Registering an fd with ls1 motor in Cali
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From: Delano, CA
Registering an fd with ls1 motor in Cali
Hi, does anyone know how to go about registering an fd with an ls1 swap? HOw does it work? What has to be done if it can be done?
Let me know asap. Thanx.
-Richard
Let me know asap. Thanx.
-Richard
you would probably be better of registering it out of state, if you want to try you would have to check with the DMV and then go to the referree to see if it was a california smog legal conversion.
You can probably register it as a regular FD. The DMV doesnt look at the engine. My car came out of state (texas) and I had no problems at all registering it. I was never asked about the engine or never had someone inspect my car. The lady just looked at the underhood stickers for emissions info. My friend put a TurboII engine into his first gen and didnt have any problems registering the car.
The legal way: Tell the DMV about the engine swap and possibly get sent to a state referree for a detailed inspection of your whole car.
I'd ask the honda guys how they register their cars after engine swaps.
The legal way: Tell the DMV about the engine swap and possibly get sent to a state referree for a detailed inspection of your whole car.
I'd ask the honda guys how they register their cars after engine swaps.
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From: 213 is the Clique
From what I understand, engine swaps are illegal. (but don't qoute me 
) I had a 95 Hatch with a b18c5 swap and my Sheriff friends used to tease me about how illegal it was. Bah, maybe they were just talking sh*t. :P
) I had a 95 Hatch with a b18c5 swap and my Sheriff friends used to tease me about how illegal it was. Bah, maybe they were just talking sh*t. :P
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From: SoCal
I haven't done any specific research, but in reading various things over the years, this is my understanding of engine swap legality in CA:
a) the engine must be from the same manufacturer as the chassis (GM V8 in a Mazda car violates this)
b) the engine must be newer than the chassis (e.g. a 95 engine configuration in an 88 chassis)
c) the engine must retain all the emissions devices (as they were in the engine's original home)
But I suspect those rules are just for the easiest path in registering the car. You might be able to have the state inspect an FD with a V8 and get it cleared for use on public roads, despite the apparent violation of rule a) above. But then again, the whole CARB certification thing and SMOG test visual inspections are asinine, so it may be that there is no legal way to operate an FD with a V8 in CA. Hey, maybe you can register it as a Camaro with an FD chassis swap.
I would like to see reason prevail in CA and have one of these realities come to be true:
a) SMOG testing for individual motorists proves to be ineffective (little or no effect on pollution levels, and a drain on the economy) and the SMOG test program is scrapped completely. I don't know if the data would support this, but this has happened in several places around the country, including the county I grew up in (Oakland County, MI). Most people don't modify their cars, and this would not affect the regulations for auto makers, so most people would be running clean setups anyway (just like they do today). It might eliminate some ill will (or generate some good will) by eliminating the hassles of SMOG checks for citizens as well (though I would expect some bunched panties among those that have become accustomed to having their cars tested and think that eliminating the tests will increase SMOG).
b) CARB realizes that keeping the sniffer test and dropping the visual inspection would be more effective at reducing emissions, since it would encourage people to make their modified cars pass the sniffer test as-is (no need to swap parts for the test or get fake tests). This could create a whole industry for clean-running aftermarket parts, unencumbered by the costly CARB certification process. Currently, the costs of certification make it impossible to produce and sell clean parts for all but the highest production vehicles, and even then the added costs of certification make the certified parts underdogs in the price-competitive parts market, especially in areas outside of CA where the certification has no value.
-Max
a) the engine must be from the same manufacturer as the chassis (GM V8 in a Mazda car violates this)
b) the engine must be newer than the chassis (e.g. a 95 engine configuration in an 88 chassis)
c) the engine must retain all the emissions devices (as they were in the engine's original home)
But I suspect those rules are just for the easiest path in registering the car. You might be able to have the state inspect an FD with a V8 and get it cleared for use on public roads, despite the apparent violation of rule a) above. But then again, the whole CARB certification thing and SMOG test visual inspections are asinine, so it may be that there is no legal way to operate an FD with a V8 in CA. Hey, maybe you can register it as a Camaro with an FD chassis swap.
