For those interested, here is one site with information on engine swaps in
CA.

My understanding is, the general rule is that the engine must be the same
year or newer than the chassis - and must meet all smog regs for that year
(which ever is newer - the engine or chassis). To get the vehicle
licencensed, you have to go to a referee station to get an "approved"
sticker.

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/000008.htm#Overview

"Mark B. Magee" wrote:

> Volks,
> I as many of you are, I as well am excited about the specter of a 5cyl
> audi, turbo or non-turbo swap in for my 4spd 91 Westy (143K on orig top
> end/bottom end). Yet I believe all who would do this need to be aware
> that any swap in will -not- be approved by the new Federal Standards
> (all 50 states) and present CAL standards unless the motor being swapped
> in is at least of the same year model -or newer- than the year model of
> the vehicle. E.g., with my 91 Westy, I will be legal only if I swap in a
> 91 or newer Audi 5cyl, along w/all applicable smog equipment.
> If you're planning to swap in a motor, be advised that Fed standards are
> slowly being implemented throughout the country, a visible check of your
> motor may or may not trigger an inspector to notice the slant 5 instead
> of the wasserboxer, yet if they find out a swap has been done, (yes they
> -do- ask FBI type questions) and they run the serial numbers on the
> block that show the engine older than the car: you are out of compliance
> and in the nether world of dealing with the Feds who are very nasty
> about this presently.
> Bottom line, if planning a Vanagon motor swap in, purchase a motor of
> the year of your van or newer to avoid trouble.
>
> --
> ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>     ><>
> Shalom                                                    87 GL
> Mark Magee                                           91 Westy
> Kemah TX USA                                     96 Suzuki 4WD Sport
> John 14:6                                                83 Honda XL
> 250! Yea!!