Quote:
Originally Posted by almostordinary
Just got off the phone with the Ref. Here's what he said.
3.) As far as legality with the swap, totally legal and doesn't neccisarily need to be reviewed by a ref, since it is 1995 and older. He sited some CA law, but didnt get the full 6-digit code.
But he did recommend getting a "Virtual" referee appointment.
The call is setup so that the ref can talk to you over the phone as long as you need to assure everything is good to go. You can even go to them in person for a BAR sticker.
But with the EO (Executive Order) number that each engine comes with you should only need to show that to any smog shop in the state and they can run the car.
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So this issue seems to fall under the standard bearocracy that exists in CA in that if you call back and ask a different ref the same question you will get a different answer. Regardless of what they say I would recommend you go through the all the steps with the Referee for one reason only..To get the Referee sticker. I will explain why it's so valuable.
You Stated:
But with the EO (Executive Order) number that each engine comes with you should only need to show that to any smog shop in the state and they can run the car.
That would work in theory but here is how it will work in the real world. The first thing any smog inspector looks at is the emissions control sticker under the hood so he can determine what equipment is supposed to be on the engine. If it is not there they have a book they look up the year make and model and engine size.
So they look it up and get a list. AIR pump? That's not on your engine. EGR? I do not see any EGR on this engine. Should have 2 cats? Why do you have 4 cats?
Then you say. Oh no see this sticker it's an aftermarket approved engine package.
Inspector: Oh Well that's an engine change then, needs the Referee Sticker. And they refuse to inspect it .
Now imagine going from shop to shop until someone is willing to do it. They look up the E-rod EO document and see the parts list. Well now they have to google what the parts look like in order to insure the correct parts are on there. That is what the Referee is supposed to do but they have to go through the process every 2 years? They are not going to do that, ' it's too much hassle. They will tell you go to the Referee, get a Referee label that lists the parts that are supposed to be on there so I don't have to figure it out. Because remember if these guys get it wrong they are looking at a $2000 mine minimum from the state, If the ref says it's OK and puts on a sticker they got a defense.
Now will you find inspectors that are willing to do it with no referee label? Sure 1 in 20 I would say.
With a Referee Label in place? 20 out of 20.
I think the referee only charges about $100 for the Engine change process but that gets you a free pass to easy smogs at any inspection station the rest of the time you own that vehicle.
My 2 cents anyway.