I need a new engine for my 89 iroc. The problem is that I live in California. I saw the goodwrench replacement motor but it says it's only for up to 86 model cars and they are kind of weak. All of the other crate motors that I have looked at say that they are not emissions legal in CA. There doesnt seem to be a crate engine that is emissions legal for my car. Does anyone know of an engine that will? I am looking for an engine that is better than the stock l98 but will pass CA emissions. Am I dreaming? Is there anything like that out there? I hope you guys know of something because I have had no luck at all finding one. I have thought about getting one of those l98 short blocks from sdpc and some vortec heads and the new vortec tpi base when it comes out. I would use a zz9 cam from tpis. Does that sound like a reasonable combo for a stock tpi system? Im hoping that i can get a lot of power and still pass CA smog.
Thanks.


btw: it is an 89 iroc w/tpi and maf.

[This message has been edited by 89bonestockiroc (edited September 28, 2000).]

 

just because the engine says its not legal for CA doesn't mean that it won't pass smog with all your emmission stuff on it.

The smog guy won't know whether its a 305 or a hi-po 350 unless you point it out or tell him.

We usually don't look that hard unless prevoked.

I'm sure alot of people on this board can send you in a good direction for a nice motor.

The key is to retain all smog equipment.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

GO #3

 

I totally plan on keeping all of the original smog stuff. I just hope that i can get a good engine that will pass. I would like to hear if anyone knows of some engines that could pass smog if i just dont say anything about it not being the original motor. (not that i would tell them that anyway)Also i think that using my tpi will help too. I dont know what i would do without this board.
Thanks.

 

I have a question for all of you in kalifornia .In WV I don't worry about emissions(yet)what happens if your car doesn't pass?Do you not get an inspection sticker?
Do you have an emissions inspection every year?

BTW I know how to spell California.I know we West Virginians are typo'd as backwoods people and our children are born with 4 eyes and 7 fingers on each hand.Just poking a little humor here


------------------


[This message has been edited by Kevin S (edited September 29, 2000).]

 

In CA if you don't pass you need to fix it and MAKE it pass.

We don't use stickers here, if your car doesn't pass they won't let you re-register it.

It requires a smog every 2 years or at every change of ownership.

------------------
ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

GO #3

 

Yup, california smog checks are not cool. I have to get my car smogged just as soon as i put a new motor in it. Thats why i have to get one that will pass. It is my primary car. I need to get going but i also want to put in something with a lot better than stock power. I cant afford to replace engines very often. Anyone have any luck getting any of those crate motors at sdpc to pass smog? I would be very interested and thankful to hear of any that will.
thanks

 

I have a car with vette heads, high compression, no EGR or smog pump, a 224/232 .497/.517 cam and it passes the sniffer out here just fine. Find a crate motor with whatever you want, maybe keep the cam duration down some to hide the lope, and you wont have a problem.
Make sure to keep the cat.