Hello guys. I was directed randomly to the state ref (no ticket) and had to swap my 93 hatch k series back to d series. Luckily my buddy had a 94 hatch I could use for the swap. Only issue is my car came with d15b7 and the 94 had a b8 . Went thru with the swap and showed up for my ref appointment. 2 hour long inspection and failed at the very end. He was ok with the motor change to the b8 but was not ok with the b8 ecu (po5 Lo1) and wants me to run the po6 Ao1 or Lo1. Which is the ecu for the b7. Main differences being the b8 is 8 valve head and the b7 is 16 valve head. And the b8 is 2 wire o2 and the b7 is 4 wire o2.
So my question is how can I get my D15B8 to run perfect and pass emissions with the po6 Ao1 or Lo1. And before you suggest swapping the case. He opened the ecu to confirm the board during inspection lol. For whatever reason he doesnt mind the change to the b8 but wants me to run the wrong computer for the motor... I love California

 

Did you find out from him if a chipped ECU is acceptable.

The P06 can be chipped and have the basemap for the B8 motor. This will fix the fuel maps and timing to be the 8 valve setup.

However, if Cali won't allow the chipped ECU, I do not see how you will get the P06 to pass emissions on the B8 motor. It will be running rich and won't pass a sniff test. I also do not understand why the inspector wants you running the incorrect ECU for the motor. The added wires on the O2 is for a heater. The B8 takes a little longer to reach closed loop.

 

Classic Catch 22 -- Did you ask the inspector this^ question?

 

He wants you to run the ECU original to the motor/ car because you’re just updating the longblock as a ‘replacement motor’ stock d series. Like putting in a b20 replacement longblock for a b18a, you’d still use the original accessories.

now, if everything you have in the car is for a 94 civic (all emissions equipment, wire harness, ecu etc) you could always ask and see if they will referee the motor and give you a bar sticker saying that it’s updated to the 94 spec...it’s worth a try if it’s already done.

 

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Chipped ECUs are not allowed.

 

I was afraid that was the answer. I am glad you have better insight and was able to provide a better suggestion for the circumstance.

 

Yes you are correct. I realized that yesterday. He had mentioned he was treating it as an engine replacement and not an engine change. But maybe I should just go back and see if he will treat it as the later. Do you know if the punishment is any harsher if caught with the wrong motor in a BARd vehicle versus a vehicle with no BAR sticker?

 

I don't think there is a punishment, you'll just be sent back to the ref and won't be able to get tags until it's corrected.