CA Smog legal
09-10-2018, 12:18 AM
#1
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CA Smog legal Need some guidance here. The project I have is a ‘76 Buick Regal with the original 350-4/350. It’s tired and needs replacing. Can someone recommend a reliable shop or mechanic in the Inland Empire,CA area? Classic custom shops only want to use the LS3 E-rod package,which is very expensive. And the few I’ve found willing to do the LS1 swap might trying to sneak a truck engine in on me (it has to be from a car,not a truck).
If someone knows of a place with experience dealing with smog legal swaps,please send me their info. Appreciate any assistance. Have a great day,thanks.
If someone knows of a place with experience dealing with smog legal swaps,please send me their info. Appreciate any assistance. Have a great day,thanks.
09-10-2018, 08:50 PM
#2
TECH Fanatic
That LS3 E-Rod motor might be the only legal engine available that has a California Air Resources Board certification - makes the paperwork and legalities easier, I suppose.
Rick
Rick
09-10-2018, 09:02 PM
#3
TECH Senior Member
Any takeout from a post '76 car would be legal as long as all emissions gear is working. Use the converters that come with the late engine. Don't use the '76 configuration.
09-11-2018, 09:08 AM
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That is what I understood from the BAR. All of the emission systems from the donor car need to be completely functional. Finding someone to do a swap is easy,since most are pre ‘75. But when it comes to smog the mechanic isn’t so confident or doesn’t think he can pass the referees inspection. The few times I’ve spoken with the BAR, the guys have been very informative and friendly. And if I’m correct,any issue needing correction isn’t a catastrophe,just repair it.
09-11-2018, 11:12 AM
#5
TECH Senior Member
Right. It sounds like you have a referee who will actually work with you. Half the battle is won already! If you are not sure, maybe he will give you a list of things he looks for, so you can be sure it's hooked up/installed properly. You want to do what's right, but you need to know what right is! lol You might have to fix a few things before they will sign off on it, but you will get it right!
09-11-2018, 11:51 AM
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That’s the thing,finding a shop to know what right is. And knows how to correct any issues. The LS swap shops I’ve talked to are happy to do the swap but don’t seem able to handle the smog issue.
09-13-2018, 08:41 PM
#7
It can be done and has been done. Best advise is to talk to as many Smog Tech/Ref's as possible. Once you find one that sounds like he is informed on the rules and is willing to work with you, Keep working and use him. You get many difference answers to the same question on this subject from the many Tech/Ref's.
Even when they read and have the same Guidelines to follow.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/Industry/Engi...uidelines.html
Smog Check Reference Guide (see Appendix E).
BC
Even when they read and have the same Guidelines to follow.
https://www.bar.ca.gov/Industry/Engi...uidelines.html
Smog Check Reference Guide (see Appendix E).
BC
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09-14-2018, 12:11 AM
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Funny you would say that,this morning I spoke to a friend with a smog/repair shop. Also teaches master techs. He’s confident he can rebuild the original 350-4 with a mild upgrade,something a little better than the stock version and still pass smog. Won’t be as thrilling as a LS1 but at least it’ll be a little livelier than before.
