Ok,

I actually had a part fall off my 1977 280Z over the weekend. I was working on my car and trying to figure out why I keep getting lost power, black smoke ect. I had the car idling in the garage and it was back-firing. The next thing I know I hear a loud POP (backfire) and the engine dies. I then notice that the pipe that connects the intake and exhaust manifold is on the ground. It is a metal pipe---looks like a copper pipe with a large heat shield bolted to it. This pipe runs from the back side of the exhaust manifold to the underside of the intake manifold and connect to what I think is the EGR valve. Anyway now when I crank the car blue fire shoots out the open hole in the exhaust manifold and then the car dies---Help can this part be replaced, repaired what is its purpose. Can I just plug the two holes???

280Z on its way to becoming a daily driver

I dont have much experience with FI cars but yours is obviously running very rich. Have you checked the ignition system - cap, wires & plugs? Maybe the fuel pressure regulator is faulty.

The EGR pipe which fell off can be temporarily plugged till you figure out the backfire problem, then the pipe should be replaced, especially if you need to pass emission testing.

Good Luck

There is no emissions test required in NC. I am thinking of just plugging both holes and bypass the EGR valve permanently. Would that damage anything? Thanks.

280Z on its way to becoming a daily driver

You can plug both holes. just watch it and make sure you don't burn any thing you.