When is the bar sticker required? I know it would be need when doing a hybrid like a gsr engine in a civic. But what about a gsr engine into an integra rs, same body style; would a bar sticker be needed then? thanks

 

if the smog shop you go to refers you to a state ref, that means you need a bar sticker. before they smog your car, they usually check the block code to see what chassis it falls into.

 

I guess my question is if the chasiss and engine match but the vin number don't, then would a bar sticker be needed for smog? or is it solely up to the shop?

 

i am not sure if the smog shops will look at both vins. they might not. but if they do, then its automatically a red flag. then you go to the ref or CHP and they run the vins to make sure neither is stolen. they will then issue a replacement vin or just let it go.

 

legally, any time you change motors to a motor that is not the same motor that came in that car ("that" means your exact car, not just that body style). However you don't actually need a bar sticker until a smog shop notices that the engine is different and they refuse to smog you and send you to a ref. But yes, if you're putting a gsr engine into an rs, you need a bar sticker. Although who knows if the smog shop would actually notice.