Hey everyone, i'm in the process of completing a TPI engine swap. My vehicle originally came with a 350 carb motor, and i'm swapping in a 305 TPI, unfortunately i'm in california, so i get all the fun smog stuff to go through. Can i get away with telling the smog ref that its a 350TPI? I'm eventually going to drop in a 383, and this 305 is my stepping stone, id just hate to have to take it for the ref and get it certified for a 305, then go back again when i build the 383 and do it all over again.

So my basic question is, can someone tell by plugging into the ALDL what cubic inch the engine is? If not, i think i can get away with claiming its a 350 so i dont have to go through this hassle twice. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

Lieing to a Smog Referee, can cause you untold grief. If you have to do the Smog thing, just follow the rules.

 

From what I understand you can get a 350 block w/ a cast date newer than yours, and that is 100% legal (in cali). Sometimes you better off not saying anything

 

Sort of the "Don't ask, don't tell" rule?

 

I went through the engine "change" (CA smog rule terminology) deal in CA. Since you will need to emulate all of the TPI emission rule components, 305 or 350, you might as well tell them it is a 305. There will be no advantage to say it is a 350 if it is not, and there is no visual difference in the TPI stuff.
To answer your question on the 383, if you use the same TPI or approved aftermarket components when you change the engine to 383, while legally the registration should be changed, you will not need to go back to the referee unless you want to i.e., your replacement emmissions sticker will say "305". Also, since no CA car came with the 383 from the factory, approval would be denied anyway.

 

Well im not looking to be dishonest, but i'm just sayin, its gonna cost me more money and possible more headache to go back and switch the information to a 350 once i take out the 305 and build a 383 (because i'm pretty sure a 350 has more lenient standards than the 305). The motor runs fine, but i dont think a 350(or 383) TPI motor with some aftermarket parts is gonna pass smog under a 305 standard (though it should with a 350 standard)? I kinda wish i knew the exact smog numbers between the motors...