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What engine swaps are legal in California?
A straight engine swap for an identical power unit comes under California’s “replacement engine” laws. All such swaps must involve identical engines, with no modifications. If the replacement block comes without emissions equipment, then this must be removed from the original engine and installed on the new unit.
Is an LS swap legal in California?
They are still subject to smog inspections in California just the same as any other vehicle. However, the eRod LS3 package adheres to California’s regulations and, as long as the emissions equipment is not modified, can be legally driven on the street.
Can i engine swap my car in California?
Remember, the Referee Inspection program is a benefit for people who do engine swaps. The California smog laws on engine swaps (or engine changes) are consistent with common sense, safety, and emissions reduction. That is, if it is legal in California, then according to the EPA, it is legal in all other states.
Are engine swaps easy?
An engine swap is both as simple and not as simple as it sounds. At its core, it is just about replacing a car’s original motor with a different one. But even if you’re just exchanging one gasoline engine for another, it’s not quite as easy as undoing a few screws.
Can you register a car in California without smog?
Smog inspections are required when you register or renew registration for a vehicle in California, but there are some exceptions. Your vehicle does not need a smog inspection if your: Gasoline-powered vehicle is a 1975 year model or older (This includes motorcycles and trailers.)
Are JDM engines legal in California?
First, as previously mentioned, “the engine being swapped must be the same year of the vehicle or newer. Secondly, especially in California, you have to put a California certified engine into a car. You cannot put a 49-state or JDM engine into a California certified car.
Are engine swaps difficult?
Swapping engines is a difficult feat and very dangerous. Swapping engines can be tricky, and not to mention dangerous, if you don’t know what you are doing. They can weigh as little as 300 pounds, or more than 700, which leaves a lot of room for error with weight alone.