How to register an engine swap in California?
Posted by thelastking72@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 9 comments
Hello everyone I have a few questions. Firstly can you register a car with an engine swap (example: a wrx with an ls engine) in California? And if so, how? I want to ls swap my 2015 wrx but I don’t want it to just be a track car, I would like to drive it in the streets as-well. How would I go about it, I’ve read a few things online but nothing seems concrete and I would like to know your guy’s experiences and how it could be done Thank you guys so much for your time
overheightexit@reddit
Why not start with a better track car that already has an LS? Impreza really isn’t a great platform to start with.
thelastking72@reddit (OP)
Honestly this car has a lot of sentimental value to me. But honestly it seems like a bigger task to get the whole job done than I expected
thelastking72@reddit (OP)
To make it street legal it does. It won’t pass smog
Hopeful_Corner1333@reddit
Vehicle registration is exactly the same. The vehicle has to go through an initial inspection and smog. You get a special sticker and all smogs after that are regular.
Browse the Bureau of Auto Repair website, it has everything you need. If you have any specific questions I can answer most. I've done it a few times.
thelastking72@reddit (OP)
What is the process of getting registered after a swap
Hopeful_Corner1333@reddit
A swap has no effect on registration.
ProStockJohnX@reddit
If you have to smog it, ie OBDII port plug-in, I wouldn't do it. I have had a lot of LS cars, a few swapped, and to get a swapped car to pass plug-in would require a lot of electrical work.
thelastking72@reddit (OP)
Honestly. I don’t know why I thought it was easy to do that part. I’m still doing research before I go for it
MWMWMMWWM@reddit
Yes. However, you need to also install all related emission equipment for the engine you are installing. Once that is complete you need to get an inspection from a state referee. Once that is complete you will need to smog your vehilce every other year like normal dyring registration, which, depending on year may require an emissions test.