Mad Dog Tannen

I have heard a lot of questions about getting cars/trucks registered and smogged in Cali (including out of state vehicles). I just want to dispel any rumors out there. People think that it is a pain to do but it is really not that bad...

FOR A SWAP...

Requirements...
1. The engine has to be newer that the car/truck that it's going into.
2. The engine must be out of the same type of vehicle (ex: you cannot put a motorcycle engine in a car).
3. It must have be inspected and be certified by a state referee.
4. All emissions control devices must be kept on the new engine. That means that if you have a 1993 engine in a 1987 truck, then you must have all of the smog control devices from the 1993 engine.

When you get the engine inspected from the state referee he will put a new sticker on your door jamb that makes it legal.


FOR SMOG INSPECTION (for out of state vehicles also)...

After getting a referee inspection (if applicable),
go to a SMOG inspection shop.
Get it inspected. If it doesn't pass, then they will tell you what is needed to make it pass.
You can then...
a. fix it yourself
b. pay someone to fix it
c. talk to a community college auto repair shop, give them the necessary parts and have them fix it for free.
...then go get it inspected again and turn in the paperwork to the DMV.

BAR (board of air resources) 1(800)925-5210
Cali State Referee 1(800)622-7733

I hope this is in the right section and helps my fellow Cali folks!

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Nice.

I believe in Cali, cars older than...1975? dont require smog inspection

Something like that, don't remember the exact year

Mad Dog Tannen

^ Correct, 1975 and older!

MindBomber

What, you can't put a motorcycle engine in a car.
That's lame, I guess if I ever want a hayabusa Smart I won't be moving to california.

Seriously, this is good info though, I vote sticky.

Too Tall

How did you come by this information?

Even if you know the rules, and follow them, trying to find a DMV clerk, referee, and smog tech who also does, and is willing to sign the paperwork, may not be so easy. Don't ask how I know, it was 10 years ago, and the rules have changed since then.