Poey2

Hi Everyone,

Im doing my research right now and I know that I need an engine from a newer year car to swap it into my car to make it legal in CA. Now if I put a newer engine (OBD2) into a 94 civic (OBD1), which ECU should I use to get BAR certified in CA? And if I need to make it OBD2 what kind of ecu conversion harness do I need to do this?

TIA

Poe

Team 4R

obd2 ecu in an obd1 car is fine..... you'd probably have an easier time tuning and modifying using an obd1 ecu, though.... i think you should just stick with obd1.

Poey2

Do I need to keep it OBD2 to get BAR certified?

VTECVillain

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Poey2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Now if I put a newer engine (OBD2) into a 94 civic (OBD1), which ECU should I use to get BAR certified in CA?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I would like to know this also, I'm not moving to CA anytime soon, possibly ever but I'd still like to know. Similar to your setup, I have a 92 VX with 99 B18C1 but I'm using an OBD1 USDM P72 from a 95 GSR. Since both the ECU and motor are newer than the chassis and if it would pass smog then I would guess it would be fine. Just not sure if since it's an OBD2 motor I might have to use a matching OBD2 P72 ECU?

blueeg

legally, yes. you have to use obd2. i dont work at a ref. station so i dunno how they confirm the year of the motor. you need all the sensors, wires, hoses that deals with smog for that motor to pass and get your bar cert. you need a 96 ls ecu(obd2 ecu). dunno if later year ls ecu will work( should though, but not sure). u cant have any "check engine" lights. good luck with the cert.

blueeg

vtecvillain u need an obd2 ecu. well, in ca anyway.

moysaystor

The best thing to do is to call the referee scheduling center @1-800-622-7733. Ask for a query to be sent to your ref. in your area. The ref will call you back with in 2 business days and let you know what he will require to pass inspection. This is the best way to have your questioned answered becuase that will be the ref. inspecting your car.
In the past , refs. have allowed the use of obd 2 motors in obd 1 cars,but you'll need the obd 1 emissions equipment. However, confirm this with your local ref!

tumbleweed

In order to put in the 96 LS motor you will have to get the entire engine harness, ECU, CAT, & all other sensor's that come stock on the 96 LS. After all these have been installed you will need to take your vehicle to a Referee station to have it inspected. Once you pass he will but a sticker on the eninge saying that it is ok to legally smog this vehicle.

.Thomas