California Legality of 914 engine swap Options

[wiredwrx]

Hello All,

I am looking for people, specifically in California, who have gone through the process of registering, insuring, and smog testing (If it is needed) a 914 with an engine swap.

I recently read about the change to law that says post 1975 cars, no matter how old are not smog exempt, so I plan on getting a pre 1975, or whatever year I need to get, to avoid that. But, what about registering the car. Do I have to see the state ref before I can get the registration. Do I even need to go to the State ref to get signed off on. DO I have to notify the DMV of the engine swap (I have a friend doing an engine swap, and his research has determined that the DMV must be notified of the engine swap)

I am looking for any information people have.

Thanx
Michael

[scruz914]

In CA, the smog goes with the year of the car or engine, which ever is newer.

So, if you install an engine that obviously didn't come in the car, it has to meet the complete emissions equipment specs of the year of manufacture of the engine. That includes evaporative emissions stuff, as well as the stuff designed into the engine. If you put an 80 928 engine in a '76 914, you'll need the evap stuff, all the EFI, the correct thermostat, the recirculating fuel system, and a catalytic converter feeding into a single exhaust pipe. I did a 2000 Jetta motor into a 1991 Vanagon, and it got really interesting with the BAR, the EPA, and the DMV didn't care.

I believe that you can put any engine you want to in a '75 or older car and it only has to be to the standards for the year of the car. I don't think (subjective criteria) that the ARB or EPA cares about cars older than 30 years.

Emission Control Configuration
Mixing and matching emission control system components could cause problems and is generally not allowed. Engine and emission control systems must be in an engine-chassis configuration certified by the California Air Resources Board (ARB) or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The engine must meet or exceed the requirements for the year and class of vehicle in which it is installed.

You problem with the Jetta was that the 2000 engine only had to meet '91 standards but it could not have any of its smog controls altered since it was going into a smog controlled car. i.e.:

Certification Standards
Make sure the engine and emission control configuration on exhaust - controlled vehicles are certified to the year of the vehicle or newer, and to the same or a more stringent new vehicle certification standard.

or

Computer Controls
If a computer-controlled engine is installed in a non-computerized vehicle, the "CHECK ENGINE" light, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) diagnostic link, and all sensors, switches, and wiring harnesses needed to make the system fully functional must also be installed.

Link:
CA DMV Engine Change Guidelines

-Jeff