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View Full Version : CA SMOG EXEMPT and DIESEL CONVERSION ?'s ~ Long and confusing drivel dispensed within


Tigger4X
06-24-2010, 12:44 PM
Hunt n peck ... dig and find not much if anything relevant. Hopefully somebody here has the straight poop on smog regs and diesel conversions in the PRK.

With that said, as of today I am officially considered ancient by my kids' standard, a confused fuddy duddy, and legal-speak challenged to boot! Please don your Armor of Patience as I don my newbie flame suit. :D

I have been looking at a couple of FSJs that have diesels in them, but they are currently papered in other states and would be coming into CA. I went round n round with the LPG conversion on my '76 Chero and what to do coming from AZ to CA and it was no fun lemme tell you what! So I wanna eliminate as much :banghead: as possible!!

AFAIK, and that dont mean much, if the diesel manufacture date/year of donor vehicle is same year or newer than the FSJ it goes into then all is good; providing all of the proper stuff is still on it. FACT or CRAP :confused:

AFAIK, again doesnt mean much, as long as the FSJ is '75 or older its smog exempt. However, with a (diesel) conversion((assuming the previous AFAIK is actually fact)) what type of inspection will I be subject too? Paperwork and VIN check, i.e. doorjamb and dashboard? Or will it include underhood numbers check? Now lets crank it up a notch ... toss in outta state papers coming into CA, what happens now? Shall I really put my butt on the burner with this one ~~~> IF its '75 or older and smog exempt, comes into CA with no powertrain to be given "title only"; what hoops do I get to play master an servant with once the powertrain is in and now needs to be plated/registered??

Have you had enough? Or are you thirsty for more?? This gets further complicated should I decide to cross into the realm of a "custom" build/title (i.e. 4 door J-truck). Any FACT on this twist of fun in the PRK :confused:

Weeeeeeeeeeeee! :drivin:

babywag
06-24-2010, 12:52 PM
Out of state title requires VIN verification by DMV, AAA, or licensed vehicle verifier.
If you want a CA title that is.

'75 or older NO SMOG doesn't matter what is installed in it.

Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81
06-24-2010, 01:25 PM
Thank god Im keeping my truck registered in IL durring the time Ill be out there...I dont even live in the PRK and they piss me off...

dusty
07-26-2010, 12:11 AM
Go here which is at the top of Gen FSJ tech as a sticky:
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=113929

Go to post #3 there are 4 threads on CA diesel swap legalities and some loop holes. the long and short bring the rolling chassis in since it is a 75 they will do a Vin plate check on door jamb and fire wall get a set of plates take the rig home abuse it how you see fit. one DMV asked that the rig have a motor under the hood. i took an old 36 out of my garage with no tranny attached tighened two nuts on the motor mounts to make it sit in there and drove back down a week later and got plates

you are correct on the year of engine having to be the same or newer but it also has to be from the same class of vehicles. if its a 1/2 ton that will limit you to mecedes benz, 6.2 or 6.5 GM diesel or some other small varient that was under powered and is in short supply and hard to get parts for. get your tags then do the swap

stay away from custom build titles they put you in the smog realm. do what you can to make the presentation that its going to stay stock do not EVER mention conversion, swap, different engine or diesel to a DMV employee while trying to get your plates. " the stock engine will be used, its at the machine shop" "Its just an old ranch vehicle" offering too much info gets you in trouble and causes headaches. much of what we all do is bend the emissions laws. bend at your own risk but also KYMS (keep your mouth shut) is a good rule to live by and ask for basic things from DMV and your life will remain simple and un-encumbered. Volunteer too much info and its at your own peril

Tigger4X
07-28-2010, 12:18 AM
check check! KYMS and KISS!! lol Can do, will do! :cool:

Snowbird_Hunter
07-28-2010, 12:51 AM
I was born and raised in Cali and remember the smog crap well (and I think it has gotten more strict since I left) so I feel for you.

That is an advantage to living where I do .... no smog crap .... lol.

Keep us posted on the details ... never know when I may have to return to the old stomping grounds. :eek: