Importing a S13 CA18DET

[Empreez]

As the title reads, I plan on importing a S13 with an CA18DET engine. I am moving from The Netherlands to Texas this summer, so thats where its gonna go (I hope). The car is originally from Germany.
Now I have read a lot about the regulations and stuff on www.epa.gov and foreigborn.com and since the S13 with CA18DET (200SX in Europe, 180SX in Japan) is a non-US vehicle you have to obtain a letter from the US representative which states that the car complies to all safety and emission standards. Now I have contacted Nissan in California and they said that the car can't be imported? And that's it..

That can't be it right? The frame/bodywork of a 200SX/180SX is the same as a 240SX right? And I know there are more cars like mine in the US that do have the right papers and are street legal? Or am I wrong? Hope someone can tell me and help me out with this. I really would like to import my car and contribute to this forum.

[andrewmp6]

hate to say it but your wasting your money youll spend more on it then the car cost new importing any car isnt cheap or easy

[Empreez]

New? I don't think it is possible to buy a new 91 s13 CA18DET. But maybe I am misreading what you typed down, please explain why it would cost me more than the car costs new (used to).

Shipping it is about 1000 dollars and thats all I have to pay, no import costs or taxes (well not a lot). I have a lot done to this car that why I want to keep it, theres none like it.

[Sean1978]

Now I have contacted Nissan in California and they said that the car can't be imported? And that's it..



why would nissan want you to bring that thing? just go buy a new 300ZX, your old S13 dosen't put any money in there pocket.

as for the car, pull the motor and panels off of it and try importing it as parts, then if it gets past customs (it's a gamble) buy a cheap ass 240SX and do a vin swap (unless you live in California, then I don't know what you should do)

yeah it dosen't matter if the car chassis was sold in the USA or not. it's not a US car. Look on the internet for people who have gone to jail for importing european cars.

There isin't really a "legit" way to import that car. If you are going to bring it over just do it yourself. Don't pay anyone to "Import"

[jt1583]

New? I don't think it is possible to buy a new 91 s13 CA18DET. But maybe I am misreading what you typed down, .

every car was once sold as new... so of course you cant buy a new 91 s13 in 2006.

[Empreez]

Allright, thanks for the replies and info.

[drift freaq]

As the title reads, I plan on importing a S13 with an CA18DET engine. I am moving from The Netherlands to Texas this summer, so thats where its gonna go (I hope). The car is originally from Germany.
Now I have read a lot about the regulations and stuff on www.epa.gov and foreigborn.com and since the S13 with CA18DET (200SX in Europe, 180SX in Japan) is a non-US vehicle you have to obtain a letter from the US representative which states that the car complies to all safety and emission standards. Now I have contacted Nissan in California and they said that the car can't be imported? And that's it..

That can't be it right? The frame/bodywork of a 200SX/180SX is the same as a 240SX right? And I know there are more cars like mine in the US that do have the right papers and are street legal? Or am I wrong? Hope someone can tell me and help me out with this. I really would like to import my car and contribute to this forum.

To answer your questions properly... First, though the frame and bodywork look right to you, we do have federal crash safety standards for the U.S. Your chassis may be lacking some of these, Japanese chassis's lack some of this stuff.
Second, your engine was never sold in the United States in its current form in your chassis. We also have CARB/EPA emission standards, again your car is not equipped to meet those. People who are running SR's,RB's and CA's in their cars here are doing it illegally. From a straight U.S. goverment position(D.O.T. E.P.A.) all those engines are illegal here,period! Reason? They were never sold in cars here, so they do not comply to our emission standards.
Now what you can do is what like someone else described above, take your car apart import all the individual parts, find a shell here put them on and your good to go. Your engine will always be illegal though. Some states look the other way, others get harsh about it, that would be on you. You take the chance.

[boosteds13]

Or you could pull your engine and mail it to me! I want a european 4-port head and intake manifold :) For real though, your best bet is just pulling your motor, tranny, ecu, harness and all the various accessories in the engine bay. Ship them here and drop them into a US 240SX which you can find for less than $2,000 regularly.

[chokudoriS13]

Are you planning on becoming a permanent resident? If you're just going to be here temporarily (on a work/student visa), you are allowed to bring a car with you for one year. You will then have to export it out of the country, even if you stay longer than one year (unless you get an extension, which can be granted for up to 5 years).

"NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

A vehicle registered in a country other than the United States may be imported for personal use by a non-resident of the United States for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold while in the United States and must be exported within one year from the date of entry. This period cannot be extended under any circumstances. The importer’s passport number and the name of the country that issued the passport must be supplied on the HS-7 Declaration form. Use Box 5 on the HS-7 Declaration form.
"

From the NHTSA site...

Go here:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/

Click on Temporary Import Guidelines 2003