On Fri, Apr 6, 2012 at 7:40 PM, Jeff Schwaia <vw.doka@gmail.com> wrote:

> Actually, they do permit OBD-II upgrades that do not include the entire
> system.  They just don't have a blanket approval like the EO for the Subie
> conversion.  Stephan's Auto Haus puts the Audi 1.8T motor (OBD-II) in
> Vanagons on a regular basis.  After a quick trip to the BAR referee, the
> swap is certified.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Jeff
>
>
  Yah, but you can only use a 2.2 Kennedy Engineering Subie, you can't use
any of the other 15-odd Subarus (without going through some Special
Gyrations with the inspectors, etc). I only  repeat what I read on the
Subaru/Vanagon list, I don't know this from personal experience..)

 You can't use a Bostig, 'cause they didn't pay off the CARB.  You think a
2.5 liter Subaru motor is a dirty one while the 2.2 is OK?...You think a
modern Focus motor is a polluter, worse than the WBX motor it replaces (in
other states)?  No, they just didn't Pay.

   A valid way to test for emissions might be to run all these cars in a
closed system on a dyno.   Check the pollutants they emit and pass the
clean ones, fail the dirty ones....But California don't work that way..

.  You suppose " I "could put a 1.8 turbo in any vanagon and get it passed,
no problemo?...In say, San Bernardino?   Maybe...maybe not.  Steven in
Sacramento, he probably arranged to be approved, somehow...He 'worked
it'...but could you or I?   Maybe..

  I admit, California's air is better than it was in the early 70s so some
of what they do has benefit, but Jeeze, it's pretty weird, the way the do
it..

  Don Hanson