Engine swap in California???

Has anyone done a Smog legal engine swap in CA. I have been reading up on what is allowed and not allowed and I think I know all the regulations that have to be followed. I don't have a 'smog guy' to pass me 'legally' ;) and I was wondering if anyone has done one and if they passed the smog ref on visual and sniffer.

I wanna go V8 but I don't want to have to swap the stocker back in if I fail visual etc.

This is a far in the future plan, I'm just doing some homework on the subject. I've got 35,000mi on my current rebuilt 2.2 so when it takes a crap on me I will need MOAR POWAAA!

Then don't fail the visual!
Your engine needs to be the same year, or newer than the chassis... and all the emissions equipment for that engine is required with the swap.
Do I really need to say it needs to be properly connected and functioning too?

I did a California swap about 20 years ago. The Smog Referee won't mess around! If it isn't done right, you fail!

I swapped a 3.0L turbo diesel into my 86 Toyota 4x4 when I lived in CA, I just paid a little mexican shop $100 to say it passed.

HAHA well done. I do want to try and stay within 'legal' bounds so I don't have any issues down the road with smog. (say 'little mexican shop go's out of business...)

But I will keep that in mind if I want to go that route.

does Ca do the if its older than 25 years you are good, or are they more stringent? I know in Iowa after 25 years you can run historic plates. Don't know if it's the same thing are not?

Unfortunately they don't, I think the vehicle has to be pre-1965 to be smog exempt.

I've never tried doing it the legal way but I've heard from friends that its very difficult to have it approved. Where are you in CA? I used to live in Palm Desert.

I'd say... that what you need is...

a nice looking engine cover.


either that OR. swap the engine, then...
swap it back.

If done right it shouldn't take but a few hours, just for a crude fix to get to and from your 'spections and all.

or: understand that. Little mexican shops come and go

but there will always be one there for you. ================

R&R an engine is a reasonable option for those who have a garage I live in an apartment so working on my B is a pain in the ass! My land lords jump down my throat when I wrench in the parking lot, so I have to work in the street no matter what it is that I'm doing.

Engine cover HA!! maybe just blow up a GIANT picture of my 2.2 and lay it over the entire engine bay for inspection. No problem

YES this is true as far as the little mexican shops go I'm sure you are right

OK, from the top.
It is illegal in the U.S. to tamper with, cause to be inoperative, remove ANY smog related equipment from any year vehicle.
This is the federal law! Most likely tho, you will never run afoul of it.
The socialist state of california has additional inspection laws. There is nothing in california law that changes the federal law. California law is just for inspectiions and complience purposes. Since the number of vehicles prior to 1976 on the road is a small percentage they exemptied said vehicles from inspections not law. You can be cited (rarely) if out of complience will have to bring the vehicle back to complience or remove it from the road. (Yes I've seen it happen)
In the laws covering engine swaps the years are done in groups based on vehicle years. You can always go forward, however not back based on the grouping. Additionally most truck to car swaps are not permitted.
Sum it up, the best thing to do is contact a referie (sp) station and talk to a referie. Get it in writing what you can do and take it to the same person to get it cleared. Even though it's got a BAR sticker you may have to take it to the refery when it is time to renew.
It can be done just takes some time and planning.

Background; I taught ASE A-8, smog, etc. Consulted on the original law formulation. Have performed or been involved in thousands (yes thousands) of engine swaps. Biggest thing to remember is the enviormental groupes, socialist want your car off the road. Ride a bike, drive an electric car, etc, even tho they all still contribute to polution.

Stick with it, as the rewards are worth the work!