just wondering what the exact procedure is for making a motor swap 100% legal in california. I'm planning on swapping a b-series into my 97' ek and i know most of the rules like it has to be the same year or newer engine and things like that, but i just wanted to know the whooole deal. Thanks!


[Modified by EKology, 4:17 PM 7/21/2002]

 

basically get a 97 or newer engine include all the emmisions for that year engine as well.. so basically if u find a 97 or 98 GSR run the stock GSR ecu..and emmisions equipment and u will need a new Catalytic converter since I presume u have a htbk that has the D16Y7 on it and the stock catalytic convertor is welded to the stock Header for that motor good luck .. and check out this links for any info..
http://tech.hybridgarage.com/tech/6gtech/index.html

 

Thanks for the info. I was planning on getting a b20 motor for now and then doing the head conversion later on. But other than the technical motor stuff, what else is there (i.e paper work, dmv, receipts???)

 

if I remember correctly you just need to run it at a ref station I believe there might be one in glendale but the one I've been to is at ELAC( east L.A college)..basically they'll run the VIN and do a visual inspection to make sure all the emmisions parts are correct.. if anything u may have to show them a reciept of where u purchased the motor from but not always..and since it will be passed by the REF and approved for use in the state of California.. the DMV really doesn't need to know

 

ohhh ok i see. Thanks a lot man!! oh, one more thing...will this change anything on the title for my car?

 

hey pandafreak,
do you know the phone number of the ELAC REF's office?
i live like 3 blocks away from there and want to ref my motor.
so you say the DMV doesnt need to know about it eh?
how bout smogging the sucker?

 

the ref smogs it for you.. just cruise up to ELAC there located 1st driveway after u pass the Secutiry check point..but basically they give u a BAR sticker ekology.. that will say b18b(or whatever engine you choose) civic dx .. let me try to get a pick to show u a example..
http://hybrid2.honda-perf.org/ref99.html good story on a smog experience courtesy of Hybrid Page


[Modified by pandafreak, 5:44 PM 7/21/2002]

 

My car is older than yours, it's a 93 hatch. I dropped in a 94 Integra motor, and I hooked up all of the stock emmissions equipment. I made an appointment with the referree to have my motor registered, went there with my registration, bill of sale for my motor (bought from a good friend, just wrote up a contract and we both signed it), my license and 35 dollars. They put the car on the smog dyno, did a visual check to make sure everything was hooked up (including the check engine light bulb), and 30 minutes later they put a sticker on my car, verifying and registering my new motor. The only mods I had were DC 4-1 header, Injen intake, and VAFC (that was hidden . 8 bucks for the sticker and I was out. Got pulled over 3 times since then, every time, I showed them the sticker and that was it. One of them actually shook my hand and thanked me for cooperating and complying with state regulations.