I started this swap a long time ago but had to put it off due to lack of funds. I am finally working again and I am looking forward to finishing it up. I searched around but couldnt find direct answers on passing the BAR and smog checks (mostly just talking about wiring, emissions, etc).

I have heard that at a smog check my vin number will not correspond with the type of engine and therefore I will fail... how true is this?

Also, besides having everything wired correctly and running smoothly, what other documents, requirements, or checks do I need to make in order to get my car legally on the road?

 

Basically if it wasn't meant to be in there it'll fail visual. For a swap to be correct it has to have all of the corresponding smog equipment transferred over from the car the engine originally belonged to. General rule is that the engine must be the same year or newer than the car it is being transferred to. Also, JDM motors are a touchy subject better left to asking the smog referee directly. If all is good up to this point then you make an appointment with the referee and they'll either approve the swap and provide you with a BAR sticker or they'll tell you what you need to add/remove.

 

Your VIN does contain info for the engine that the vehicle was originally equipped with.
This could fail you at SMOG. Some cars have a bar code that the tech scans which has the VIN in it. VIN on the car needs to match the VIN on the registration paperwork.
If you complete your swap and take it to a referee they will issue you a BAR sticker that allows your swap engine SMOG requirements to be used rather than your stock engine of your VIN.

 

The B18 is from a '98... What exactly is the smog equipment? sensors, catalytic converter? Is there any way to contact a smog referee without first going on, ie ove rthe phone or email? Thanks.

What happens if I don't pass the BAR initially, can I go register the car somewhere where they don't require smog or will they be able to see that I attempted to compelte a BAR but was unsuccessful?

 

Find a guy that knows a guy, if you get what I mean. Save yourself the headache for about $300

 

Best to get in touch with your local referee to answer the specific questions. More or less you'll need the dual O2 sensors with the correct cat and evap/charcoal stuff if it's applicable. All the sensors should be correct to the engine as well as the ECU.

If you have the option to register the car in an area where they don't require smog you might as well just do that and not worry.

 

I only know of the one O2 sensor right before the cat.. where is the other one located? My cat is brand new and i spent a lot of money on buying a high performance cat/exhaust system.

Edit: I am an idiot, forgot there is a sensor after the cat...

 

dont use the 98 motor you will have to be obd2 which means you need the scanner port, get a obd1 motor and make it easier on yourself. PM me if you want a list of wat you need