I8URSVT

iTrader: (2)

hey guys, im debating about doing an LSx/t56 swap into my '92 notchback. one thing thats holding me back is that the car would have to get safety and emissions inspections every year. i know an inspector who would pass it, but dont know how long he'll be around for. the car is likely to be a daily driver, so "passing" inspection is important.

what do you guys do to get your lsx swap car inspected? thanks guys

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

We don't have to worry aout that here. It's been proven that it's nothing but a money maker for the states that still do it. The cars aren't one bit safer.

bczee

iTrader: (12)

To be Technically Legal... You need to check your states DMV for re-certification and law/policy for engine swaps.

Most likely if the state permits swaps, You would have to re-cert the car to the engine that is being swapped in and matches the VIN in the PCM.. (vette, camaro, gto, truck, etc..) and be yearly tested as that.

What does VA require for smog tests ? Visual, sniffer, ODBI/II connected and/or dyno ? If it is just a sniffer, you might get away with it. but If it is anythin more..you would fail without re-cert'in the car.

jeepnut24

We have to recert the vehicle here in my county, then bring a paper to the rolling dyno sniffer.....

Ollie8974

Most states have a 20 year cut off for annual inspections.

Lil'John

Not sure on VA rules as far as swaps go, but in CA:

1. the engine swapped in has to be the same year OR newer
2. the engine swapped in has to retain ALL smog related devices... this means all catalytics, o2 sensors, EGR stuff, smog pump(don't think LS has them), EVERYTHING
3. the engine swapped in can not have any NON- CARB approved modifications... this includes headers, intakes, cams, PCM tunes, etc... by CARB, I mean California Air Resource Board not carburetor Although a carb'd LSx would NOT be allowed in CA either.

In general, the cleanlier you can make your swap, the more inclined an inspector will be to NOT dig into what you did. This means a tidy wiring harness, well routed things, etc... I'm not talking about having chrome everything

Where people usually run afoul doing engine swaps is one of two things:

1. Not buying complete engine and then trying to mix and match parts from other cars.
2. Leave stuff off because of "HP gains"... you know, the "I gain 5 hp by leaving off a smog pump" crowd

The same people who fall into the above are usually the ones who **** and moan the loudest about how hard it is to do engine swaps

CA doesn't have tech inspections so I have no input for you.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

Move to TX (j/k)! My Mav is over 25 yo, registered as an antique with vintage plates, and thus requires no inspection - plus the registration is renewed every 5 yrs instead of yearly.

nissan 570sx

I do my own inspection.

JBarron

Hey...so do you know about the laws in Maine (I don't live in Cumberland County)?

nissan 570sx

As far as?


I have my state inspection license if that's what you're asking.

Pop N Wood

iTrader: (1)

Maryland offers Hot Rod and Historic plates. No inspections and only $35 a year licensing fees.

VA may have something similar.

claytonisbob

iTrader: (1)

I didn't even know there was such a thing in Texas. Does this affect you're insurance at all (maybe cheaper)? I wonder how hard this is to do.

nissan 570sx

Don't registrations like that limit you to a set mileage per year? Antique plates in Maine only allow you to drive 10,000 miles.

S10xGN

iTrader: (11)

When I gave my insurance papers to the counter girl, she said vintage registration didn't require insurance! I've got a policy (32k for $329/yr) through Heacock Classic though...

Most do (mine does), but I'd never drive that much anyways.

JBarron

Say I swap an OBD2 LSx into a '93 FD, do I need to use all the emissions equipment of the donor vehicle, like charcoal canister, egr, and exact positioning of OEM cats? Thanks.

JDishong

iTrader: (3)

Yes you need to use all the emission equipment that came with the donor car.

The cats need to be placed within 3" in length from the original position on the donor. You also have to use oem cats due to no aftermarket carb approved cats being available.

Truck or suv engines into cars is a big nono.

JBarron

This is for rural Maine though?

97s10ls

iTrader: (1)

I know a guy that does the inspections for me a friend of a friend.

JDishong

iTrader: (3)

Sorry, reading comprehension impaired.

eastcoastbumps

iTrader: (1)

Every state is different. You're all better off asking this question in your regional forum. In MA all pre '95 cars are emissions exempt. All post '95 require a working OBDII port with no error codes.