1990 CRX DX. I need a starter for my automatic to 5-speed manual conversion. The ads say federal and california starter. What is the difference and how do i know which one i need? Thanks for the help.

 

I have never studied the issue, but I believe California has the strictest emissions guidelines in the world. That's why so many parts are available in "regular" and the more expensive "California" model. Atleast, that's what I have always thought.

 

correct, so unless you live in Cali (God help you if you do) your fine with any starter for your car.

 

Come to find out that there is a sticker inside the glovebox that tells if you have one or the other. KA(Federal) and KL(Calif) models. And it does matter. I happen to have the 49 state DX model so....

 

You should be able to use any starter KA or KL.
The bolt pattern is the same.

The difference on the KL cars is emissions control (including an EGR system), but a starter doesn't get smogged so it can be replaced with whatever.