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

[andys]

Yes, but if the car has been off the DMVs books for a while, the new title requires the engine number.

Good point. I have not had to deal with that.

-Jeff

That was NOT my experience. The '75 I bought was last registered in 1985, and stored in a garage since. Title and registration was completely off the books with no existing record or evidence at all, zero. I submitted the title from the PO to the Auto Club, they put in a request for title, they witnessed the VIN, I paid sales tax, license fee, a $12.00 title origination fee (or something like that), and walked out with plates and '04 tag. No engine number was asked for nor required for the transfer of title or licensing. It was incredibly easy.

Andy