In a message dated 8/21/00 7:23:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
wdavidson@thegrid.net writes:

<< > I wouldn't have a problem with the Tiico except I live in California and
I
 > don't think its smog approved. I'd have to cross my fingers and hoped the
 > referee went along with it after spending all that money.

 How would they caught you anyway? ... as long as it passes the test every 2
 years.... or do they read the engine number when they test it for smog?

 Bill >>

Bill,

I think what he is talking about is the initial referee inspection and not
the biennial smog inspection.

In California, you are required to bring your swap in to "Smog Check" referee
stations. These are the officials who have the authority to
approve/disapprove your swap. Once they have determined that the swap is
acceptable, they affix a stamp with the specs of the new engine on your
vehicle. This is what the biennial (in areas where this is in effect) smog
inspectors use to confirm your engine specs.

IIRC the problem referees have with Eurospec is that it's a composite engine
which was never on a US Spec vehicle. Some referees can overlook that when
the applicant tells them it's a Golf motor. Some referees don't.

BenT
San Francisco