Rotank is correct. Back in 2004, I emailed the NHTSA asking for more information on importing an Evo 3. Their response was that it had to be 'substantially similar' to a US-spec car in order to be modified for compliance with FMVSS or be on file from the manufacturer that it would perform the same as a Left-Hand Drive vehicle of the same series/make/model. Some vehicle manufacturers have gone the latter route, such as Subaru with the early 90s Legacy.

All in all, you're in for an uphill battle as your car was probably VIN-swapped before you purchased it. A carfax report would confirm this in the event that the proper US-spec vehicle was totaled and its location/mileage/condition.

The following is merely conjecture on my part, based on what I know regarding the NHTSA, not a substitute for sound legal advice. Highly suggest doing your own research to be certain before you attempt any of the following:

Since the FC already exists here in the states, with the same 13B Turbo engine as in japan (with emissions equipment changes of course), you may be able to squeeze through the Substantially Similar loophole by making a list of bodywork/structure pieces that are identical and different (Part numbers would be useful here) to show that any difference between RHD and LHD would be insignificant provided that all other parts are FMVSS-compliant (windows, lights, bumpers, seat belts etc). This relies on divorcing the car from its incorrect VIN though.

Now, if it was VIN-swapped from a totaled US-spec car, this might give you the chance to claim it as being Rebuilt from Salvage. You'll have to provide receipts for replaced parts (IE: all of the J-spec parts) with the VIN of the donor vehicle. Since quite a few parts are identical between JDM and USDM vehicles or are only different on paper due to part numbers, this may be easy or difficult.

Fortunately, Mazda was very systematic with part numbering and only changed the prefix between regions & models. Generally speaking, Mazda only increased the last digit in the prefix to indicate a higher-spec part.

For bodywork on the FC, JDM parts begin with F044 (GT-X & GT-R) through F070 (Infini IV). US-spec parts begin with FB01 for S4 and FC01 for S5. Mechanical parts follow the ECU number (N318 for manuals, N319 for automatic S4's in Japan, N374 for all JDM S5's), while US-spec are N332/N333 on S4 and N370 for s5.

If you'd like, I can help you cross-reference parts between each version as I have every FC & FD parts catalog for both regions. Also got a limited European FC parts catalog as well.

 

Lots of good information. I too was looking to import an EVO 3 at one point, and I decide it would be easier and more prudent to buy a Mirage 4 door, swap to a 4g63 + awd, and then buy the evo 3 bodykit, or oem panels.

Still looking for another mirage 4 door.

But for certain cars which you can import rather cheaply, specifically the ones allready made in the united states, you need to bring in into compliance with federal safety and emissions laws.

 

Why is everyone dead set on the man just saying screw it and taking the risk of driving a stolen car. This isn't just a get pulled and busted and gettin a slap on the wrist. Get caught and the least that will happen is you will get stuck with receiving stolen property, even if you prove it was unknowing, you lose the car and get nothing back. What's he gonna do if the inspector ever decides to check of the registration matches the car vins? He is gonna report it cause he won't want the hassle of being in trouble for passing a stolen car. This isn't something to play around with. This can lead to serious felonies for being involved with stolen cars. That's grand theft.

 

May I ask what you paid for it? Is the guy you purchased it from local?

 

Lots of good info guys.
Where I live, they don't do emissions or chek the cars what so ever.
They rarely chek the vins when pulled over. And they only chek the dash ones.

And from what I know, there is no way to chek if the car is stolen. Since it has the 10 digit vin, it might not even pop up.
I'm gona try and get a hold of a vehicle department inspector for my county and ask him more about it or what I can do. If I could I would even title as Kik car just so I don't have to go trough swaping firewalls and stuff.

N no, the guy I bought it from is not local, he is a member on here (ramello) and had it on his forsake thread.
He had the car in carlsbad California

If i can't title it, I'm just gona sell the front clip to someone that wants to go trough doing the firewall conversion.

Thanks for all the advise guys.

 

lol here in ny all u need is bill of sale and title

 

i have some history with rhd cars.. here it is easy to get a rhd car titled.. well at least it was.
brought in an r32 gts-t and legally registered within 4 months for about 6k$ total including car

same guy also brought in an evo 3, basically same thing. cant find pics of this car.

there are multiple silvias/r 31/32/33/34s running around here though. all with legal state titles. def arent us govt legal though

basically how these guys were doing it was buying the cars and sending them to canada. then register in canada and drive across the border. once here, they can register them legally as a vehicle purchased from canada. as far as i know, this still works for the most part.

 

thats the problem, the title is for a US car, and thus the vin doesn't match the JDM car....