dynamo

I have been looking for an engine swap for my '00 Ex, and have had a really hard time locating a USDM '00 motor (looked for both GSR and Si).

Out of curiosity, I started calling various California smog and air resource agencies, regarding putting a 2000 JDM motor instead of the USDM motor, and installing all of my smog equipment on it.

1. The CARB rep said that as long as the motor bolts right up, and is out of a 2000 car or newer, the origin or the VIN of the motor does not make a difference.

2. The Automotive Repairs Dept of Consumer Affairs office said that as long as the engine meets CA emissions standards and has all smog equipment, and is out of a 2000 or newer car, should work fine without a problem. The differing VIN numbers should not make a difference either.

I am expecting a callback from an actual ref tomorrow to discuss this further, as both of the above people did not seem very technical so I am guessing they may have not told me some vital details of what I needed to know.

In the meantime, does anyone have any advice, recommendations, or simply hard facts on whether I would be able to get this done? The car is a daily driver, and I need to make sure that I can get it refed and smogged, as I cannot afford to deal with another engine swap or having my car impounded, etc. Any advice and input would be greatly appreciated.

TIA

StorminMatt

I, too, was told by some that JDM is okay. But if you carefully read the California engine swap pamphlet, you will notice that it says that only California emissions motors are legal. So not even a US Federal motor is technically legal. This is not to say that a ref would not pass a Federal or JDM motor. You are just taking a chance.

slammed_93_hatch

the problem with the JDM motors is that some vacum lines are in different places. motor must pass a visual inspection so u kinda run into problems there

eg6sir-s

not to spoil your party...if you end up finding an actual ref that's not so ****...you can get away with a jdm motor in your '00 ex...but if you get an a-hole ref he's going to give you the truth-'which is jdm motors are only allowed as replacement motors.'----meaning if you have a 99-00 civic si(dohc b16a2) then you can drop a jdm b16 in your car....if you have an ex then basically you can drop a jdm sohc motor in and not dohc

wish you the best keep me posted on what happens with your swap...