Originally Posted by Spinney54
For all you that live in a high requirements of low emissions state of California, like me, I've got a question.
I'm planning to install a new 96 JDM B18C1 GSR motor into my integ. I have some friends who will tell me there's no way to pass smog in California with a JDM motor. Is this true? I've also heard that if I use a USDM ECU that it will correct this problem and that later on I can register the engine as a USDM engine, IF AND ONLY IF it of course passes smog. So anyone know a way to keep my emissions low to pass smog next year? change ecu or weld on 3 or 4 cattys? jk. Any possible way?
btw i hate the new california low emissions laws. you suck arnold.
You'll have to go to the smog referee once the swap is complete. And there is no way that I know of to register a JDM engine as it's USDM equivalent.
The CARB ref will have a checklist to go over, ensuring that all the USDM emission controls are installed and functional. They are quite anal-retentive and very thorough.
The first stop should be the California Air Resources Board website.
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm
Replacement Engines
Entire engines can be replacement parts. As with any other replacement part, the engine must be identical to the original. If the replacement block or engine is obtained without emissions equipment, all the equipment from the original engine must be installed on the replacement block.
If the engine is not identical to the original then it is not a replacement part, instead it is considered an engine change.
Engine changes are a modification that must meet certain requirements to be legal (please see "Engine Changes").
Japanese Replacement Engines
Used engines imported from Japan can be used as replacement engines as long as the engine being used has been identified as functionally identical to the original engine. Please refer to the engine importers catalogue to determine if a replacement engine is legal for installation in your vehicle.
Engine Changes
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:
• The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.
• The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.
• If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.
• All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.
After an engine change, vehicles must first be inspected by a state referee station. The vehicle will be inspected to ensure that all the equipment required is in place, and vehicle will be emissions tested subject to the specifications of the installed engine.
Welcome to hell.
h: