I know this has been beaten to death but... getting a s15 into CA...

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Snarlynx
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I was at the Evo forum and a guy in new york has a Pulsar GTI-R. (ultimate sleeper, 230 AWD hp in a metro looking car but I'm sure you know that) He's from new york and it perfectly street leagal.

Then I was reading the CA DMV rules for bringing in out of state vehicles and say nothing that makes me think that taking a street legal vehicle from NY to CA wouldn't work in the case of the s15 because it wouldn't be a new car, the person doing the inspection wouldn't it fail it because it has dual airbags and all that crap and even if it couldn't pass smog (which it probably could) there are always ways around that. ;)

So what am I missing? I know someone would have one in CA if it were easy (instead of just places like Texas) so anyone care to tell me what I'm missing?


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nomuken
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I've always thought that part of legalising JDM cars, GT-Rs for example, is making sure that they are up to CA safety standards. Bringing them up to the CA spec is expensive. I don't know if it's even possible for the S15, but you can try.

It could be that some models are just not allowed in the state of CA, perhaps there are different codes (not DMV rules) for this, customs codes maybe?

You should give MotoRex a call, they can probably enlighten you on this issue.

http://www.motorex.net/motorex.html

MaineExport
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Originally posted by Snarlynx "]I was at the Evo forum and a guy in new york has a Pulsar GTI-R.

Sweet...

He's from new york and it perfectly street leagal.

I'm sure he is from NY... but as for it being "perfectly" street legal... I'd like to see some proof of that. I'm sure he has it registered "legally", but it is doubtful that he has disclosed the actual engine within. It's just like the HUNDREDS of SR20DET swapped 240sx's... most of them are "legally" registered vehicles... but the car is not technically legal. The engine is NOT USDOT approved... therefore it is NOT street legal in ANY car!

Then I was reading the CA DMV rules for bringing in out of state vehicles and say nothing that makes me think that taking a street legal vehicle from NY to CA wouldn't work in the case of the s15

How many legal s15's have you seen in ANY state? NONE!!! The don't exist... so that makes brining one into CA kinda hard.

the person doing the inspection wouldn't it fail it because it has dual airbags

That has little or nothing to do with legalizing it for street use.

and even if it couldn't pass smog (which it probably could) there are always ways around that. ;)

The engine would NOT likely pass CA inspection if you ever got it that far.

So what am I missing?

1. Crash testing

2. Emissions testing

You CAN'T make any Silvia street legal in the US without crashing about 4 of them. Not only does the engine need to pass emissions, but the USDOT needs to crash test a few of them... and I believe the insurance folks need to do the same.

I know someone would have one in CA if it were easy

EXACTLY!

(instead of just places like Texas)

They don't have any "legal" ones either!

Aristotle
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If I remember right its really expensive to import it too. Unless you got some hookups, going to a place like motorex will still cost you something like 40k.

MaineExport
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Aristotle wrote:If I remember right its really expensive to import it too. Unless you got some hookups, going to a place like motorex will still cost you something like 40k.


Motorex does not import Silvias. There is literally no way to legally import one at this point in time. Even for off-road/show purposes it must either be shipped back after a given, short period of time..... or destroyed.

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PROJECTRB240SX
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THE NITROUS EXPRESS S15 SILVIA IS LEGAL, ITS A LEGAL SHOW CAR.

spec-v5150
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There is a reason why Motorex charges obscene amounts of money for Skylines. I am sure the GTi-R isnt 100% legal. I know a guy who lives in South Dakota rocking a R33 GTR that is registered as a 240sx. So sure it is street legal per se but not legal.

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dont u have to haev a US windshield, US bumper and some crap like that to actually get it legalized?

MaineExport
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PROJECTRB240SX wrote:THE NITROUS EXPRESS S15 SILVIA IS LEGAL, ITS A LEGAL SHOW CAR.


Key words.... SHOW CAR!!!!!!

The moment they fire it up and run it on the street... NOT LEGAL ANYMORE!!!

And there is most likely a time constriction on how long it can stay in the states.

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EZcheese15
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MaineExport wrote:Key words.... SHOW CAR!!!!!!

The moment they fire it up and run it on the street... NOT LEGAL ANYMORE!!!

And there is most likely a time constriction on how long it can stay in the states.


Actually, show cars are allowed to be driven on the street for up to 2000 miles a year, legally.

But you better bet that if I'm restricted to 2000 miles a year, I'm not wasting my time trying to import one, unless it sincerely is for show purposes only.

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krazy skwerel
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I thought you could import for race only and go through the paper work to keep it with no time restraint. Isn't that what Swift did for his 180sx?

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EZcheese15
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Snarlynx wrote: I was at the Evo forum and a guy in new york has a Pulsar GTI-R.
CoolQuote »He's from new york and it perfectly street leagal.[/quote]

No, it's not.

