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Concerning the following conversation: >> year were now installed correctly on the modified vehicle. Provided all >> equipment is present, and that it passes the updated smog requirements, >> the vehicle would be given a new door panel sticker and ID number for >> future registration and smog checks. > > This is interesting. I don't have to deal with the Cal regs, but this is a > lot different from most of the postings I read. What are you really saying? > Do you not need to pass periodic reinspections? Is it really okay to > modify your engine? What "updated smog requirements" do you need to pass? > What options do you have if you can't meet those requirements? As an example, say you put a 1985 engine into a '72. Once you make an engine change, you can never go back. From that point on, you vehicle will be considered a '85 and must meet all of the engine and smog requirements of a '85. you cannot later install a '75 engine and re-register, cannot go backwards, can go forwards. Still NOT ok to install aftermarket equipment that would lower emissions though, must be stock. You must still meet the periodic smog requirements, currently in CA every two years. After you have made the change, the smog folks will have to inspect the engine, and will check to see that EVERYTHING form the '85 is there, operating and will meet the proper emissions requirements. I had to go through all of this for my '80 VW Westi. I installed all the *stuff* from a CA bus into my non-CA bus. The state now considers my Westi a Califiornia vehicle, and must from now on meet the CA requirements. (It was cheaper to buy a $400 bus with good engine parts than it was to track down and buy the parts I needed for get my non-CA to pass) Get ahold of several manuals that cover the *new* and old engine to serve as reference guides to assure the smog folks that you have the right parts in there. I stood and watched them throughout the process, and offered my books to them. It was easier to use my books than to search through their mountain. Showed them that I knew what I was doing. Unfortunately they see so many people trying to *get away* with things, and so many angry people, they get very defensive and take on a *we're the experts* attitude. Be nice, polite, thorough and professional, it will drive them crazy. BTW - While I was there, watched some guy going through a vehicle identity crisis. He had a '59 bug pan, '64 engine, dune buggy. Both those years were pre-smog and should be exempt. But, PO had been convinced by someone to call it a '94 kit car. The smog people didn't know what to do, so they failed him. - Jeff '67 Sqbk, '80 Westi