This is topic engine swap legality question ??? in forum Tech Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by Procharged2Kv6 (Member # 1563) on :
 
if you swap your engine..per se, i started out w/ a GT and wanted to swap w/ a Cobra Motor..

would that be legal..or, smog legal???

since you're car is registered for a GT...and they notice a Cobra motor..

would that pass smog??
 

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Posted by 94gt (Member # 3060) on :
 
I was told by one tech that you can go up in years (newer technology) but cannot go up in CID.
like v-6 to a v-8 would be a no-no....
I dont know if this is 100% accurate, but im jsut tossing in my .02

 

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Posted by wilit (Member # 3367) on :
 
As long as the engine is not older than the vehicle, and it has the correct smog equipment for that particular model year engine, most engine swaps are smog legal. The problem is, most of the time you have to go to a referee and get a tag on the door sill.
 

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Posted by Quick 88LX (Member # 1950) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by wilit:
As long as the engine is not older than the vehicle, and it has the correct smog equipment for that particular model year engine, most engine swaps are smog legal. The problem is, most of the time you have to go to a referee and get a tag on the door sill.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Procharged2Kv6:
just making sure (b/c motor may go out in a year or two)...

1) as long as motor is same year or newer than the car..
2) must get a "tag" from a referee to say its legality

therefore, if my car is registered as a V6, and i want to put a Cobra Motor, it's ok, as long as i get it "tagged" by a referee...

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I'm fairly certain that's how it works. You might want to call and talk to a couple of "referees" just to make sure. I say talk to a couple, because you'll probably get a few different answers. Once you get the answer you want, make sure you take the car to that guy to get inspected
 

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Posted by blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
its considered a motor upgrade, I just went through this converting my car from 4 cyl to v8.

smog ref told me I don't even need a door tag, I only have to pass smog as an `89 5.0L mustang, nothing special is needed.
 

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Posted by Procharged2Kv6 (Member # 1563) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by blind:
its considered a motor upgrade, I just went through this converting my car from 4 cyl to v8.

smog ref told me I don't even need a door tag, I only have to pass smog as an `89 5.0L mustang, nothing special is needed.

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quote:

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Originally posted by blind:
its considered a motor upgrade, I just went through this converting my car from 4 cyl to v8.

smog ref told me I don't even need a door tag, I only have to pass smog as an `89 5.0L mustang, nothing special is needed.

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Reeeeeeaaaaaly? hmmmmm..... this gets me thinking about the future...
 

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Posted by blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
so long as the engine is offered in your year vehical as an option, then its really not a big deal, you just need to pass smog as that motor combo would require in your year car's frame.
 

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Posted by 94gt (Member # 3060) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by blind:
so long as the engine is offered in your year vehical as an option, then its really not a big deal, you just need to pass smog as that motor combo would require in your year car's frame.

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what about another manufacturer... like a 95 saleen?
 

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Posted by Wolfie351 (Member # 651) on :
 
While everything previously posted is true...if your car is still under emissions warranty, it is illegal to remove any functioning smog equipment. California requires extended emissions warranties on all cars sold which may exceed the normal manufacturer warranty and it doesn't matter if you bought it new or used. If your car is still has an emissions warranty, the smog ref will NOT issue you a BAR sticker.
 

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Posted by AZTECLX (Member # 674) on :
 
What about insurance? I mean say your car gets stolen with it’s new heart (Cobra engine) yet all the paper work still says that it’s a V6. Will they reimburse you for a V6 or the new Cobra heart? Just make sure you ask (your insurance provider) what would happen in if that where to happen. I'm also pretty sure your rates will go up too. Good luck
 

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Posted by 94gt (Member # 3060) on :
 
any1 know about more specifics? say a 94 with a 302 "upgrading" to an s351's engine???
 

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Posted by blind (Member # 3052) on :
 
my car is insured as a 5.0L LX

it is $20 more every 6 months rather than insuring as a 2.3L...your milage may vary

I have no idea on that 94gt, the smog ref I went to was in san bruno at skyline college, very cool guy, and he'd be the one to ask.
 

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Posted by v-town coupe (Member # 2771) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by wilit:
As long as the engine is not older than the vehicle, and it has the correct smog equipment for that particular model year engine, most engine swaps are smog legal. The problem is, most of the time you have to go to a referee and get a tag on the door sill.

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quote:

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Originally posted by mtbaughs:
I've done many 302 to 351 stroker conversions and had no issues having them pass smog. Just as with the 302 the car needs smog friendly mods on it. Most smog guys won't even notice it's a 351.

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I'm just dreaming of doing my own 351 swap someday...
 

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