I would like to see reason prevail in CA and have one of these realities come to be true:
a) SMOG testing for individual motorists proves to be ineffective (little or no effect on pollution levels, and a drain on the economy) and the SMOG test program is scrapped completely. I don't know if the data would support this, but this has happened in several places around the country, including the county I grew up in (Oakland County, MI). Most people don't modify their cars, and this would not affect the regulations for auto makers, so most people would be running clean setups anyway (just like they do today). It might eliminate some ill will (or generate some good will) by eliminating the hassles of SMOG checks for citizens as well (though I would expect some bunched panties among those that have become accustomed to having their cars tested and think that eliminating the tests will increase SMOG).
b) CARB realizes that keeping the sniffer test and dropping the visual inspection would be more effective at reducing emissions, since it would encourage people to make their modified cars pass the sniffer test as-is (no need to swap parts for the test or get fake tests). This could create a whole industry for clean-running aftermarket parts, unencumbered by the costly CARB certification process. Currently, the costs of certification make it impossible to produce and sell clean parts for all but the highest production vehicles, and even then the added costs of certification make the certified parts underdogs in the price-competitive parts market, especially in areas outside of CA where the certification has no value.
-Max
Last edited by maxcooper; Jan 17, 2005 at 02:09 AM.
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Originally Posted by rg42284
Hi, does anyone know how to go about registering an fd with an ls1 swap? HOw does it work? What has to be done if it can be done?
Let me know asap. Thanx.
-Richard
Let me know asap. Thanx.
-Richard
'Glory Glory Halejuia' was playing in the backround when I read this. 
Originally Posted by maxcooper
I haven't done any specific research, but in reading various things over the years, this is my understanding of engine swap legality in CA:
a) the engine must be from the same manufacturer as the chassis (GM V8 in a Mazda car violates this)
b) the engine must be newer than the chassis (e.g. a 95 engine configuration in an 88 chassis)
c) the engine must retain all the emissions devices (as they were in the engine's original home)
But I suspect those rules are just for the easiest path in registering the car. You might be able to have the state inspect an FD with a V8 and get it cleared for use on public roads, despite the apparent violation of rule a) above. But then again, the whole CARB certification thing and SMOG test visual inspections are asinine, so it may be that there is no legal way to operate an FD with a V8 in CA. Hey, maybe you can register it as a Camaro with an FD chassis swap.
I would like to see reason prevail in CA and have one of these realities come to be true:
a) SMOG testing for individual motorists proves to be ineffective (little or no effect on pollution levels, and a drain on the economy) and the SMOG test program is scrapped completely. I don't know if the data would support this, but this has happened in several places around the country, including the county I grew up in (Oakland County, MI). Most people don't modify their cars, and this would not affect the regulations for auto makers, so most people would be running clean setups anyway (just like they do today). It might eliminate some ill will (or generate some good will) by eliminating the hassles of SMOG checks for citizens as well (though I would expect some bunched panties among those that have become accustomed to having their cars tested and think that eliminating the tests will increase SMOG).
b) CARB realizes that keeping the sniffer test and dropping the visual inspection would be more effective at reducing emissions, since it would encourage people to make their modified cars pass the sniffer test as-is (no need to swap parts for the test or get fake tests). This could create a whole industry for clean-running aftermarket parts, unencumbered by the costly CARB certification process. Currently, the costs of certification make it impossible to produce and sell clean parts for all but the highest production vehicles, and even then the added costs of certification make the certified parts underdogs in the price-competitive parts market, especially in areas outside of CA where the certification has no value.
-Max
a) the engine must be from the same manufacturer as the chassis (GM V8 in a Mazda car violates this)
b) the engine must be newer than the chassis (e.g. a 95 engine configuration in an 88 chassis)
c) the engine must retain all the emissions devices (as they were in the engine's original home)
But I suspect those rules are just for the easiest path in registering the car. You might be able to have the state inspect an FD with a V8 and get it cleared for use on public roads, despite the apparent violation of rule a) above. But then again, the whole CARB certification thing and SMOG test visual inspections are asinine, so it may be that there is no legal way to operate an FD with a V8 in CA. Hey, maybe you can register it as a Camaro with an FD chassis swap.
I would like to see reason prevail in CA and have one of these realities come to be true:
a) SMOG testing for individual motorists proves to be ineffective (little or no effect on pollution levels, and a drain on the economy) and the SMOG test program is scrapped completely. I don't know if the data would support this, but this has happened in several places around the country, including the county I grew up in (Oakland County, MI). Most people don't modify their cars, and this would not affect the regulations for auto makers, so most people would be running clean setups anyway (just like they do today). It might eliminate some ill will (or generate some good will) by eliminating the hassles of SMOG checks for citizens as well (though I would expect some bunched panties among those that have become accustomed to having their cars tested and think that eliminating the tests will increase SMOG).
b) CARB realizes that keeping the sniffer test and dropping the visual inspection would be more effective at reducing emissions, since it would encourage people to make their modified cars pass the sniffer test as-is (no need to swap parts for the test or get fake tests). This could create a whole industry for clean-running aftermarket parts, unencumbered by the costly CARB certification process. Currently, the costs of certification make it impossible to produce and sell clean parts for all but the highest production vehicles, and even then the added costs of certification make the certified parts underdogs in the price-competitive parts market, especially in areas outside of CA where the certification has no value.
