Guys,

I've had many discussions with the folks at the CA DMV head office and
a gas Vanagon may be converted to diesel in California if:
1) Engine is newer than the vehicle that is converted.
2) Engine has all factory emission controls as sold and installed in the
original vehicle.
3) You don't tell them what the engine came out of, if you can avoid it.
4) Diesel was smog exempt when installed in original vehicle.
5) The least amount of information is best. If asked, you did it yourself,
etc...
This is what a few representatives suggested. I called and talked to
different people, just to make sure I'd get a similar answer. I'd recommend
calling yourself, just to make sure.

Diesels are otherwise exempt from smog requirements, for now.
You will still have to deal with the Cal Smog Ref, who may interpret the law
as he see's fit.
Better hope he got lucky the night before.

If you are piecing together a TD from buckets of parts, doubt you'll get it
passed in CA.

I'm going 2001 TDi with Oxi-cat and all the necessary stuff. I'm amidst
working on a kit for it.

-Steven Dodson
Kneeland, CA
"Inga" the 87 Syncro

>If you know a way to convert from gas to diesel and get it registered in
>California, please share the wealth.  I would very much like to convert
>my Syncro to diesel, but...

>Michael Snow