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Subject:Re: C.A.R.B. Legalities. Was Re: VW Trends and Eurospec
From:Benjamin Tan
Date:Sun, 23 Jan 2000 20:24:29 EST

Hi Dave,

This is for all who have been following the discussion regarding legality of
engine swaps in California. Specifically installing what I call a
"frankenmotors" like Eurospec's composite engine (or engine that did not
exist in nature as Ken puts it). This also applies to putting an earlier
engine in a later car. The hyperlink below will transport you to C.A.R.B.'s
Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). That is the bureau responsible for smog
checks and things like engine swap regulation.
<A HREF="http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/smogweb/scfs/referee.asp">
http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/smogweb/scfs/referee.asp</A>

Look under "Engine Changes". No really usable info except SEE REFEREE. I have
done this on numerous occasions. The referees are frequently enthusiasts like
ourselves and are very helpful (in my experience). Apparently, they have the
final say on engine swaps when no specific regulation is in place.

I got a headache looking through the interconnecting sites. Still could not
find anything as specific as the abovementioned site. Californians have to
put up with more vehicle regulations than any other state or country I can
think of. Maybe we really only "...come here for the cheese."

BenT
San Francisco