Engine Swap: Block Identification

[marshallnoise]

I know the rule in California is that if you swap an engine into a 1991 car it has to be from a 1991 or newer. The m30 I have is from a 1990 and I am going to be swapping heads on it pretty soon. I know that the m30 has an identification stamp near the starter, but I read that the identifier is not related to a VIN number.

That being said, if I swapped my 1990 m30 into a 1991 car but ensured the smog equipment was for an m30 equipped car and made sure the ECU was from a 1991 m30 car, how would the BAR ref know it really was a 1990 engine?

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Dont think he would unless he ran the vin? Im glad i dont have to mess with this

[marshallnoise]

I can't imagine. The ecu would give it away. That's all I can figure.

[MR 325]

Considering many people BAR S52 swaps as S50's I don't think you'll have an issue. Most of the VIN tags have crumbled off of these engines by now anyway. Plus, there is no different in a M30B35 from 1990 vs. newer.

[marshallnoise]

Awesome. Thanks for the confirmation. The ecu is a give away, right? I have a 90 ecu as it stands. I don't know what obd1 sends regarding vehicle identification compared to obd2.