MYT4G

Anybody know the Fed/State laws related to doing a JDM motor swap or where to find this info? My buddy told me that if a motor was not certified for use in the US, it is only legal for for off-road use (racing, tracks, etc.) and there is a hefty fine if you get busted on the street. I am guessing that only engines originally sold in the US actually went thru the certification process. I have searched the epa.gov and customs.gov websites with little luck...

HRILSVTEC

Your friend is right JDM motors are not legal for use on US roads but no one will be able to tell anyway. Stop getting so worried and just do it they'll still pass emmissions.

Wes V

I agree with what your friend is saying, however a lot of how it will impact you is the smog check requirements where you live. Here in California, you can easily run into problems. If you end up going to a "referee" station, there is no way that you could get it to pass.

If you are a big "worrier" like me, think of doing a legal USDM swap and get it "certified". Then put in the same configuration JDM engine between checks. As an example; if you have a 4G civic, swap in a B18a and get it certified. Then locate a JDM B18c for fun. To change back and forth between engines shouldn't be that bad. Don't tell your lawyer that I brought up the idea.

Wes.

jas0n

http://tech.hybridgarage.com/tech/info.html
legal and emission issues

PSIKOTICcrx

here in california, laws are fricken stupid. take a zc motor for example, it can pass smog, but you still cant get it certified cause its not a us motor and it wont pass the visual part of the test . now how retarded is that? im pretty sure there is a way to get a jdm motor certified here in ca, but it takes paper and papers of hassles and thousands of dollars


[Modified by PSIKOTICcrx, 11:43 AM 11/1/2002]

stockegsix

what are you guys talking about, JDM motors can now be bar certified in CALI . there are a couple of H-T members that have certified jdm motors. i myself will get my jdm b16a certified. make sure its the same year or newer and all usdm smog equipment is installed.

Kamin

in california they can be made legal
but the rest of the country dosent know any better or care
i FLEW through emissions even got compliments on the car/motor while i was there.
dont worry. only if your in cali
there smog *****.

PSIKOTICcrx

what is the process for getting a jdm engine certified in CA? and how much does it cost? and what additional parts will i be needing to attach?

Achenar

If you, or someone you know, could post some actual information with maybe some references about this process, that would be great. I've heard this line plenty of times, always connected to some "he-said," "she said" business, which isn't really helpful for those of us who are interested in swapping a JDM engine in CA.

And in case this is not clear, what I'm asking for is information to LEGALLY and LEGITIMATLEY get a JDM engine to pass smog ref. visual inspection. This means getting the smog ref to certify your engine, even though the block code is not on file as being a United States-sold engine.

-a

stockegsix

i talked to a couple of guys at the last honda-tech meet who had legal jdm swaps(certified) one guy had a b18b and the other had a b16a. he told me that he told the ref it was a crate motor. he istalled all the usdm emissions things and made it look stock. i forgot his name but it was a blue hatchbacks i'm not sure if hes one the moderators.

Achenar

I would love to hear from one of these people. Although, another consideration is that both the B18B and B16A have been sold in American Hondas (At least in equivelency), where as, say the B16B and B18-R were not. Possibly the JDM engine block codes for the B18B and B16A coorespond with USDM codes?

-a

dut

-don't wanna repeat myself from the same thread, but here....
-just call them... STRAIGHT UP... (800) 242-4450 in California
-or go to the site, better to call and ask your EXACT question
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm

engine section all the way on bottom of page

hybrider

so true, so true.....

Achenar

quote from that website:

I think that's where the whole trouble with JDM engines getting certified is ...

-a

dut

-if you call them, they will tell you this:
-the ONLY way you can have a JDM motor passed by a ref is if it is the same year or newer but also same type...
-ie. 94 integra DOHC can have a 94+ JDM DOHC VTEC (and of course with all the US emission parts), a 92 HB cannot have a JDM DOHC VTEC because they come SOHC.. you CAN put a JDM SOHC in it though....
-just call them, it is much easier and its FREE

Achenar

Unfortunately, I've called them and asked, and they will not check engine block codes over the phone. I've been told that the only way to verify an engine block code is to come in with the engine installed in the car, and pay for a full inspection. If the block code is not valid, tough ****.

-a