Very simple question actually and yes Ive searched and searched and then searched again and found nothing past 2009 or an answer to this specifically.

Ive seen others running 5.3's here in California, but no one running an lq4 and actually getting it past the smog refs. I am not sure how the 5.3's got past to be honest. Or is just everyone not going to the smog refs?

Not sure if there is enough cost+reward to do everything to stick an lq4 in (cheaper upfront cost and the ability to get a 408 when its time to rebuild) vs running a stock ls1/ls6.

 

Just spitballing but id imagine if a 5.3 can get it done(if they did ) then so can a 6.0. Wouldn't it also apply to a lsx swap? I think if it works for one it should for another. But what do I know?

 

Technically the 5.3 and 6.0 are not allowed as a swap engine. I just wanted to see if someone got a 6.0 past, how they did it. PM works for me to those who may not want to post that publicly.

Its a stupid rule, but this is California where we revel in the stupid and chastise the logical.

 

the 5.3 is legal to swap in however the 6.0 isnt because its a heavy duty engine.

 

How can they tell the difference? Do they look for the 5.3 or 6.0 stamp on the block?

You may want to just bore the 5.3 for LS1 pistons.

 

yes thats what I was told they check the stamp but i think if it looks like it belongs your good.

 

Smog??? What's that?? Lol


Just tell them it's an LS1 from a 2001 Camaro, etc. They won't really be able to tell. The displacement stamp will be hid behind the accessories anyway.