1.Research what your specific rules are and follow them.
2. Move.

 

i was told but the smog testing guy that it wouldnt pass if it has a V8.

Get a new smog test guy.

There are several threads on this forum about the exact same topic, basically you have to put an engine that is the year of your truck or newer (so for you, 98 and up), and it has to pass emissions. You have to get it visually inspected at the DMV and they give you a sticker to put in your doorjamb.

 

:werd: Just because someone works at a smog place, it doesn't mean he knows everything about the smog laws. And a lot of smog place just don't even want to deal if any vehicle that isn't stock.

 

yea just pay the smog guy off

 

Just have to know the rules and abide by every detail.

Here's an excerpt from this engine swap manual:

http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Chevrolet_S-10_V-8_Smog.html

 

Do a 98+ up motor, transmission, and fuel injected with cats and I am sure you will pass. Normally from what I have read is that your motor must be from the same year as your vehicle and you should have no problems. Or just move out of cali. lol

 

That's pretty much it, it has to be a 98 or newer motor, and pass smog.

 

yea i had heard about the same year or newer thing, so your saying if i swap a V8 in and go to the smog check i won't pass? I would have to first go to the dmv and it has to be inspected?

 

but it wont pass visual inspection. once they type in your info it will say v6 and they will fail instantly. only way pass is to pay them off or title/vin swap.

 

Are you just looking for a post count? Your advice is about the worst that I've seen. "pay them off" Who are you kidding?

It is very easy to do an engine swap in California! It's done all of the time.

 

why not with just a same yr or newer fuel injected motor computer and cats...why wouldn't that pass? as long as he has all the bs a silverado v8 would have why would it make a difference if its in an s10 or not..?

 

I thought for a light duty truck the engine has to be from a light duty truck or passenger car. I didnt think you could do an engine from a ful size and pass?

 

Fullsizes (1500s) are light-duty too.

 

Okay. It was more of a question. I had heard that you couldnt use one out of a van or fullsize. I didnt know.

 

I'm not sure how yall do emissions there, but here in MD, we get all kinds of stuff in that isn't stock. I tested a mustang that originally had the v6, but he told me he put a modular motor in it. Our computer program allows us to change certain features of the car (ie a scroll tab that can list if it has the 3.8 or 4.6) But we don't really care. It's the inspection that will fail you. Also, obd2 we just scan the computer. If the vin doesn't match or has codes, it obviously fails.

Many of us inspectors used to pass cars like that all day. But since then, they hanged the computer software, so passing obd2 is out of the question.

 

is there a wiring harness that will allow us to still us our OBDII port?

 

so is there anyone out there that has done this in Ca that has any input on this?????

 

Move to Oklahoma. No smog laws. Lots of freedom. I can run a blown and injected 1971 big block in my s10 if I want to. No helmet laws for Motorcycles, either. We may not have the prettiest state, but we have the most freedom.

 

You have to follow the BAR SMOG rules for engine swaps. If I
remember right, you have to have an engine that was offered
for that year AND model. Say you have a 92 Sonnma with a
4.3 Z TBI. You could possibly install a 5.7 with TBI since the
emissions are almost identical with that of the 4.3. The 5.7
would have to be a Ca emissions engine, all smog equip for
the 5.7 would have to installed as well as the ECM and the
Check Engine light would have to functional.

Deal is, GM never offered a 5.7 for a S Series truck, so even
if you get it all swapped over, you may STILL not be able to
tag it. You would have to go to a state Ref test center in any
event for the testing. If it somehow passed, you would get issued
a BAR door label with all the emissions equip req and smog
techs would have to go by that.

But the way smog is getting out here in Ca, you would most likely
be going to a state ref for testing all the time..Here's some info
from BAR.

Q: What do I need to know about engine modifications?

A: In general, state and federal law prohibit modifications to your vehicle's emission control system. When repairing your vehicle, the emission-related parts used must be original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or be replacements for the OEM parts, as specified by the part manufacturer. Modifications to your emissions controls are not acceptable unless the parts used are approved/exempted by the California Air Resources Board.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) grants exemptions in cases where the changes do not modify the performance of the emission controls in a way that causes an increase in emissions. CARB assigns the exempted parts an "executive order" (EO) number that may be used to verify acceptability. CARB provides a listing of EO exempted parts on the CARB website.

Minor changes that do not affect the connectivity with or operation of other emission controls may be acceptable, for example, the installation of universal replacement hose in place of a preformed hose.
Q: Can I change the engine in my vehicle?

A: An engine change may not be performed if it degrades the effectiveness of a vehicle's emission control system. For more information, see BAR's Engine Change Guidelines.
The following apply to any modifications or deviations from the original emission control configuration:

* You must use Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) specification parts for use in your specific year, make, and model of vehicle.
OR

* The part must have an Executive Order (EO) number that shows it has been exempted by the California Air Resources Board for use in your vehicle.
OR

* The equipment used must be certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for use in your specific year, make, and model of vehicle.

Check out the Bureau's "Engine Change Guidelines" brochure on this Web site for additional information.
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/07_AutoRepair/Engine_Change_Guidelines.html

Your best bet is to call a state ref and ask him/her if you could do
a swap with a 5.7 legally.
(866) 272-9642