I am starting research on installing a new engine into my 89 RS.
I was just tooling around in nextgenparts.com and ran across some emissions stuff that left me with a couple of questions that I hope someone can help clear up for me.

There appears to be a rating system developed by SEMA that would indicate any applicable parts emissions rating where 1 is legal in all 50 states 2 is legal in all states but Cali and 3 is not legal for road use at all. Problem is all but one of the engines on this site is rated a three. Question is does this apply to the engine before or after additional emmissions control parts are added on? like from the cat to the rear etc.

What should I keep in mind when approaching this issue in general, bearing in mind I do want a street legal machine and I dont really plan on taking it to California?

Also is there a place I should or could go or call to find out about swapping the 2.8 V6 with a V8 where I can get the right answers on emmissions and even more information that I might be too ignorant to ask?

I live in Missouri if that makes any difference.

Thanks, Chip

 

I live in Colorado, having moved here from California. The emissions inspection and testing I have to go through here is more strict and thorough than what I had to do in California (except I had to do the '57 when I first got to California - but not after that. Didn't have to do it when I brought it to Colorado).

When I take the Camaro in for e-test here (I didn't have the Camaro in California, by the way), they enter the VIN into the machine. I have the V8 stickers under the hood, but they don't seem to care about that. It spits out a list of things they need to inspect for - EGR, charcoal can, A.I.R., cat, fuel filler restrictor, etc. They check those off, then go to the dyno. It sniffs it while going through various simulated driving conditions, then says I pass. It prints out a report that states I have a V6 engine and I'm doing my part to keep Colorado's air clean.

Now, I've been through this twice, the 2nd time the morning before I started taking the engine out to do the mods in my sig. Should be interesting in 15 months when I take it back again with all this new stuff on it.

Two other examples:
1) Buddy with a '90 RS, converted from LO3 to TPI ZZ4 - highly modified. He's got all of the "check list" items, dual cats, L98 stickers under the hood. He goes through inspection and testing in less time than I do. And, we all know the ZZ4 is a "3" engine.

2) My old '66 Impala, from which the 396 in the '57 came. When I had it tested, it actually had a 350 in it, but the 396 flags were still on the front fender. While doing the inspection, they asked, "What engine is this?" I said, "350." They nodded, didn't say anything more. What's interesting about that? It was a SBC, not BBC, and there wasn't a 350 available in 1966. It still passed with flying colors.

Basically, the engine/emissions equipment combo must be the same year or newer than the chassis, and from a similar type of vehicle (no truck-type emissions package in a 3rd gen, for instance). All of the equipment must be as the factory made it or an aftermarket certified replacement, and functional. Those are federal rules. Inspection/testing are conducted locally as agreed to by the particular state/region and the EPA.

 

Wow! Thank you so much for the info.
That is a great help. Now I feel more comfortable picking and choosing from what I want for what I can afford.

Dude! That was great, thanks!

 

five7kid once again the man.