Quote »Then I was reading the CA DMV rules for bringing in out of state vehicles and say nothing that makes me think that taking a street legal vehicle from NY to CA wouldn't work in the case of the s15[/quote]

Correct.

Quote » because it wouldn't be a new car[/quote]

Has nothing to do with it.

Quote »the person doing the inspection wouldn't it fail it because it has dual airbags and all that crap[/quote]

Again, it has nothing to do with it.

Quote » and even if it couldn't pass smog (which it probably could) there are always ways around that. ;)[/quote]

It probably will pass. But you will never get that far.

Quote »So what am I missing?[/quote]

The fact that you won't get the car pass customs. And if you did, you won't be able to get a registration for it because it will have no VIN. And even if you got past that, you would have no bill of sale to register it. And even if you did, and got pulled over by a cop that knew what it was (believe it or not, some cops *do* know a thing or two about cars), then it's a $25000 mandatory fine. Ofcourse, if you don't mind paying $25000 everytime a cop pulls you over (which would be often in an S15), then go ahead :)

Quote » I know someone would have one in CA if it were easy[/quote]

Isn't that a clue?

Quote » (instead of just places like Texas)[/quote]

They aren't any more legal in TX than they are in CA. I don't care if you live in northern AK, the middle of PR, or downtown LA, federal laws apply.

Quote » so anyone care to tell me what I'm missing? [/quote]

About 2 years of research, a few hundred thousand dollars, and an RI license.

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EZcheese15
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krazy skwerel wrote:I thought you could import for race only and go through the paper work to keep it with no time restraint. Isn't that what Swift did for his 180sx?


As long as you continually tell the NHTSA where and when your car races, you can keep renewing the paperwork to keep the car in the U.S.

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krazy skwerel
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Ah ok I knew it was something. What happened to Swift?

Snarlynx
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Ah, so quick to condesend. I figured. The old car thing does have something to do with bringing a car in from another state. It is registered as a pulsar not as a Metro, a 240sx or anything else and I bet, the main reason for no s15's in CA is because one couldn't finace it, it would have to be paid upfront and those with 20k in cash usually don't want s15's and as for cops... there are enough 14.5s now that if they could tell the difference between a 14.5 and a true 15 they would have to be enthusiasts and probably think it is just as cool as everyone else here.

Besides if everyone was as smart (and as big a jerk) as you guys make them sound there would be no market for sr20det's in CA (except for racing) because the crack team of cops on the streets can tell the difference between the pitches of the KA and SR and RB's for that matter when they pass you guys on the street.

If it will make the thread more productive let me say "get it in CA and able to be registered, technicly leagal or not" better?

I just figured I could get some help becuase even though I'm making more and more money, but I still want that car. If it's a leagal thing I don't understand why many of you talk about SR's on the street. If it is a legal issue E-mail me in private or something. If I could get it in with as few hassles as he did, I'd appreciate it.

-Thanks. :)

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There is no way to legally drive around a Pulsar in New York. He may have it, it may be registered (I highly doubt as a Pulsar), but it is not legal. You get into an accident and you have to deal with insurance fraud, and federal fraud charges. Not fun.

There was a GTi-R for sale on ebay recently (or still is) and we just had this whole discussion on another board.

And just so you know, you won't be able to register it as a Pulsar GTi-R without having it legalized, in any state.

MaineExport
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Originally posted by Snarlynx "]Ah, so quick to condesend.

If getting an answer to your question is condescension... then you must feel downtrodden and browbeaten on a daily basis.

It is registered as a pulsar

Maybe the USDM Pulsar NX or something.

and I bet, the main reason for no s15's in CA is because one couldn't finace it,

Ummm... not it's because THEY'RE NOT LEGAL!

Perhaps that too sounded a touch condescending. I guess it's a natural reaction from years of dealing with children having temper tantrums.

it would have to be paid upfront and those with 20k in cash usually don't want s15's

Again.... it would cost a LOT more than $20K to import one and make it legal. If you want to know how much a "LOT" is... please refer to the number of previous posts that you ignored about the cost of legalizing one. Assuming you could import a silvia (of any vintage) for $20k... who the hell is gonna pay that kind of cash for a vehicle that will be confiscated by the authorities if they are caught with it?

and as for cops... there are enough 14.5s now that if they could tell the difference between a 14.5 and a true 15 they would have to be enthusiasts and probably think it is just as cool as everyone else here.

Where are you seeing all these cars? I've never seen an actual Silvia on any street in the US.

Besides if everyone was as smart (and as big a jerk) as you guys make them sound there would be no market for sr20det's in CA (except for racing) because the crack team of cops on the streets can tell the difference between the pitches of the KA and SR and RB's for that matter when they pass you guys on the street.

Yeah... you are right about that. MOST cops would never know the difference between the two engines. Then again, an illegal engine swap is not only harder to detect than an entire illegal car... but the penalty and loss if caught is a bit less. THAT makes the cost/benefit/risk ratios a bit more tolerable with simply swapping engines. The cost of an illegally imported car vs. the risk involved with importing and driving it makes it a less-than-enticing endeavor.

