So I have a registered 1991 v6 engine swapping a 1991 z28 l98 v8 engine.


Will I have any smog issues ?
Will I have to get a referee ?

What exhaust should I go with to I need a new exhaust.

 

:/ help

 

the short version

Donor engine must be same year or newer and same class of vehicle car/light duty/heavy duty. All emission controls from donor vehicle must be present, then you smog and probably fail due to engine swap and make appt with referee, they inspect all equipment related to engine swap and when done put a label usually in door jamb that makes it so any smog station can smog.

For exhaust since referee inspection may be needed I say use a stock GM system.

 

Not completely correct, as our cars came with TPI and 350 motors so no referee is required.

 

Ok so I should stick with stock heads and cam as well

 

My car is registered as a v6 so that still doesn't bring a concern because our cars came with 350?

 

My car is registered as a v6 so that still doesn't bring a concern because our cars came with 350?

 

According to www.smogcheck.ca.gov/

"All exhaust emission controlled vehicles with engine changes must be inspected by an official referee station and must have a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Vehicle Identification Label affixed to the doorpost."

 

So is the referee a 1 time thing? And how much does that cost ? 100$ I'm assuming. I thought Don does tuning all the time to pass emissions ?

 

When I converted my 85 4 banger mustang into a 90 302 it was free referee and one time thing. However when I converted my 82 lg4 trans am to a 90 TBI system the car passed visually and sniffer. Smog guy even said it was the cleanest burning 4bbl he ever saw.

My fear for you is though when it is smogged the v-6 to v-8 will be a automatic flag.

Do you currently have all your swap parts?

 

I have done several of these swaps and never had to go to the referee.

In fact I called them and they said no.

 

Do you have the number to a referee location so I can call and ask?

 

Shouldn't have to go with a stock GM exhaust, my L98 Z28 has the Flowmaster exhaust and it passes smog every two years I take it. Just keep the catalytic converters and don't go with headers, keep the L98 exhaust manifolds.

 

Do you have a part number to the flowmasters? I'm going to reuse my cats.

 

I meant PRE-cat stock exhaust, after the cat it doesn't matter what you do.

 

Here's the thing...it really depends on how knowledgable and how much experience the smog tech has. Also really up to his discrection. IF the V6 car is fully dressed like a V8 car from the factory you cannot tell the difference visually. He may be suspicious if he sees the original emission label for the V6 and and obviously its not. Peel off the original emission label and go get a V8 label. IF the tech is sharp and notices the VIN character for the engine isn't correct he can send you to the referee. You can have aftermarket parts as long as it meets CARB standards and has the E.O. number or label for it.

I used to do smogs for 20 years in Ca and I wouldn't send you to the ref if everything was there and hooked up properly.

Just remember everything has to be there and working. Timing has to be set to within +/- 3degs from the spec, EGR has to work, and EVAP has to pass the leak test, including the gas cap.

IF you go LS(x) definitely you need to go the referee.

 

That VIN may denote V6...wouldnt he be held to V6 Emission standards??


Google the smog ref they are right by Pierce College in Winnetka.