Hello all, I have a quick question about an engine swap in pa. I have a 1969 vehicle and I want to install a different engine. Say a 1969 nissan with a ford v8. Currently the engine is an I6 and I'm thinking a "v" style engine. I've searched and search but, I just can't find anything about it. I understand that for emission compliance it will have to be the same or a newer year engine. And have all the visual emission equipment. My vehicle had nothing originally. Is there a federal law or am I missing something for PA? For some reason I thought you could only put in a different engine same manufacture if optioned? I would appreciate any input. I don;t want to swap out this motor only to not be able to do anything with it. I'd like to not have to use hotrod plates or custom vehicle plates. thanks bob
Don't know about PA but in Calif. you need all the emissions equiptment on and working from the newer engine. Or newer car I think. Which ever is greater. If you put in a 2000 engine you would need 2000 smog to be legal. Don't know how many actually do that.
Bob, I think as long as the car has the visible emissions eqpt that would have been on a car for that year, an engine swap will not make a difference. With a pre-emissions 60's car, they shouldn't even have to open the hood for state inspection. Jerry
In California, prior to '83, you go by the year of the engine. After '83, you go by the year of the car, plus the engine must be an option offered in that vehicle. This was to keep people from putting truck 454's into Camaros and such. Also. any equiptment added must be CARB approved and have an executive order number stamped into it.
This is the best place to start, eh? Might take you a while, but you might learn something http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/LI/Public/cons_index.cfm
check with your local ispection station but i believe pennsylvania vehicles 1979 and older no longer require an emissions inpection. If this is correct it shouldnt matter whats under the hood.
I don't know about the requirements for registration of a vehicle with an engine swap, but regular annual inspections in PA vary depending on what county you're located in. The more rural counties are exempt from annual emissions testing, however if you have an ECU, you cannot pass if it's throwing trouble codes.
Pre 1975 vehicles are exempt from emissions testing in PA. You should be OK with a 1969 vehicle. Steve
Thank you all for the input, I'll start looking through those links, Yes I have a 1969 vehicle, that has a motor that is "rare" and a three speed grind box that is strong but really un-fun to drive...It would be easier and cheaper to just drop in a new drivetrane, the to rebuild the motor and adapt a better tranny. I do live in a county that does emission testing (what a scam) but my 69 should not be effected. I considered swapping in another inline 6 thinking it would be less noticeable. thanks bob
Per 75 No emissions. I think per 94 only check to make sure all of the emission equipment is still on the vehicle. and a gas cap test. The engine light can even be on. Every thing newer has to be put on the emission machine. and a gas cap test. except if you drive the vehicle less then 5,000 miles a year. Some areas are exempt from emissions. Far as I know in Pa it goes by the year of the car. Kit car go by the year it was built. No Dome buggies unless it is already titled in Pa.
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