If it will make the thread more productive let me say "get it in CA and able to be registered, technicly leagal or not" better?

Ahhh.... much better! Yes, shouldn't be that hard to register it as a 240sx or something. BUT... then you've committed fraud and any number of other things that will shaft you like no other when you get caught.

If it is a legal issue E-mail me in private or something.

I think that's what we are trying to say. It IS a legal issue... :confused:

Snarlynx
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I never saw a 15, just a 14.5 but believe me when I say if a ever saw a real one, I'd know it for sure. I'm sure you would.

I'm not saying it would be legal, I'm saying that since I don't think that it would be easy at all (if possible) to get it into CA and registered, NY could be a "back door" if the laws there are more lax and if it was registered there as "X" and CA will take a "X" vehicle without many problems, then I could get it in. I was hoping for some pointers on doing that from you guys as opposed to some "THEY WILL FINE YOU ON THE SPOT AND SEND YOU TO FEDERAL POUND YOU IN THE *** PRISON" type of responce. You know, kinda of a "we're in this together" style of post not a sentance by sentance disection of why it wouldn't work; maybe a "It could work if you did this, if you don't mind possibly going to jail or paying a fine". See the difference?

Anyhow, screw it, when the time comes I'll either get a evo or get creative. Unfortionatly, if I chose the latter I'd have to say it was expensive bodywork to those that saw it in person. ;)

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EZcheese15
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The reason we are harsh is because it's unrealistic. Like I said, the fine for driving an illegally imported car on the streets is $25000 EACH time. That kind of fine is not worth even thinking about. Unless you got billions of dollars pouring out your pocket, then it's unreal to even think of this as a possibility.

If this subject hadn't been beaten to death for the last 3 years, then I wouldn't be so frustrated at it.

Snarlynx
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This is nothing I don't understand but honestly, what are the odds? one, I'd have to do somthing to get pulled over. then the officer would have to know that this car wasn't sold on US soil and want to do something about it and then have to prove that it isn't a highly modified american car and how was it registered in another state if is was.... all in a quazi-hick town where american muscle or bad taste in the case of imports not only prevails but seems to be a city ordinance.

I just think that the risk is pretty low espesially since I have seen RHD DC2's driving around like they got every right to and I'm sure they all can't be conversions. I wouldn't even want a RHD one, I'd want one from australia. :)

Anyhow, I know it has been talked about a lot (look at the title) but If it makes you feel any better I will probably get an evo so you can concider another users dream crushed. ;)

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I think the risk of getting caught is VERY high. All it takes is one dumb-a$$ to crash in to YOU! You could drive it the speed limit every day for years and never give a cop a reason to pull you over... and one day.... **BAM**... grandma's suburban just wiped your a$$ out!! Now you've got to hope like hell that the cop doesn't notice that YOUR CAR HAS NO VIN NUMBER!!! It doesn't matter if thye cop is a hillbilly red-neck or not... if they don't see a VIN they're gonna be a little suspicious. Okay... suppose you slapped one on there from a 240sx.. might get away with it.. but IF they notice that your fines just doubled and you'll be in jail.

We're not trying to crush your dreams man.... just trying to say... IT IS NOT a realistic idea to even ponder.

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Yeah, what Maine said....

And btw...Austrailia is RHD.

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Snarlynx wrote:I just think that the risk is pretty low espesially since I have seen RHD DC2's driving around like they got every right to and I'm sure they all can't be conversions. I wouldn't even want a RHD one, I'd want one from australia. :)


If the car is structuraly the same as the US counterpart and has the same engine it can be legaly imported and registered for street use. Thats why you see so many RHD hondas.

Same goes with toyota soarers, supras, Mazda RX7's ect...

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RobDET
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It would be cheeper to get a job in japan... More fun too!

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RobDET
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Oah and the "substantially similar" rule doesn't apply to RHD cars anymore unless you can get a letter from the manufacturer... Scope out motorex's site under the FAQ section

http://www.skylinegtr.com

here's the exceprt i'm talking about

"There are ways to import vehicles into the US. Normally they are imported as substaincially similar to a US model. Then what happens is anything that is different between the US DOT legal vehicle and the vehicle from overseas would need to be changed to be the same as a US model. For example - headlights , tailights , mph speedometer cluster. The DOT no longer accepts right hand drive cars as being substaincially similar to the US model unless the manufacturer provides information to the DOT stating the vehicles are substancially similar. Additionally the engine in the vehicle must be available in the US or the engine must be certified for the US."

so you cold get an S13 or S14, import it, swap in a KA, pass all your DOT stuff and then drive around... if you wanted to break the law and put the SR back in there you'd be screwed everytime anyone from the DOT wanted to look into your car... Of course you'de have to get Nissan in on the deal... Good luck!

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Wow... good stuff RobDET...

Everybody curious about importation rules should start with Motorex's website. Good info to be had.


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