Do you know the CA law on swapping motors?, smog Options

[computers4kids]

If you do a conversion to a 76 car in CA, which requires smog checks do you know how the law works in regards to smog? As I recall there's some fine print if the motor is newer or older than than car it's going in (76)?? I still need to talk to the DMV for their version, but I always like to know the answers to my questions before I ask them. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)
Thanks

[racerx9146]

Engine swaps in Cali are not easy. Cheaper to get a pre 74 car.

I put a 92 Subaru SVX EG33 in my 86 Vanagon Pickup.

When I first showed at the reg station one of the techs walked right up to me and said no way, incorrect drivetrain configuration. Engine in rear vs Front of original car. I jokingly said I could drive in in reverse gear. He was not amused and fortunately I got another tech. Initially they failed me. After 2 hours of climbing all over it and making me explain a bunch of stuff it came down to my check engine light was not labelled and I had a "incorrect exhaust configuration". Header and single cat vs original exhaust manifold and 3 cats. So I took my lumps, went home and hung the original exhaust under the truck, huge mess. Got out my label maker for the CEL and passed the 2nd time.

They check everything, evap purge, computer codes, stored and current, gas tank vapor leaks, egr functioning, you name it.

Its easier if you have a OBD 1 engine because they dont have the readers to check if the donor motor came from a automatic or if its a cali motor. If you use a OBD II motor they have the reader and may check.

The vanagon guys go though this all the time and the ref station is a crap shoot. Some are easy and some are tough but you better be in the ball part as far as the rules or its a no go.

In retrospect I would not do it again.

Daron

[strawman]

Engine swaps in Cali are not easy. Cheaper to get a pre 74 car.

I put a 92 Subaru SVX EG33 in my 86 Vanagon Pickup.

I put an EJ22 into a Vanagon Westy Syncro, but the Sacramento referee station failed me for using a non-CARB certified SmallCar header. I had to do the same thing you did by cobbling together a Suby exhaust abomination, and labeling the check engine light I mounted on the steering column. It passed about a month later.

They wouldn't give me the opportunity to describe the conversion during the initial inspection, and they completely ignored me when I pointed out that the Suby engine was MUCH cleaner than the VW Wasserboxer it replaced. What a crusty old fart the first guy was; the younger guy was much more pleasant... but I think he lusted after the relatively rare Westy Syncro.

Glad my Suby-powered 914 project won't have to pass smog to get registered, but it technically could be required to pass if a tightwad law enforcement officer sees fit to give me grief...

Geoff