G-Body Engine Swap.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: SF Bay Area
G-Body Engine Swap. I'd like to put an LS2/6SPD in an Elco I picked up but want to know what steps you took to clear any emissions and registration problems. California is really strict when it comes to this and I would like to make this swap go as smooth as possible.
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,147
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From: Downers Grove, IL
I think that in california you can swap in any engine as long as it comes from the same class of vehicle, is newer than the vehicle your putting it in, and you keep all the emissions equipment from the engine you are ok.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
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From: SF Bay Area
I thought I would have to use the matching emissions equipment for the motor I want. I also went to the DMV and they were F****** CLUELESS. 
Same with my nearest referee station. They were just as CLUELESS as the DMV.
Same with my nearest referee station. They were just as CLUELESS as the DMV. Pick up a copy of "Smog Check Inspection Manual" It's at the BAR office. Runs about $10. It will answer all of your questions.
Boils down to a couple of things:
Also pick up a copy of Mike Knell's book called: Chevrolet TPI/TBI engine swapping .
Although it is for Gen 1 engines, there are sections on emissions in Ca that will be of great use for you.
Boils down to a couple of things:
Also pick up a copy of Mike Knell's book called: Chevrolet TPI/TBI engine swapping .
Although it is for Gen 1 engines, there are sections on emissions in Ca that will be of great use for you.
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Originally Posted by CRCRFT78
I thought I would have to use the matching emissions equipment for the motor I want. I also went to the DMV and they were F****** CLUELESS. Same with my nearest referee station. They were just as CLUELESS as the DMV.
Same with my nearest referee station. They were just as CLUELESS as the DMV. 
Seriously though, I agree with what G-Body said (from what I understand), although I can't give a qualified opinion since I'm not a CA resident.
Here's a free bump hoping a real expert can chime in.
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I see your in the Bay area.. I am in Concord...
It can be done and has been done. As G-body stated, Class means Truck engine to truck body. Car engine to car body.. you can not use a LQ9 (truck) into a Car body. So the question would be, What does your Registration state it is ? car or truck.
You would be best to get a whole donner car/truck, that way you can get everything you need from the any fuel tank sensors, connector and last bit of wiring.
You can go from one referee station to another and get different view of the laws. You may not pass at one, but another will pass you (providing you have all of the documentation you are asked for). Some have said to just keep going around till you find one that will co-operate and work with you and then pass it.
I just talked to someone who had his Celica upgraded to a later model Turbo engine and it was done by some school in Livermore.
good luck
It can be done and has been done. As G-body stated, Class means Truck engine to truck body. Car engine to car body.. you can not use a LQ9 (truck) into a Car body. So the question would be, What does your Registration state it is ? car or truck.
You would be best to get a whole donner car/truck, that way you can get everything you need from the any fuel tank sensors, connector and last bit of wiring.
You can go from one referee station to another and get different view of the laws. You may not pass at one, but another will pass you (providing you have all of the documentation you are asked for). Some have said to just keep going around till you find one that will co-operate and work with you and then pass it.
I just talked to someone who had his Celica upgraded to a later model Turbo engine and it was done by some school in Livermore.
good luck
Last edited by bczee; Jul 11, 2007 at 02:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Pick up a copy of "Smog Check Inspection Manual"Also pick up a copy of Mike Knell's book called: Chevrolet TPI/TBI engine swapping
Hey, if they are that clueless, just tell them that it came that way.
I see your in the Bay area.. I am in Concord...
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,147
Likes: 12
From: Downers Grove, IL
Originally Posted by bczee
It can be done and has been done. As G-body stated, Class means Truck engine to truck body. Car engine to car body.. you can not use a LQ9 (truck) into a Car body. So the question would be, What does your Registration state it is ? car or truck.
Even though they class it as a truck for plates, registration etc for emissions they classify it as a car
