Smog Question!

[bwaynep]

Ok, so here's the deal... I need a new engine for my '90 Si Hatch, I've been thinking about a swap (d-series of course!). Should I just rebuild my a6 with a cam and a milled head or should I swap it? I'm looking for a daily driver and I'm not too keen on losing much in the way of mpg.

So... the main question, I've been looking at different engine importers and a few list the jdm d15(vtec) as a replacement for the d16z6. I'm wondering if the state of California would consider it a "direct replacement" so that I could drop one in with a USA spec ecu and components and be able to have it pass at the referee station to get the sticker?

If anyone is out there that knows and can offer help I'd greatly appreciate it. And if I end up doing some work on the car and you're around San Jose and could offer assistance hit me up, I'll buy you a :beer: for your help.

Oh, btw...If I end up rebuilding my a6 does anyone know of a good source for the Integra pistons (p29?) that will fit and bump the CR. Thanks all.

-Brady

[makku]

since the d15b was never offered in the US, it is not smog legal in CA. However, it would probably pass at a normal smog station. If you got a really picky place though, they might recognize it and not pass it. The ref definitely would not pass it (i think).

[daliumong]

hey, im in san jose too, havent started on my project car yet, but i'm going to this summer

about the jdm d15b, from what i've read its pretty good in terms of mpg, after all, it is only 1.5 liters. And also, there were no jdm d series motors that were offered in the US. In other words, any jdm d series motor that you drop in your car will not technically be smog legal (in california)

technically, if you ever swap your motor, you are supposed to get it verified by the smog ref and get a bar sticker. Basically, the swap can be legal as long as the following are met.

1. The engine is the same year as car or newer.

2. The ECU is a USDM and not JDM.

3. NO JDM wiring harness, it must be USDM. (I am a little confused about this, I am wondering if my USDM CX harness will pass?)

4. The intake must be the original USDM air box, OR an intake that has a C.A.R.B sticker that is STRICTLY for the swapped motor. (Example: an AEM CAI for a GSR with a GSR motor will PASS, a AEM CAI for a Type R with a GSR motor will NOT pass)

5. The exhaust manifold MUST BE USDM, and if it is not O.E. then it must have a C.A.R.B sticker that matches the motor. I asked the ref. if they could really tell the difference between a stock USDM and JDM exhaust manifold, and he said that they have pictures for everything, and there are slight differences.

6. No adjustable FPR's, not unless it has a C.A.R.B. sticker. Does anyone know if the AEM FPR is C.A.R.B legal?

7. Must have a catalytic converter hooked up (this one is pretty obvious).

8. All USDM O.E. smog equipment MUST be hooked up and working properly!

I know this is a repeat of what makku said, but this is just more in depth info, just helping out a fellow noob. I hope that cleared up whatever confusion you had about smog, i know i was pretty messed up the first time i tried to figure out all the details.

[GreyGoose]

i had a d16z6 in my 89 hatch before. passed smog fine at a normal smog station, BUT, i got sent to the ref last year and the ref said the engine was illegal. to make it smogable i needed to use the complete 92-95 engine harness, and to wire that into the ef, you need to rewire the whole damn chassis(correct me if im wrong) all the way to the tail lights. so i just said fuck it and put the a6 in. i might put the z6 back in and change my vtec valve cover to just the plain honda one and hope the smog guys dont notice.

[lakers6902]

if its a jdm swap you can still go to a bar ref and get a bar sticker to make it legal. but you have to change the engine to us spec first, i did it in my old car when i swapped a b18 in, took me 2 times till i passed though beucase of some stupid stuff i overlooked, but now im back in the d-series gang since i dont have alot of money and i got a new car, ha