Are JDM engine swaps legal in CA? I've tried looking for an answer but most post are from 2004 or later. From what I've read online it is legal as long as you have all the smog equipment to pass smog. I'm just trying to find the current laws/ regulations as of 2016.

 

As long as you don't touch any emissions equipment, or remove things like knock sensors, it is considered a direct replacement and is legal.

Assuming you're replacing the engine with the JDM equivalent that is.

 

Can you give an example of equivalent? I want to swap a stock d16y7 for a JDM b18c or something similar to the b18c. Sorry kinda new to engine swapping.

 

 

OPIE Have you peppered your Angus?

 

Nope, that's not legal without going through the BAR.

https://www.bar.ca.gov/

You CAN legally do it, but it's not fun, or cheap. BAR will go over everything, and make sure it is a 'legal' swap in CA. You can google how to BAR a swap in CA, but get ready to spend money.

If you want to swap your D16 with a JDM D16, that's perfectly fine, but usually people only do that when they blow a motor. There's no performance advantage.

 

If you go to banggood.com you'll find all the information needed on MOTORSPORTS.

 

B series swap in 2016?

 

Have any suggestions on swap ?

 

nah, just haven't heard anyone talking about B series swaps these days. Seems like everyone's gone K series

 

getting motor ref'd/bar'd is pretty simple actually. it's basically going to a state ref center and having them do a smog test. they do a visual and make sure all smog equipment is installed and sniff test it. costs something like $60 at least when I did mine years ago. if anything I'd do at least a 96 or newer car so subsequent smog test only entail plugging in the obd reader to make sure you're not throwing any codes and don't even get sniffed. I believe only the initial smog done by the ref they'll run the sniffer but after that they shouldn't since now obd2 cars aren't sniffed

 

You can't tune an OBD2 car, not to mention it's much harder to smog to begin with, there's twice as much ****.

 

I got mine done years ago. I have to buy all the USDM version of the emission related equipment for that engine and that car model. They will tell you what you need in order to pass. Junk yard will most likely provide all the emission parts that you need. But once you let them inspect your car, then you will have to finish that process. I think once you passed, you have to go to a star certified or smog test only location. You cant just go to any place you want.

 

I got my car BAR'd a few years ago. H22a1 and H2B kit into a 94 Civic Hatch. You will need all the smog components(i.e. ecu, sensors, etc.) for the motor you are swapping in. Jdm motors were not allowed at the station I went to.

 

This x100

 

 

Can't believe you have the nerve to start a bs thread like this on earth day

 

He's ******* smogging his car and making sure it's legal, and you have the nerve to bring up earth day. He's doing the world a favor by actually having to use a catalytic converter and all emissions equipment on some of the lowest emissions producing engines ever.










Also, OP, there's a million different threads and write ups on how to do it in this very forum, just search next time k thanks.

 

OP, I would check with your local BAR station and ask them questions before you go in. It also doesn't cost a lot of money to ref a car. I only paid $8.25 for the smog certificate. The smog test is free since it is a state ran program. I also do not need to take my car to a star certified only center. I can go anywhere I want.