[DeTomaso] California engine swap exemption question

Richard Barkley rlbpantera at earthlink.net
Tue Dec 14 21:11:47 EST 2010


Stephen,

Mike and Steven might be right (that you can register it without a smog 
check, or inspection, or reclassification), but maybe not.

I found this on the web:

"Ski,

I think the interpretation/translation is that if you own a car between 
'66 and '75 you don't have to get a smog check every other year (like 
all other cars), but you DO have to get one before you can register it 
as a new owner.

For many years we had a rolling smog-exemption--every year another model 
year was added to the exempt list. In 1997, the rule was changed and the 
exempt year was frozen at 1974. Much gnashing of teeth amongst owners of 
'75's and later cars. I had been assuming that a '73 was home free, 
until I found this additional bit of data."
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/914-914-6-forum/412010-california-smog-rules-and-old-cars.html

But it was my understanding when I was doing my 4.6 conversion that 
Steve Wilkionson got an official CA smog certification for the cars that 
he converted. Purgold was one of them. Give Steve a call at 
562-634-3434, I'm sure he'd love to hear from you and know Purgold is in 
good hands.

Richard


> Stephen VamVaketis vamvaketis at gmail.com
> Mon Dec 13 09:51:51 CST 2010
>

> I have a question for those who have knowledge about California
> registration and smog check exemption rules. I recently bought
> Purgold, a 1973 that was registered in California for many years.
> However, after being put up for auction, it did get registered in
> South Dakota in 2008 before being purchased this year by a private
> dealer in Oregon who I bought the car from. Purgold had a Ford 4.6
> engine with fuel injection installed, so it is an engine swap car. I
> understand the difference between smog check and total smog exemption.
> The car has been worked on since I bought it in September, so I have
> not registered it yet. I understand I was supposed to do this within
> 10 days from buying the car, but can get that altered. My question is,
> is there some kind of exception to the California smog rules where a
> newer engine swap requires that the car get reclassified to the newer
> engine year (1994, I think) smog rules? Since the 4.6 is a cleaner
> engine than the Cleveland, my hope is there is some kind of waiver
> that can allow me to re-register the car in California with the newer
> engine and still maintain the car as a 1973, my primary concern. I've
> been doing some research on this topic but haven't found a
> comprehensive answer to my specific situation. Unless, of course,
> there is no such option as any kind of engine swap waiver.
>
> Thanks in advance to anyone who can either answer my question and/or
> provide a viable (cost effective, practical, etc.) alternative.
>
> Steve "Catbert"





-- 
-----
Sincerely, Richard Barkley

To Ski or not to Ski, that is the question!

Richard Barkley (310) 373-6695 (home)
E-mail:  rlbpantera <atsign> earthlink.net
ZONKEY'S home page: http://home.earthlink.net/~rlbpantera
Mammoth Lakes Vacation Condo: 2BR+loft/3Bath - Horizons 4 #186 (760) 
934-6758
Condo web address: http://home.earthlink.net/~rbarkley



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