If I do an engine swap (4.8L to 6.0L), is this legal to do in CA? Might sound like a stupid question but I don't know if it's o.k. or not. Especially since we have all these crazy emissions rules. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />

 

How are they gonna tell? The motors are identical from the outside. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />

Hell, bore/stroke it and throw a small cam in there while your at it. Unless they tear it apart they'll never know. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" />

John

 

You would think they wouldn't be able to tell the difference, huh. Well, in Northern CA (specifically Sacramento, CA) we have what is called Smog Check II. They basically put your vehicle on a dyno machine and run it and check the emissions to make sure they are within CA specs.

Last time I did it in '98 (I've moved around since then and managed to not have to go through that particular check in a while) they ran my VIN and checked to make sure I had the engine that the VIN came back to. Very knit-picky system we have here in CA.

Don't worry, I hear a majority of CA's neighbor states and a few back east already have something similar to our Smog Check II or are going to impliment one. Got to love your state politicians and air resources boards <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" />

 

I believe the same units are in use here in Mass. I don't know if they check the engine # but they do place the vehicle on some sort of dyno and check emissions. That has me very worried about installing a 6.0 in my 1/2 ton Silverado. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="gr_images/icons/mad.gif" />

 

I live in Los Angeles and according to guys I know with engine swaps all you need to do is go to a CARB EPA "referee" to get an exemption pass sticker. That way when you go to get your smog check all should be cool.

I also think you need to be sure that your engine is of the same year or newer than your vehicle.

 

Hey thanks MarineBlue! I'll check into it in my area.