I have a 2001 GS-R and the current supply of JDM Engines are 94-97 B18C.

The Law states:

The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle. Does this make the JDM Illegal for use in a 2001? I would change the oil pump and retain my stock. ECU How can the Ref determine what year the Block is? does he need to see the receipt for the engine.

 

There are serial numbers, although often hard to see, on the head and block. If the law is really strict there in Cali they would look for that kind of thng.

Your best bet is to modify and tune your engine, a b18c1 is a great starting piont. And they certainatly will not open up the block and head to check for aftermarket internals or a sleeved block. I'd reccomend sleeving your block to 85+mm and getting pistons, then some nice head work with cams and a good tune. Stay away from engine swaps if its gunna get your car impounded and crushed at a roadside stop or whatever they are doing out there. Swapping up to a b18c wouldnt really get you the improvement your looking for anyway, its a nice motor, but you gotta think if its worth the trouble legally and financially...

 

talk to your local cali air ref. the issue guys in cali have been bringing up is the b18c, not c1. in an integra i thought you could use a like motor. there is no way to tell the difference between a 94 and 01, the vin plates used to id years on usdm cars aren't there on jdm cars. the only numbers cast in the block are part numbers. if you do find a jdm engine will pass in your car you HAVE to convert everything to 2001 standard, that means the cfs sensor, obd2 oil pump, the usdm manifold so you can plumb evap and the usdm vtec solenoid.