What are the does and don'ts of engien swapping. I am just curious of the legal garbage. Anyone know. I would love to do the b16 swap pre obd. Any info would help.

Thanks,
Matt

 

nothing is illegal unless you live in california in which case it has to be the same year or newer as the chassis its being put in

 

I think each state has it's own set of rules regarding engine swaps. Some are stricter than others. For the most part, the engine that you are swapping in should be the same year or newer as the vehicle it is being put into. Then depending on your state's emission regulations and vehicle inspections, you'll find out if your car is street legal. Your best bet would be to ask the proper authorities in your state.

 

any jdm motor is not legal in california.

 

i cant think of any other state that is as strict as cali.....

 

Who should i go talk to, Like local cops, mechanics, license bereau, i am not sure exactly who i should talk to.

Thanks,
Matt

 

Actually the WI laws are super strict by the books also. You cant lower, modify youre exhaust, have an open filter intake, modify engine internals, change seats, guages ...nada.

Engine swaps are limited to same type engine.

Its just that some of the major cities in cali have been so polouted that they are overreacting now.

Most states actually have the close to the same policies that cali does...they just arent inforced. Example only 9 counties in WI have emissions testing. Register your car in say...Dodge county....and you dont ever have to take an emissions test ever.

-Jake

 

Dang, so overpoluted that you can't change your seats.

 

that stuff is rediculous. how can they tell you changed your internals if you passed emmission? Seats, give me a break! A lot of aftermarket seats are way stronger than stock. Open element air filter? why? too loud? thats super gay.

Im glad i live in alabama, where we can run open header all day long!

 

So the answer is yes i can legally swap a b16a pre odb into my 91 honda crx?

Thanks,
Matt

 

Ive seen the article in the 2 inch thick book of auto regulations from the WI DOT. You cant legally change your seats. You cant run an open air filter. I failed emissions because I had an open filter on the end of a stock intake hose. You cant modify your suspension in any way. The list goes on, and on.

-Jake

and on...and on and on...

 

will that then hop the insurance rates?

 

thats IMO very gay
how they know the seats are not the factory ones??
seats have no marking or serials of whatsoever on them...
and i beleive that the guy who inspects it will not know all seats and all cars by heart...

anyways that sucks
if i were u i will move out as soon as yesterday!

 

clark county is such a good place to live. We don't need no stinkin testing. and as far as the rest you can do alot. I've been stoped alot and all they ever check for is my cat. and make sure that no suspension pieces sit lower than the rims


[Modified by SIRX, 9:45 PM 1/4/2003]

 

don't tell the insurance company that you swapped an engine. i'm not sure but i think they would up the rates.

 

i thought jdm motors were for "off road use only" thats why distributors were alowed to sell in california. im probably wrong .

 

My 2cents is to throw out that JDM engines will not pass a referee station. I've heard some rumors that the law has changed but have never had anybody quote what the law or ruling is. I'd sure like to know. (I live in Cali)

I don't want to have it appear as a slam against EFzero, but I think his comments are misleading. As noted in the prior post, all a company (engine importer) has to do is state that the "intended" usage is for "off road use only". Dang, I've got a stack of stickers from cam shafts I've bought over the years stating that! And yet they are so easy to buy.

I don't question that EFzero has been able to get JDM engines through a smog check, but I don't think it would carry any weight in a discussion with a Referee.

In regards to items like seats being illegal to swap; a state can say that due to the feeling that it's part of the "designed restraint system". It's b-****, but that's what they are up to.

Wes.

 

WOW! I thought California was strick. At least here, engine swaps are not limited to the 'same type of engine'.