I may be moving from Seattle to San Jose. My biggest concern, even more than the cost of housing, is the chance that I won't be able to take my FB with me because it won't pass emissions requirements. It's an '82 with a '91 engine and Racing Beat exhaust. There's nothing stock about it. In WA, it's over 25 years old and has a lifetime registration. No checks, no tests. I've had this car for 24 of those years. Any suggestions from the experts on how I keep my beloved FB?

 

Unless you want to return all the stock smog equipment and exhaust, I'd sell it.

 

Keep it registered in Seattle if you can or dirty smog.

 

Sucks, but unless you find a shady smog guy, which is next to impossible, you're probably gonna have to sell or part out the purple car. BUT...If you're not worried about housing cost then I'm guessing you landed a good paying job.

Maybe this guys price will hurt a little less..
1982 Mazda RX7 RX-7 Time Capsule Showcar

Here's a pretty clean GSLSE
1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE

 

I think if you check the CA DMV website. Since your car is over 25 years old, you do not have to do smog for registration. But don't quote me on that.

 

CA doesn't not have a rolling exemption.

1975 and older are exempt. 1975 to 1999 get emissions and visual testing.

2000 and up get ODB2 checks and a visual.

 

Maybe I'll have a shop put on all the S5 smog equipment. Who is recommended to do that kind of work in the Bay area?

 

I've been using The Shop in San Bruno. Give them a call and see what options they may have.

I know they have done CARB legal engine swaps. Matt the owner has a FD with a legal LS1 conversion.

 

I've only heard about The Shop doing V8 swaps, not really much rotary work. You're going to want someone that has rotary parts on the shelves like Rotorsport, Ricks Rotary, Mr Mazda. But they'll be expensive due to time sourcing parts and diagnostic time. There are a couple mobile tech's and DIY'ers in the area that could help source parts and wrench if there is a place to work on the car. You could probably amass all the parts you need within a weekend via craigslist.

 

Last time I talked to Mr Mazda he too was focusing on swaps. He said parts are just too hard to come by. Rotorsport was having the same issues and wasn't doing rebuilds last time I had a tuneup done by him.

Wonder if you can get the 82 legal with a 91 setup.

 

You should be able to as long as A) the engine is newer than the car, b)all of the original smog equipment is on it.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. It's good to see there are still rotary specialists in the area. They have become extinct here in Seattle and in Denver, where I lived previously. .