When i was at tech update training in fremont i had a chance to talk with the state ref. guys. To my suprise they informed me that infact jdm motors can legally be registered in california. When he told me this i was instantly sporting wood!! Acorrding to cali rules, the motor (in my case a first gen b16) has to be conformed to at least the first time the motor was offered in Cal. So all some one with a b16 has to do is to upgrade your ecu and other components to obd-1 status
because that motor was offered for the first time in the del sol vtec. This is new and exciting news to me, hope it helps you other guys worried about smog...or reg. problems that come with jdm motors. Any comments or experiences are welcome. Anthony

 

That may work, but the "b16a" was never offered in California. The "b16a3" and the "b16a2" were however. Dont know if the block codes have to match up exactly, but if they do its not going to work for that reason.

-Todd

 

They dont car about block codes on b16's

 

I asked him that same question, "the block codes are not taken in acount with jdm blocks." That was straight from the ref himself. So yes the b16 was not offered in california but they look at as a b16a2 or 3 depending if you upgrade to obd-1 or 2.

 

Well that kind of sucks.. I have a 1991 B16a2. They will think Im supposed to be OBD2?

Im also working on a usdm a3 for smog reasons. Smog rules SUCK.

 

Where does that Ref work at.....?? I want to be sure to go to his station...