-Max
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No it's not Turbo'd
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From: Los Angeles, Ca
How do you get a 3 Rotor to pass, the same way you get anything to pass "Hook Up"
And the DMV doesn't give a crap about what you have under the hood, as long as the motor and the chassis isn't stolen you're A OKAY... they do want that pesky smog certificate though, and that might get trickier....
And the DMV doesn't give a crap about what you have under the hood, as long as the motor and the chassis isn't stolen you're A OKAY... they do want that pesky smog certificate though, and that might get trickier....
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From: kali
Originally Posted by DCrosby
How do you get a 3 Rotor to pass, the same way you get anything to pass "Hook Up"
And the DMV doesn't give a crap about what you have under the hood, as long as the motor and the chassis isn't stolen you're A OKAY... they do want that pesky smog certificate though, and that might get trickier....
And the DMV doesn't give a crap about what you have under the hood, as long as the motor and the chassis isn't stolen you're A OKAY... they do want that pesky smog certificate though, and that might get trickier....
Its pretty easy to get the car smogged if the DMV doesnt send you to a test only station. Some mom & pop smog stations dont care about visual. They just care if you pass the sniffer test.
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From: Southern California
An LS1 can be used in an Rx-7 chassis and pass smog. It meets the letter of the law because the engine was originally for sale in a U.S. spec vehicle, but there are a couple of caveots. The engine must be the same year or newer as the Rx-7 chassis, and the smog equipment that was originally on that engine must still be in place. There is a guy with a smog legal small block powered white S5 convertible at Sevenstock every year.
I'm not sure what the law says about converting to diesel power, but if converted and signed off as an "alternative fuel vehicle" (CNG), your smog worries are over. The registration will never say "smog check required" again.
I'm not sure what the law says about converting to diesel power, but if converted and signed off as an "alternative fuel vehicle" (CNG), your smog worries are over. The registration will never say "smog check required" again.
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From: San Diego
damn there is a lot of mis-information in this thread:
rules on swaps
same year or newer (not a problem is using an ls1 in an FD for obvous reasons)
All emissions equipment required at time of certification of new motor must be present (includes cats, egr, and OBDII functionality)
Motor must be from same class of vehicle (ie light duty/passanger car motors can only go into light duty/passanger cars. no medium duty diesel engines in light duty trucks)
must be a federally certified motor (this is why 20b swaps are technically illegal in every state)
when the swap is completed, you goto a state inspector for a new engine tag. they inspect to make sure it is a legal swap (based ont he guidelines above), smog the motor to make sure it still meets its emissions profile, and then attach a new engine identification plate in the doorjam. all future smogs can now be done at normal smog stations using the new identification sticker supplied by the inspector. thats it, pretty damn simple.
a little known loophole in the engine swap laws is that if the engine was offered as an optional engine in the same model year, it can be swapped in without going to an inspector. this means that NA-TII swaps require no inspection if done from the smae series/years.
edit also the CA vehicle code is availabe through www.dmv.ca.gov, and it will descriv the requirements and process for engine swaps.
rules on swaps
same year or newer (not a problem is using an ls1 in an FD for obvous reasons)
All emissions equipment required at time of certification of new motor must be present (includes cats, egr, and OBDII functionality)
Motor must be from same class of vehicle (ie light duty/passanger car motors can only go into light duty/passanger cars. no medium duty diesel engines in light duty trucks)
must be a federally certified motor (this is why 20b swaps are technically illegal in every state)
when the swap is completed, you goto a state inspector for a new engine tag. they inspect to make sure it is a legal swap (based ont he guidelines above), smog the motor to make sure it still meets its emissions profile, and then attach a new engine identification plate in the doorjam. all future smogs can now be done at normal smog stations using the new identification sticker supplied by the inspector. thats it, pretty damn simple.
a little known loophole in the engine swap laws is that if the engine was offered as an optional engine in the same model year, it can be swapped in without going to an inspector. this means that NA-TII swaps require no inspection if done from the smae series/years.
edit also the CA vehicle code is availabe through www.dmv.ca.gov, and it will descriv the requirements and process for engine swaps.
