Will a e30 s52 swap pass visual and smog in Cali?

[S62]

Define easier :)
If you have all the S52 emission parts, I think overall it's a better option despite the extra parts. S52 OBDII will make it much easier to diagnose issues if you fail the sniffer...you just have to make sure the key smog equipment is hooked up and working, such as the 4 O2 sensors, the air pump, and the OBDII port in the car (I forget how the EVAP setup is for the OBDII S52 -- I think it's the same as the OBDI S50).

Thanks. I thought you might say that. If I ever end up doing this to my car I think I might just be better off registering it in Oregon because my brother lives their. It just seems like such a hassle to get it bar'd in California.

[eandrade]

So is it easier to get an S52 OBDI to pass the BAR test or an S52 OBDII??

Define easier :)
If you have all the S52 emission parts, I think overall it's a better option despite the extra parts. S52 OBDII will make it much easier to diagnose issues if you fail the sniffer...you just have to make sure the key smog equipment is hooked up and working, such as the 4 O2 sensors, the air pump, and the OBDII port in the car (I forget how the EVAP setup is for the OBDII S52 -- I think it's the same as the OBDI S50).

[S62]

Seriously, fuck cali smog. Does anyone know if you can simply slip a tech a couple 20's to pass it visually, as long as it passes the sniffer? I know that the exhaust data is recorded and can't easily be faked (of course, people do it), but is the visual just a smog technician checking off that everything looks like it did from the factory?

Yea seriously. Ive been wondering for a long time if that would work..

So is it easier to get an S52 OBDI to pass the BAR test or an S52 OBDII??

I understand that you just have to tell the ref that its an engine from a 95 M3 (obviously meaning it came from the factory with OBDI) even though thats a lie. And OBDI requirments are not as strict as OBDII.
Im envious of all the other swappers who dont live in California and don't have to deal with these shnanagians.

[Vivek]

this. I've never ever understood this. who cares what's under the hood, as long as I pass the sniffer test.

Seriously, fuck cali smog. Does anyone know if you can simply slip a tech a couple 20's to pass it visually, as long as it passes the sniffer? I know that the exhaust data is recorded and can't easily be faked (of course, people do it), but is the visual just a smog technician checking off that everything looks like it did from the factory?

[mrcheezle19]

That's what pisses me off about this state......if a car has an engine from a newer model and it blows clean, then that should be all you have to worry about. I don't know why they even care what's under the hood as long as the tailpipe numbers are low enough. :???:

this. I've never ever understood this. who cares what's under the hood, as long as I pass the sniffer test.

[GunMetalGrey]

data stamped on side of block at pan rail.

they also wanted to know if the trans mnt I purchased from you was CARB/ BAR approved ! just kidding :razz: mount works great.

Obviously I had them BAR approved! Jeez, you guys think I am slacking huh?
Good to hear though!

[MoparJ]

It can pass sniffer, but not visual.

That's what pisses me off about this state......if a car has an engine from a newer model and it blows clean, then that should be all you have to worry about. I don't know why they even care what's under the hood as long as the tailpipe numbers are low enough. :???:

[36brua]

How do they check the stamp on the back?! Are you talking about the VIN tag against the firewall, or the casting in the block?
Makes me glad to be in WI ;)

data stamped on side of block at pan rail.

they also wanted to know if the trans mnt I purchased from you was CARB/ BAR approved ! just kidding :razz: mount works great.

[36brua]

[quote=eandrade;3640258]My experience is documented here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=251231

this ^ is a good write up. refs asked me for more info/proof on source of engine . car was inspected in sept '12 at skyline college

[eandrade]

My experience is documented here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=251231

PM me if you have any questions.

[GunMetalGrey]

How do they check the stamp on the back?! Are you talking about the VIN tag against the firewall, or the casting in the block?
Makes me glad to be in WI ;)

[ak-]

It can pass sniffer, but not visual.

[decay]

CJ is not bar'd yet.

[redcabrio]

they will check the engine stamp code and make sure it a obd1 or obd2 motor and what emissions should be on it i have a bar legal swapped m50 with s52 cams and got the sticker now im pulling that motor out for the s52 so now im good for smogs. do the m50 swap first to get the sticker then do the s52 converted back to obd1 and you wont have to worrie about the ref

[36brua]

this and forget the basically part

basically what they're checking for is that all the factory emissions equipment for the swapped engine is properly installed and functioning..

S52 is OBD2 has 4 o2 sensors, oil separator an I don't know what else etc. I appreciate that there are some advantages to OBD2 but the xtra hardware required is one reason many CALIF swaps have been converted to OBD1. M50 are 2.5L S52 = 3.2L. So if you're trying to pass as early pre '96 model and referee looks at the eng # stamped on the block you may have an issue. I would be cautious about buying a swapped car from out of state and trying to have it registered/smogged in a CARB district ie SF bay area. Some outlaying areas have 'relaxed' standards, or if your good buddy runs a smog test station. I believe R3V user 'cjdonthink' he is in San Jose area, did an OBD2 swap. I don't know if it is BAR/CARB certified. He has a good build thread in this section. I have a CARB stickered '89 E30/94 M50 vanos my