Smogging D15Z1 swap in a CX/DX hatchback (California)

[96vtec]

Hi, I've been researching some of the popular swaps on here and it seems that a cx with a vx swap is ideal since the cx hatchbacks are somewhat more common than the vx.

Has anyone in California swapped a D15Z1 into the cx chassis and passed smog without having the vehicle barred? What are the requirements for smogging the cx with the D15Z1?

[mrmad]

If you have a 96, you can't legally do the swap, CA only allows engines of the same or newer year. You'd also be converting an OBDII car to an OBDI, which they do not allow either.

I also think to be legal, if the car is a CA car, you'd have to swap a CA engine.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

All the emissions equipment from a CA spec engine that's the same year or newer. Once that's all swapped in and working well, a trip to the closest state ref for a visual inspection and smog check ($35). If it looks fairly similar I suppose it may get by, but w/ all the kids "modding" their Hondas, I imagine smog techs are pretty good at catching stuff that shouldn't be.

[96vtec]

Sorry about the misunderstanding. I meant that I was thinking about picking up a civic cx and swapping in the D15Z1. I understand it must be the same year or newer but is the visual inspection the only portion of legally smogging the vehicle? Would they take any other emission factors into consideration such as the CO2 output?

[omgwtfbyobbq]

IIn order to make it legal I think you'll have to have it smogged w/ the two mode dyno at the state ref no matter what, but I could be wrong, so call 'em up and find out. After that, your smog testing, or lack thereof, will depend on where in the state you live.

[mrmad]

Though I'm not sure how they would tell, the JDM engines are also not considered legal in CA.

[omgwtfbyobbq]

To a certain extent it's a matter of trim. I know JDM Toyota engines of the same age don't have EGR, but there's nothing to stop people from swapping manifolds. It really depends on what the differences are. And, it could be $35 down the drain if someone thinks they can sneak stuff by a ref, from wha I've heard they know their shiz and go over everything.