CA emission - 3.6 conversion

[ischmitz]

I was reading the DMV pages for California and came across the "Specially Constructed Vehicles- Emission Control" regulation effective January 2002.

Has anyone taken advantage of this (apparently new) law that states you may choose whether smog requirements that apply to your vehicles are based on the engine model year or the vehicle model year

I am looking into a 74 with a ’95 993 transplant. The 74 emission specs should be a piece of cake for the 993 engine, even without cat, right?

What are the pitfalls? Comments welcome

Ingo

[Moses]

This is potentially HUGE news for me.

If this pans out, I may have to get started on my 3.6 '83 SC Targa RS conversion. (I know, I'm nuts.)

Hey wait! If this is true, why not a 3.3 turbo SC?

[74911s]

i am also very interested.

i am planning on putting a 3.6 into my 77 track car and need to keep it registered here in socal.

the only thing holding me up is figuring out these details.

do you have the details?

[pbs911]

Here is the link to Senate Bill 100.

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/bill/sen/sb_0051-0100/sb_100_bill_20011014_chaptered.pdf

As I read it, it applies to vehicles that are not manufactured by a recognized automobile manufacturer. It is a pretty big leap to try and argue that an engine replacement into a production line vehicle will qualify.

Ingo, as the rolling exemption comes into play your 74 will be exempt next year anyways. Unless changed the law states that cars 30 years old and older are exempt from smog compliance.

[Moses]

Looks like SB 100 won't help me a bit...

Unless I want to register that old chaise lounge I powered with a chain saw engine.

See, even as a kid I knew the air-cooled rear engine concept was a good one.

[Jack Olsen]

It doesn't say anything about meeting emission numbers, though. Lots of cars would get the right numbers without their cats, pumps, etc, but that doesn't mean they can pass the smog visual test without them. Having the correct emissions-related equipment sitting there for the inspector to verify is the hang-up.

So it seems like with this bill, you'd still be limited, whichever way you go. If you put a 3.6 in a 74, you clearly don't have a 74's emission control equipment. And if you decide to consider the car a 964 or 993, then you've got to find some way to fit the later car's exhaust (and cats, etc) into your conversion, which isn't always possible. Am I missing something?

And what's the legal definition of a "Specially Constructed Vehicle?" The bill references another part of the vehicle code, but are you sure that an engine-swapped 911 would qualify?

When are the 74's finally exempt, anyway?

[ischmitz]

Folks,

Here is the DMV News link. Sounds nice if you ask me.

And this is the section 580 verbatim:

580. A "specially constructed vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.

If I read this correct there is no reason why section two wouldn't apply. I will use "new or used, or a combination of new and used parts".

I do not see any mentioning of smog equipment (for the 74). And even if, so what? The 74's did not have the EGR's or the air pumps. What else will they be looking for except the engine and the exhaust being present...

Ingo

[ischmitz]

Originally posted by JackOlsen
If you put a 3.6 in a 74, you clearly don't have a 74's emission control equipment.

Bill, that's my point. There is no special emission equipment on the 74's other than a muffler; no smog pump, no EGR's no cat or other gimmics. With the 3.6 I would have CIS and an opposed six aircooled engine, though. I wonder how that argument would pan out....

When are the 74's finally exempt, anyway?

I really would like to know the answer to that one !!

Ingo

[Jack Olsen]

Wheres MikeZ, our resident smog expert?

Ingo, you may do better to do a search on this site with the words "historic" and "plates". They allow you to pay less in registration fees, be completely exempt from smog, and only carry a mileage/destination restriction, which is never enforced.

[ischmitz]

Jack,

what I really need is someone to talk me out of that project. But I know that ain't gonna happen....

Originally posted by JackOlsen
Wheres MikeZ, our resident smog expert?

Ingo, you may do better to do a search on this site with the words historic plates. They allow you to pay less in registration fees, be completely exempt from smog, and only carry a mileage/destination restriction, which is never enforced.

[Joe Bob]

YO....

That rule applies to kit cars. Like the fiberglass VWs that look like Bugattis and old Speedsters.

As to the rolling 30 year exemption....a number of special interest groups have been trying to repeal it, but have been unsuccessful. It will take effect next year.....

As to stuffing a 3.6 into an SC.....would love to THAT.....myself.

[Joe Bob]

Oh yeah....got one of them plates too....

[Jack Olsen]

Wow. 16 minutes, Mike.

What took you so long?

[john70t]

Transplants into older cars happen all the time, but the gig is:

1. The engine has to newer than the chassis
2. The engine has to have all included emmissions controls from the old chassis (unleaded fillpipe restrictor as well)
3. The engine has to have been put into similar vehicles (i.e. no
Chevy big blocks in a Yugo-darn!)
4. The vehicle has to pass the smog specs for the new engine.
5. First year has to go to the DMV for a emmissions sticker which
has all the included controls/timing info for the smog tech.

(disclaimer-to the best of my knowledge the abouve is correct, for true accuracy please consult with your friendly person who really knows)