details related to these labels?
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_6277.jpg
Views:	51
Size:	79.2 KB
ID:	662679  

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to DANTIP For This Useful Post:
  #2  
Old 12-26-2025, 12:03 PM
60sstuff's Avatar
60sstuff 60sstuff is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 2,968
Default NOX Box

Dan,

I’m thinking it was a 70’s thing in California.
In order to pass smog you needed to attach this ugly item under the hood and connect as instructed on the box.

I saw many of these back in the day and I have this nice example from years gone by.

My ‘66 still shows the outline of this decal on the inside of windshield.
I found an old decal years ago and temporarily glued it to the outside as an example.
Also found several new ones on line too.

Chris
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_1002.jpg
Views:	46
Size:	60.5 KB
ID:	662695   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3512.jpg
Views:	44
Size:	66.6 KB
ID:	662696   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_8651.jpg
Views:	48
Size:	62.2 KB
ID:	662697  

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to 60sstuff For This Useful Post:
  #3  
Old 12-26-2025, 12:07 PM
60sstuff's Avatar
60sstuff 60sstuff is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Left Coast
Posts: 2,968
Default The Box

Ugly back then, but kinda cool today.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7748.jpg
Views:	40
Size:	127.0 KB
ID:	662698   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7750.jpg
Views:	35
Size:	99.0 KB
ID:	662699   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7751.jpg
Views:	32
Size:	99.3 KB
ID:	662700   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_7753.jpg
Views:	30
Size:	90.7 KB
ID:	662701  

The Following User Says Thank You to 60sstuff For This Useful Post:
  #4  
Old 12-26-2025, 12:36 PM
OG68's Avatar
OG68 OG68 is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Chula Vista, CA
Posts: 1,923
Default

Back in the early 80s I went down to have my 68's annual smog test done at a local gas station. I figured I'd have to have the NOX device installed. The tech proceeded to do the visual inspection and announced that I didn't need the NOX device since I had a 'Ram Air' engine. Wink Wink. That was news to me but I went along with it lol.
Apparently RA engines were exempt from the NOX device.
He proceeded with the required smog test, and attached an EXEMPT sticker to the lower right windshield.

__________________
Ed

1968 GTO (Thanks Mom)
2006 Silverado
2015 Chevy Express
2024 Cadillac LYRIQ

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to OG68 For This Useful Post:
  #5  
Old 12-26-2025, 12:41 PM
DANTIP DANTIP is offline
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 285
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 60sstuff View Post
Dan,

I’m thinking it was a 70’s thing in California.
In order to pass smog you needed to attach this ugly item under the hood and connect as instructed on the box.

I saw many of these back in the day and I have this nice example from years gone by.

My ‘66 still shows the outline of this decal on the inside of windshield.
I found an old decal years ago and temporarily glued it to the outside as an example.
Also found several new ones on line too.

Chris
Chris,

I was hoping you would have knowledge of this! Of course you had a NOx box tucked away in your amazing parts stash!! Here is a document I just received via email on the topic. It is reportedly from a vintage California State Police vehicle inspection manual.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	image_7d0ef9454bfd98b61c00ba231347845cb893124f.jpeg
Views:	36
Size:	112.2 KB
ID:	662702  

The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to DANTIP For This Useful Post:
  #6  
Old 01-08-2026, 11:42 PM
mgarblik mgarblik is offline
Ultimate Warrior
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 6,989
Default

That is some crazy cool stuff there!! As a former EPA emissions instructor, I would love to know what was in that box and what it was supposed to do and how? The only practical way to reduce NOX in those days was to reduce combustion temperature. Running an engine rich would accomplish this but drive HC and Co emissions up. Very interesting, Thanks for sharing.

  #7  
Old 01-09-2026, 07:22 PM
gto4ben gto4ben is online now
Senior Chief
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 316
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mgarblik View Post
As a former EPA emissions instructor, I would love to know what was in that box and what it was supposed to do and how?
The internals consist of a 555 timer, op amp, transistors, solenoid valve. capacitors and resistors. The 555 timer senses the RPM and triggers a signal to activate the solenoid valve which closes vacuum port to the distributor vacuum advance canister. Below the set RPM, it bleeds vacuum from the atmosphere to disable the canister operation. The setup is not unlike the 70-72 TCS system.

If anyone has the instruction manual for the Electro Nox, please scan and post it. I'm interested in what Air Quality Products recommend for the RPM setting, similar to what the Carter 5600X instruction say.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	PXL_20230630_195805164.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	119.5 KB
ID:	663393   Click image for larger version

Name:	PXL_20230630_195705656.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	111.0 KB
ID:	663394   Click image for larger version

Name:	wiring transparent.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	67.7 KB
ID:	663395   Click image for larger version

Name:	Carter 5600X RPM settings Pontiac.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	93.7 KB
ID:	663396   Click image for larger version

Name:	s-l1600.jpg
Views:	12
Size:	70.6 KB
ID:	663397  


Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:42 PM.

 

About Us

The PY Online Forums is the largest online gathering of Pontiac enthusiasts anywhere in the world. Founded in 1991, it was also the first online forum for people to gather and talk about their Pontiacs. Since then, it has become the mecca of Pontiac technical data and knowledge that no other place can surpass.

 




Copyright © 2017