is ls/vtec legal in california? does anyone know where to get laws like this??

 

what happens if the officer asks you to pop your hood? unless they know honda engines well i dont think you should have a problem.

california doesn't let us get away with much super strict emissions standards.. perhaps the real question is.. will it pass smog?


[Modified by SonicBlueTeg, 1:08 PM 6/13/2002]

 

I doubt joe blow the average cop could tell....so long as you cna pass smog you'd prob be cool...I'm not from cali though...

 

If it will pass smog you should be fine.

This came out longer than I expected. Judging from the info I found, if you have an LS. I would not tell them anything. Just make sure it smogs. Does a honda head have stamping on it? But since this is not a CA certified motor you will not be able to certify the swap, unless they don't notice the head change.

Check out this page, on getting a swap certified. http://hybrid2.honda-perf.org/casmog.html#legalzc
This is an excerpt that will answer your question

Narrator(me): guy swaps in a zc engine looking for certification and talking to a CARB guy...

I told him that the ZC engine is very similar to the 89 Integra. Larry explained that if the block and casting numbers matched those of the 89 Integra motors, then it could be considered that. Well, we know that the ZC has a big fat 'ZC' stamped right on the block... He also reiterated that it must be a 89 or newer motor, even if the previous year motor is identical.

Is it legal to swap in the 1.6L Si motor and ecu for my car?
Yes, but be sure to get any of the smog equipment that is specific to that car. Smog canister, air box, PVC valves, hoses, Cat.
Your DX/Si manual will make it very clear what is different.

What if took the long block from a 92-95 Civic and bolted my intake manifold or an Si manifold to it, and installed it in my Civic. It would use the Ecu that matches the intake manifold.
No, that would not be legal. Mixing and matching of parts, like intake manifolds and ecus, is not allowed. It would be legal to swap the entire 92-95 engine, intake manifold, ecu and all other smog related parts.

 

who should i go talk to if i wanna get this in some sort of for sure form like a document or something. Would a mechanic know or what?

 

Read this http://smogcheck.ca.gov/STDPAGE.ASP?...S-JAN_1994.HTM

Then you should probably contact a BAR field office http://smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage.asp?Body=/contacts.htm

 

yup.. as long as you pass... youre good to go.

 

what if u have to go through the state ref????