I was researching swaps, and in Cali an engine swap needs to be inspected and signed off by a smog referee, unless it's an engine that's the same as the original.
In addition to that I was told that the new engine has to be accompanied by the ECM and tranny that came with it.
This info came from the smog ref himself.
What I'm interested in finding out is whether anyone here has any other useful first hand information on this subject.
Would a matching tranny mean one that is like the one that came foom the donor car, possibly an aftermarket version of the original?
Or does it have to be the exact one?
Any help on this from someone who has been through it would be greatly appreciated.
My guess would be that I should be able to use an engine and tranny from 2 different donor cars. But this being Cal and knowing about some of the curve ***** they have a way of throwing at you, I really don't want to make an investment based on guesswork.

Thanks for any help

 

Hey,
My car is 100% smog legal. To do it you'll need everything that OBD2 comes with. Engine, trans, PCM, Fuel tank and pump, 2 cats, 4 O2's, EVAP canister, Air Pump, and I think that about does it.

You can use an LS1 trans from another LS1 car, that doesn't matter. But lets say you have a 98 PCM then your engine will need everything a 98 has EGR etc. I have pics of my swap on my web-site.

http://home.comcast.net/~brads454/ws...ome.html-.html

Later,
Brad

 

Nice work on the LS1 swap, Brad.
My own project will be a bit less complex. I just want to swap my '85 LB9 for an L98. It seems like the simplest route to go for upgrading the entire engine management system and increasing the displacement, while keeping it smog legal at the same time.
My reason for asking about the tranny matchup is because I'm hoping that I'll be able to use the 700R4 that I already have.
Would the 700R4 in my '85 IROC be any different from the automatic in the later cars that the L98 was offered in?

 

I'd think the trans you have should be fine. But don't take my word for it. You could always just use it and hope it passes and if not then just get another one.
Good luck.
Brad

 

Next question....
Are all the 4sp autos the same through '92??

 

That ref is full of it...the trans doesn't matter...been there done that.

 

The trans would matter if the PCM (ECM) managed the trans function as well as the engine function. But I guess the thirdgen were never originally equipped with the 4L60E anyhow, correct? So it shouldn't matter for an LB9 to L98 swap.

Thanks for the input

... all these laws really test a guys patience.

 

Back again
I should be asking a smog ref these questions, but as long as I've got the attention of a couple guys who've got some experience, I'll save myself the frustration.

Tell me if this sounds like it will be legal:
A 70s 350 block, retrofitted with L98 heads or other 50 state legal heads, intake, and ECM from an L98, an LT1 cam+ retrofit roller lifters. Then swap that into my 85 IROC.
I realize that to most guys it would seem like there's no good reason why this shouldn't pass. But here in California, they' re looking to fail you "for no good reason" so please bear with me, I already know it's ridiculous.

Thanks

 

Well I dunno about the block. I know it's a block, but the engine has to be newer then the car. So yea I dunno if that will work or not. It might though.

 

I wonder what a smog ref looks for on an SBC block as ID, to tell whether an engine is newer than the car??
Does he check casting #s?
With SBCs, it brings the senselessness of it to a whole new level, just cause of parts interchangability.

 

I dont know what he checks the only car I've had ref'd is the 91 LS1.
Good luck though.

 

Thanks, I'm just trying to milk this thread for as much inside information as I can get.
I'm sure you'll have to agree that it's probably a good idea. Why not use my older 350 block if I can get away with it, knowhatimean?
The only diff between an old block and a new one is the rear seal and the casting #.
Yet the older one won't pass ??

 

I know what you're saying, it prolly will work but you never know.

 

The Refs do check the casting #s on the blocks. A 70s block will not pass. These #s can easily be changed though...

For more info on cali smog regs. go to http://www.customconversion.com/Page..._V-8_Smog.html .

 

or... you might be able to try and do the swap and just take it to a regular smog station as if it were your original lb9.... i have heard of this being done....

i completely understand if you want to go through with the complete process and have your swap legal, but this is just a suggestion....

 

Thanks for the replys, it's good to get some fresh insight on the matter.
The more research I do the more an LS1 swap seems like a practical approach. It makes me thankful I haven't invested in any Hi-$$ parts yet.

 

if you're gonna do a california LS1 swap, then CobraKilla92Z is your man.

 

yea you can do it, its just a huge PITA!!!. Yea smog in cali just sucks, luckly i play hockey in Michagin during the winter i just registered it there and no worrys about smog.

 

holy ****... u used to play for the westminster wave, didnt u?
this is Brian Weinstein... not sure if u remember me but hopefully the name sounds familiar... i was a defenseman on the same team as you way back when we beat the Michigan Jaguars in that thanksgiving tournament...
i remember seeing your blue z in the parking lot at the westminster rink...

 

I've got Mich roots myself.
I could always trailer the car back there next time I visit my family and put a 750DP on there on top of a perf RPM and reg it in that state and call it done.
Believe me it's awfully tempting.

 

Making a LS1 swap California legal is far from a big deal, it's really just another engine swap.

 

Is there a noticable handling improvement with the weight savings of the LS1?
Does the front need to be lowered after the swap?
Overall, I like the concept. More power, nice wide power range, and improved fuel economy...

 

I dunno about a handling difference but the car does sit 2 inches or so higher without lowering. You can tell the weight isnt there anymore in the steering wheel, but it's still all good. Yea its a sensable swap for what you get and how it performs.

 

Another idea...
The Z28s that year were offered with either the 4bbl L69 or the TPI LB9.
Does anyone know for sure whether an L69 could be swapped into a LB9 car in Cal?

The reason I'm thinking of doing that is cause my 85 Z came with the engine torn down, TPI and all, and it might be an easier project to make a carbed car out of it than to fix the TPI. And hopefully, it would still be smog legal afterward.
See... I have to put this car through it's first smog check before I can even transfer the reg. And I'm trying to consider all the options before I commit to anything.

 

holy ****, what up brian i remember you.....what up...give me a pm if you see this.

 

When you do the swap just do it like it was an '85 TPI car. Make sure everything is there and in the right place. Then go to a regular smog place or a test only place (if you have to) , but do not go to a ref it is unneccessary as '85's came with TPI. I repeat do not go to the ref, they will try to make your life h*ll (that's to try and earn their keep). If you have trouble with one station, forget them and go to another. The only thing they might notice is the dip stick on the left side (no big deal) most of them don't know.

 

Thanks DD
I read here (I think) that if you go to a ref, he might sign you off. But then after that he has to reinspect every few years, and sign again.
Anyone know if that's so?

 

Not true either, I have converted several and have never been back. I get my regular renewal from DMV and usually go to a test only station.

 

At least that's good news, Thx

It's a real circus, trying to get anything done on your car. It kinda sounds like things are gonna get worse too.