hey guys. i was wondering, if i were to bring a jdm engine to the state ref, would they be able to find out the year of it? i was told they can't since its not in their records (cpu). just as long as the ecu is coo. and if everything else ,smog equipment works properly. is this correct guys? i seriously need to find out if i can get the car registered and legalized before buying it. thanks

 

the year is stamped on the head.

 

all you need is the car smogged really.. and the seller always has to do the smog stuff in cali.. the buyer has nothing to do with that.. now going to the ref.. you can ask them to pre-test you.. which is basically off the record kinda thing..

 

can you elaborate the pre-test

 

Depends if the inspector is paying attention or not. All motors produced for the US market has it's serial number range in a book at the station. If they are paying attention, then no, it will not pass.

 

pre-test .. is basically they will do a visual and sniffer test.. but this is only to show if you will pass or not.. but my info is like 3yrs old when I had to go to the ref..there policy might be different.. but basically those guys want to help you out.. they are not there to fail and make your life hell.. just talk to them and ask as many questions as possible good luck ... now I beliee the vechile you are purchasing is a 98 civic.. with a 96 ITR engine in it... or am I mistaken you for another Hter buying a civic


[Modified by IM ALL BOB, 11:15 PM 3/13/2003]

 

that is correct....98 with 96 itr engine

 

id be sure to get it.but the problem is the damn engine. but if theres a way to get it registered and get that bar sticker. then id be on a plane over there giving him the money

 

well the 96 ITR is basically a OBD-1 sensored engine.. and I believe it is missing the CFK sensor and a few other OBD-2 sensors.... and basically that is automatic fail @ the ref.. I wonder if there's a way around that.. best bet is to smog it.. and you don't need to go to the DMV to show the vehile..I never had to do that when I bought a used corolla like last year ..just smog it register it and be happy =P there is no way you can get a bar sticker with that engine from what I have read and seen.. just get the car.. then sale the engine.. keep the tranny.. get a 98+gsr motor and then go to the ref.. and you can pocket some change from selling the motor


[Modified by IM ALL BOB, 11:25 PM 3/13/2003]

 

heres the link ....https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=421492&page=1

so try to help me out guys. i need a car already. my first car actually!

 

the guy told me that itsobd-2. it has a jdm itr ecu also. but what i was told to do was buy a usdm itr ecu, and id pass .


[Modified by chris408, 11:27 PM 3/13/2003]

 

alright. so ive been told, that if i buy the vehicle, i dont have to take it to the state ref unless i want the BAR sticker. all i have to do is register the car and make sure that it passes smog. is that correct? TTT

 

ttt ! i hate California but i also love it at the same time

 

u need all the smog emission equipment also. to use the usdm ecu, u have to rewire ur car for 3 things or it'll throw codes.

i thi nk one is a CFK sensor, vtec pressure switch and something else...i can't remember.


[Modified by all stock, 2:14 AM 3/14/2003]