will i pass smog if i put a 96 engine in my 98 car? I heard it wont because the engine is before the year of my car.

 

i believe that is correct. The engine has to be newer than the car in CA. You can move to Fort Collins, CO and not even have to worry about emissions though..

 

the engine im going to get has already pass smog and it has papers.its a 96 engine and i want to put it in my 98. is it leagal to do that and even though it pass smog already when i put it in my car will it pass?

 

as far as my understanding goes, no it is not legal. Anyone else care to chime in?

 

Technically, it is illegal to swap in a motor that is a model year older than the vehicle it goes into. The bureau of automotive repair doesn't care if the motor would pass smog or not.

However if the motor you want to put in has the same or smiliar outside dimensions, uses the same sensors or similar and is compatible with all the emissions equipment and transmission of your vehicle, you may be able to call it a replacement motor and it should not have to go to the BAR for a label.

Here's an example of a replacement motor:

You own a stock '88 Civic std. hatch and you want to swap in the drivetrain from a stock '90 SI hatch. Since the D16A6 was an optional motor for the US market you can swap it in and not have to go to the BAR for a label.

It really all depends on who does the emissions check and if they know what they're looking at. You might be able to get away with it, you might not.