Sorry if this is in the wrong spot, or if this is a pointless thread. I'm just wondering this.
So, does anyone know if it really is illegal to an old motor in a newer car? Like a 92-96ish h22a1 in a 97 or newer Prelude or Accord, or 97 F22 in 02 civic, etc...?
People say it's illegal to a B series into a 7th gen civic buta few people's done it still. And my friend wants to put my car's original f23a1 into his 04 civic coupe (which I highly doubt is going to happen anyways).
But that just got me wondering if it really is illegal to do that, or if there are any exceptions?

 

It all really depends on what state you live in each have there own laws like California its illegal to do that but here in Washington I can put whatever I want in my car and no one cares

 

It's federally illegal in all 50. It all depends on if your state enforces it or not.

 

I believe as long as the motor can pass the emission test for the car, it shouldnt matter much.

 

Er. What? I don't think your belief plays into it.

 

I passed police inspection and emission inspection with a d15b2 in a 95 hatchback, i clearly told them the motor was from a 89 civic at both times they told me it didn't matter in Washington I don't see why they would lie to me..

 

It is technically "illegal" but like said above dePending on your state inspection and how thorough it is will depend if it passes or not. Here in NC as long as your car 95 and older has a catalytic you'll pass (no tailpipe test just a visual). 96 and newer the same but also has to pass the ECU OBD2 connection portion (no JDM ECUs or obd0/1 ECUs will connect with the machine). However in SC they basically just have a safety test so anything goes. So how does your state handle it's tests?

 

I wont comment on the legality issue, that's already been covered. But you will have axle issues with an H/F-series engine in that chassis. I personally know the guy who put the boosted H22 in the '02 civic a couple of years ago, it wasn't that big a deal to get it in there (it wasn't super easy either, required running two ECUs to have working gauges) but it constantly broke axles I'm told.