Originally when I found it, it looked more like a Type S or X, but if I remember correctly they had on their website that it was a Type R. I'll add the pre-buy inspection.

 

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/revie...c-2f99a6362fbb

Here is the pre-buy inspection.

 

I'm not entirely sure though, so I might be completely wrong. However, even when I searched for it through it's chassis code, it showed Type S, so more likely it's a Type S than an R.

 

​​​​​​​Not intimately familiar with the break-down in JDM, but pretty sure a Type R never came with an automatic, or a back seat for that matter. Though the latter is relatively easy to obtain used and install.
I am certain that NADM ‘R’ models were 5 spd and 2 passenger only.
Also while all NADM ‘R’ models came standard with a front shock tower brace, it was also a common dealer-installed item, and, since it took about 5 minutes and didn’t even require getting hands dirty, an extremely common item installed by owners.

 

you should PM the vin to Agaki's White Comet he can tell you how the car was setup from the factory.

 

Throw the VIN into this site, it should give you what it is. It's like Carfax but for Japan. You can get the basic information for free or the history for like $25. I've purchased many for when I was shopping for my car

Japanese Used Cars and Vehicles for Sale at Carvx.Jp - CAR VX

 

He got back to me, seems like it is a Type S after all.

 

Type R is just R1/2. They do come with a back seat. I believe it’s the RS that has bins.

 

I've looked it over, this car was the same one offered in January at Duncan Imports, claimed to be a "Type R". Kinda sucks because when it was sold, they knew they were misrepresenting it after I spoke to Mr Duncan about it. Seats are from a Mitsubishi Lancer GSR, the "little brother" to the Evo 2 and these were the "middle period" seats only used for a few months on it. Earlier and later GSR models had different seats.

 

The least complex solution might be to sell the car to a Canadian buyer, I think, rather than out of state titling, and then buying a California titled car.
Being an automatic, it may require more time.
Canada has a 15 yr exemption rule vs our federal 25 yr rule, so JDM FD's have been imported there for several decades, without much red tape beyond a basic roadworthyness inspection.
I can have a Vancouver JDM owner contact you about the process, if you wish. He can also list all potentially relevant JDM differences far better than I can, in case you continue to pursue US titling.
Washington state patrol would probably want to do an emissions test, so other states might be better choices.

Before doing anything, I would reach out to a few more California based JDM importers, preferably with FD import experience. Initial consults are usually free. You might only need a USDM downpipe in place of your straight through JDM downpipe, but you likely will require more emissions related USDM components.
I just borrowed a complete airbag + crash sensor system from a dismantled 1992 JDM car, for comparison puposes. Bumper crash test differences are sometimes a concern.
Everything is the same as in USDM 1993 versions, 3 front crash sensors, the interior safing sensor, the diagnostic module, the steering wheel + airbag. An FD importer will know exactly what's required., and might not give you a crazy "cover all unknown contingencies" estimate, that an importer with no FD experiece is likely to provide.

Other FD differences that the state might require are a Cali ECU (which are different from the other 49 states), )Cali emissions harness, more solenoids ( US lower intake manifold with integrated AWS and EGR , a knock sensor, an air pump, (pumping air into your precat) if you don't have one already.
Hopefully other RHD FD owners will share their import experiences here, and identify which JDM/USDM differences are relevant on a state level.
If you want to keep the car, collect these USDM items from the 3rd gen marketplace classifieds.
If you supply the parts, you might save on required compliance changes.
Advertise "wanted to buy" automatic parts, there is usually less demand for them, but far fewer were produced.

 

Yeah, I would greatly appreciate that. I've looked into some places, such as top rank, but they just use G & K, which is what I'm trying to avoid. Haven't asked too much with other places, so something I'll have to start looking into. I've found a few sites that will probably have the parts I need, I just need to know what it is exactly that I would need for mine.

 

I looked at the inspection report you posted. It doesn't look like the inspector "missed" something in an obvious sense, given the time and knowledge he was working with.

 

Move to Canada, eh.

We are literally crawling with RHD.

Not sure about a re-export of JDM from the US to Canada.

But typically when cars are moved between provinces, each province requires a vehicle inspection.

Which could be costly depending on the condition of the car.

Private shops are licensed to do the inspections and results can vary.

Many US USDM cars have been imported to Canada.

 

Likely the car is a Type X or a Type S. I don't believe Type R had auto.

Type X typically were automatics except for Version One JDM cars there were manual Type Xs.

 

Hey everyone, piling onto this RX-7 registration thread! Sounds like you're hitting a brick wall with the DMV United States (those folks can throw some real curveballs sometimes). Registering a car can feel like navigating a maze, especially with an older model.Here's an idea (and maybe someone can tell me if I'm way off base here) - have you tried contacting your local car club or enthusiast group? Those gearheads usually have a wealth of knowledge about these things and might have some tips specific to your situation and area. They've probably seen it all when it comes to quirky registration hurdles.

 

 

Weird bump...

Kind of related, I recently got one of my cars registered here in Texas. Because it is more than 20 years old, it only has to pass a safety inspection, for basic things like tires, brakes, lights, etc.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the inspection criteria for the safety inspection. One of them that stood out was that the headlights must be at minimum 24 inches off the ground, measured from the ground to the center of the light. Both my '94 Integra (lowered .5") and my FD (stock suspension) measure considerably lower than 24".

So this means that most 80s and 90s cars are technically illegal to register. Texas is pretty lenient with older cars, but it doesn't give me a warm fuzzy feeling that there is a law in the books that makes older cars de facto illegal.

 

you could raise it up, i guess. stuff like that bugs me too, if i'm elected we are going to work to get rid of these, usually older laws; that are only enforced piece meal, its unfair.

in California the only law we have about vehicle condition, the smog check, gets enforced very strictly, but every other law in the state is kind of ignored, so why bother having them?

 

I would go looking for employment as a consultant with a Montana business that may need your services and sell it to them. They may allow you to drive it as part of your compensation package.

 

That’s kind of an unfair picture. Winter rains in California always make the air crystal clear, even in the Central Valley. During summer you can still see the brown air. Valley looks more like a haze but it’s still all dust and smog.