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From: Delano, CA
Nimisys, thanks for the info, but where under the www.dmv.ca.gov website does it explain the process of engine swaps?
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From: Big Bear Lake, CA / San Diego, CA
Originally Posted by rg42284
Nimisys, thanks for the info, but where under the www.dmv.ca.gov website does it explain the process of engine swaps?
This is the page you're looking for:
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/StdPage....s-Jan_1994.htm
Nimisys is spot on.
I installed a 1995 Mercedes AMG C36 powertrain (engine, tranny, diff, etc.) into a 1988 Mercedes wagon in California, and I had to show that I kept all the emissions, and PROVE that the OBDII works. The SMOG referee's SNAP-ON reader would NOT work, but my two other OBDII readers did, so I passed (don't forget to get a NEW gas cap, they test that as well).
My wagon as that new engine ID plate on the door-jamb.
:-) neil
I installed a 1995 Mercedes AMG C36 powertrain (engine, tranny, diff, etc.) into a 1988 Mercedes wagon in California, and I had to show that I kept all the emissions, and PROVE that the OBDII works. The SMOG referee's SNAP-ON reader would NOT work, but my two other OBDII readers did, so I passed (don't forget to get a NEW gas cap, they test that as well).
My wagon as that new engine ID plate on the door-jamb.
:-) neil
There are 3 or 4 guys that have the CARB sticker and passed the CA smog check at the referee. You need to have all the smog equipment from the donor engine and it needs to be the same year or newer than the chassis it is going into.
You can make 400rwhp easily and pass CA smog with an LS1 swap using upgraded cam (224/224 114LSA is about max to pass) and ported heads with all other bolt ons.
If you go to TorqueCentral.com on the V8RX7 section do a search and you can find a bunch of them. Spaceman_Spiff is one guy and Aram is another I believe.
You can make 400rwhp easily and pass CA smog with an LS1 swap using upgraded cam (224/224 114LSA is about max to pass) and ported heads with all other bolt ons.
If you go to TorqueCentral.com on the V8RX7 section do a search and you can find a bunch of them. Spaceman_Spiff is one guy and Aram is another I believe.
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From: Northern California
I know this is an old thread, but i figured it was best to pull it back up.
Does anyone have a ballpark idea of how much it costs to get carb certification for parts? Such as a turbo kit or something like that?
If another company already has a similar designed kit that has already passed CARB certification, and your idea is similar, can you use their design as certification reference?
I was just curious, i wondered how much it costs to have a smog legit setup be actually "legal"....
Does anyone have a ballpark idea of how much it costs to get carb certification for parts? Such as a turbo kit or something like that?
If another company already has a similar designed kit that has already passed CARB certification, and your idea is similar, can you use their design as certification reference?
I was just curious, i wondered how much it costs to have a smog legit setup be actually "legal"....
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From: Vacaville, California
Ca. smog legal FC with a V8
This really is an old thread isnt it? I still have a legit question that someone on here might be able to answer since nobody on the V8RX7 boards seemed to know?
I have a 1990 FC with a B.A.R. stickered 97 Mustang GT sohc 4.6L OBDII V8 motor. My question is this....
Can I swap out the Ford "sohc 4.6L V8 for a "dohc" 4.6L COBRA motor? My bar sticker only tells the smog tester that its a 97 4.6L mustang motor. It doesnt say if he is testing a sohc or dohc as far as I know? Unless the info is hidden in the bar code somewhere?
My mustang GT motor is great and I dont need to swap it out anytime soon but I was just wondering if a COBRA motor was even an option when I go shopping for a new motor? It does have 100 more horses!!!!
I have a 1990 FC with a B.A.R. stickered 97 Mustang GT sohc 4.6L OBDII V8 motor. My question is this....
Can I swap out the Ford "sohc 4.6L V8 for a "dohc" 4.6L COBRA motor? My bar sticker only tells the smog tester that its a 97 4.6L mustang motor. It doesnt say if he is testing a sohc or dohc as far as I know? Unless the info is hidden in the bar code somewhere?
My mustang GT motor is great and I dont need to swap it out anytime soon but I was just wondering if a COBRA motor was even an option when I go shopping for a new motor? It does have 100 more horses!!!!
For a second I thought that ***** rotoboy was back.
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From: Northern California
yes it is an old thread, but i didnt really see any other threads with a similar question. I looked on the carb website, but all they have is forms (no pricing or anything like that).
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