Legalize RB

[wokuku]

I have searched for the subject but hasn't found anything useful.

Since there are companies that can legalize skylines in the US, does this make the RB engines legal to use in the US as well? Can I put an RB engine into 240 and legalize it assuming I converted it to ODBII standard? Thanks~

[Projekt]

no, to put a "legal" motor into any car it has to 1. be the same age or newer than the car2. have been put in the car from the factory somewhere.

[dcdrifter]

I am trying to figure out why that matters. When you are driving 130mph or greater on the highway, THAT is illegal.

[crashjust4kix]

actually, (cali) federal law provides for engine swaps assuming the following: the engine must be from the same model year or newer, from the same company (tidbit: partnered companies also count. I've seen several cali. legal 5 litre ford v8/1st or 2nd gen rx7 swaps.

also, all emissions equipment must remain, preferrably from the new engine, but they let you get by if the original part is not included on the new engine, or if it is superior in design.

the key to legalization is documenting everything. you'll need doc's proving that the engine is from a nissan (easy) proof that there are cars of the same year using that engine operating legally in the us. since motorex is in cali, that shouldn't be too hard. downside to that is that smog stations have a list of all emission control devices for any car in the us, including the skyline, I believe, so make sure each part is there, from either car, as long as it functions. egr, cat, all of it. despite what you hear, these guys don't look to fail you if all is in order. most of the time, they compliment you on a job well done if all the details are right. check out the sema sight for the rest of the details, or check out engineswaps.comfor some smog inspection stories.

[MoeStooge]

why worry about legalization? think of it this way, your going to do other mods to the engine, that will just get you busted anyway. The trick to not getting busted with the engine, don't street race. I've yet to see a cop stop someone for speeding and look under the hood, or waste time in that matter. I'm in FL, so I don't worry about emissions, not sure how that would work out for ya. When the time comes, I'll be more worried about the pig spotting my hair dryer bigger than his swollen unused testicles, thats sitting NEXT to my illegal motor, lol. The only thing I'd be careful with, is receipts of payment for the motor. If you have to remove it or get some sort of fix it ticket, thats one thing, if they can say you stoll the motor, then take it from you, that's another.

[Bryson]

That may be true for you over there in Florida ATStephen, but here in Cali. smog is required once every two years and it includes both an emissions test and a visual test for any odd modifications or illegal engines

[tapdeznutz]

im with Bryson. im in cali also and i need to worry about smog and junk.

jay

[jacob360]

actually, (cali) federal law provides for engine swaps assuming the following: the engine must be from the same model year or newer, from the same company (tidbit: partnered companies also count. I've seen several cali. legal 5 litre ford v8/1st or 2nd gen rx7 swaps.

You're right about the engine having to be the same year or newer, but the engine doesn't have to come from the same company(or partner company). You can put any (automotive) engine in any car as long as it is equipped strictly to the original emissions configuration.

I work for the Referee where you have to go to get your swap approved, certified and labeled. We've signed off 350s in Jaguars and Toyota 4X4s.

[Lin Dze]

Is there anyone who has succesfully passed a CA registration / smog test with any type of swap, esp an RB?

Notwithstanding the state legalities, it still seems pretty illegal on the Fed side, at least according to the EPA. From what I understand if it dosnt come from the OEM with a EPA compliance badge, which are only on USDM vehicles, it can only be "legalized" when brought in and modified by an ICI/RI such as Motorex et al.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/factmnb.htmunder 'b. Non-Chassis-Mounted Engine'"Mounting an engine in a chassis to "manufacture" a LDV, motorcycle, or LDT without the proper certificate of conformity from EPA is a violation of the Clean Air Act;Mounting an engine in an existing LDV, motorcycle, or LDT that is certified is a violation of the Clean Air Act unless the engine replacement is identical to the engine being replaced;"

Not trying to cause trouble, and Ill probably do it anyways, but although the state might sign off it dosnt mean the feds wont kick your ***.

[93RPS13]

will there are R33 GTS-T around and they pass emission, you basically have the same engine RB25DET, so you can be polluting the air any more than the R33 GTS-T's

[Lin Dze]

Actually any truly legal imports have from 10K-15K worth of work done by an ICI or RI before they pass everything. So for example, when Motorex takes 16K to import your Skyline they are also doing a lot of powertrain work. AFter thats all done and the EPA tests the individual car they issue a new EPA Clean Air Act Compliance badge thats put in the motorbay.Ive read a rumor that Nissan jp contacted them asking how they managed to get the RB to pass US/CA smog laws.

[tapdeznutz]

i believe the secret is lots of lawyers. last i talked to them thats the impression i got at least

jay