I posted a previous post about H22 engine swaps to a Accord body. I was curious, now that i finally got most of my information. What type of engine should i go with for the H22a. JDM or USDM? I know the USDM is about 10hp less than the JDM model, but im concerned with being able to pass smog with the referrer and obtaining the engine sticker for future smog checks. Does anyone know if the JDM will pass the test?

If anyone that has actually gotten the sticker from the referrer for their car, and had a JDM engine instead of the USDM please reply to this post, i would greatly apprecaite it. THANKYOU!

 

i have a 93 4th gen w/ a 95 JDM H22. passing emissions was a bitch, it took me 5 tries. anyway, you can definitly pass emissions w/ a JDM motor. i finally figured this out after failing miserably the first few times, and i eventually got the "guaranteed to pass" emissions passing juice. you can get it at any auto parts store, and it's only 6 bucks. anyway, just follow the instructions, and you can pass with vaccum lines disconnected and no cat. but to answer your question, there shouldnt be any problems with getting your car e-checked and passing. they did not give me any hard time about engine vins and the fact that the motor was not originally meant for our cool accords. i'd recommend getting the JDM motor. just as cheap, and 10 more HP!!! anyway, hope this helps. oh, and i e-checked in colorado and ohio, dont know if that matters.

-nick

 

i believe there is a hardcore thread in the integra forum about getting a car with a JDM motor qualified. Here in california, it can be very VERY difficult.

Your search might start with that thread as I believe CARB refs here eyeball EVERYTHING...not just the PASS/FAIL numbers rolling off the smog machine.

On that note, if you were ultimately concerned about the car being 100% (this won't be a track-only car), it might be best to stick with USDM 94+. Being the devils advocate, is 10hp really worth the possibility of not being able to register your car? Every now and again, i see civics with jdm Bmotors in the recycler with a "story" and i have to wonder "did it not work out getting it passed?"

 

haha, seriously, i agree with the mere 10hp. Its not really worth it when you considered the headaches that might result. I actually did some research today. And i will post it here for others to view that are researching the same topic:

well, i did some more research, called and spoke with some smog referees in california. Basically, lets cut all the bullshit and myths. Here is the deal, yes they do certify vehicles, and yes they do them quite often. Its not as hard and scary as people make them to be. Basically, you have to go with USDM engines though, which are usually as obtaining as JDM. You can use a JDM and still pass smog and get certified, however this might require a little more work and changing out things.
If you are like me, and want the least headache from it, you should go with a USDM engine.

You must go with the same year or newer as well. From what the smog referee told me, if you go with these two things, and make sure however does your install, does a good job and makes sure to hook up everything 100%, you should actually have no problem passing and getting certified without requiring any modification (typically)

hope this helps ease the minds of some, as it did mind. Damn i hate california!