I just have to put my two cents worth into the debate on engine swaps. Four
years ago, I had Volks Caf� (Santa Cruz) install a Tiico engine imported
from South Africa by one Peter B. At the time, his website stated that this
engine met California smog standards (a statement he subsequently deleted
from the website) and I bought the engine based on this assurance. His
website also stated that the engine was "brand new." Well, the engine was
rebuilt, not new, and four years later I am still awaiting California Air
Resources Board (CARB) certification. Peter claimed to have obtained this,
but when I took it to the referee station (the first step in registering the
van in California), they told me that a number of the parts on my engine did
not correspond to those that had been granted CARB approval. Peter's
solution? Take it to a shop in Sacramento that would (illegally) certify my
van as passing smog tests. I have corresponded with him EXTENSIVELY over the
past four years (whenever he answers his phone or his e-mail) and every time
I get the same answer about how unreasonable CARB is, and how he expects to
have certification "really soon." Well, I'm tired of waiting, hence this
post to the listserv. For now, I'm stuck with a van that I will never be
able to sell (at least not to anyone in California). If it weren't for the
fact that I have the van registered in my mother's name (she lives in
Washington), I long ago would have been up s--- creek.

Bottom line: I would advise anyone even remotely considering a Tiico engine
conversion to avoid this company and its owner, Peter B., like the plague.
They clearly do NOT stand by their product. I have resigned myself to having
gotten screwed. I only hope that this cautionary tale will enable others to
avoid suffering the same fate.