CRX JDM H23A BAR CA legal since it was a Federal Emissions vehicle?
 

Hey folks,

So I'm not totally new to garbage CA BAR process, swapped an m50 vanos in a 318is e30 BMW, but this one is a little tricky. I just picked up an 89 CRX HF and it isn't originally a CA vehicle. It has the Federal Emissions stamp. I just had it smogged with the stock HF d15a6 and the smog guy was scratching his head because his books were all CA emission and something didn't match but it passed anyway.

Something I read on an older post and the BAR site:
This from the CARB website: http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm
Engine Changes:
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:

* The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.

* The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.

* If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.

* All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.

* Vehicles converted to 100% electric drive, with all power supplied by on-board batteries are considered in compliance with the engine change requirements. All fuel system components must be removed prior to inspection. For additional information contact the ARB helpline at (800) 242-4450


Rule #3 applies. No JDM engines have now, nor ever been considered CA certified engines. That rule has been in effect for the better part of 10 years. The rules have not changed, they just have not been enforced.

Since my vehicle IS NOT California certified, originally sold in Texas, I should still be able to get a BAR sticker with a JDM H23A correct? Tricky part is what CA vehicle would an H23A be considered an acceptable replacement engine? I'd have to use it as a donor and swap over the emissions systems and ECU I think.

Also, what is with this talk of people doing a swap, getting a ref ticket and just paying it off? What do you do about registration and tags? Never understood this..

Thanks for any help guys, just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into before I start the swap process.