What are the engine swap laws in California?

Question

For example If I have a Hatch with an Ls-Vtec what requirements do I have to meet in order for it to be legal? Please provide accurate information with links that prove what you are saying is true.

Answer 1

Check out: http://www.hondaswap.com

Its a Great site and they should beable to help you out.

Answer 2

Normally you would have to go to a "Smog Referee" in order for them to inspect the motor. Typically the motor must have been produced as a "factory" item and is the same year or newer than the production date of the car it's being installed in.

What the Referee's look for is that all emission issues comply with California code. Vacuum hoses, Vapor canisters, Smog equipment etc. must all be in place. They will verify that the motor emits CO2 limits within the appropriate range also

They then will issue a metal badge or sticker and attach it to the car. This will identify the serial number of that motor. This also indicates that the motor falls within compliance.

Now I'm not sure if they will "legalize" a LS-Vtec because that combo was never produced as a "factory' motor. However the best thing to do is ask, it never hurts.

Also check out .....
http://www.foundationccc.org/WhatWeDo/SmogCheckReferee/tabid/72/Default.aspx .....and.... http://www.honda-tech.com

Answer 3

engine swap mean when the car manufacture offer a same year and model with 2 different engines choice,you can change the original engine with the other one .you can not swap a engine with another different manfacture engine or different year. for example,2005 mustang offer 2 choices of V-8 engine . single camshaft or dual camshafts

Answer 4

it is very hard to replace an engine in a California with anything other than engine like the orginal and meet the smog requirements. you may need to see a smog referee. Good luck.