What makes JDM Engines illegal? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

elemento1991 · 01-19-2011, 03:47 PM

Ive recently been finding out that it is illegal to have ANY J-spec engine here in the U.S. I've wanted an SR20 or RB25 240 for years, but I can't risk my insurance getting pulled and having my families house and all kinds of shit taken away if someone is hurt in an accident.

Is it illegal because of smog or for other reasons? We do not have emissions tests in my part of PA, they let the law expire and knowing where I am from I doubt they will reinstate one anytime soon. Mechanics will usually pass you on inspection even if you don't make the laws anyways.

I guess I am just going to sit down with an insurance agent and see what is legal and illegal and what I can work with. I hate this fucking world we live in today. Ive asked before but I never got any knock on wood answers, do you guys just lie about your swaps, are any of your insurance companies aware, they wanted to look at my suspension kus it "would throw the cars balance off." god knows what they'd do with a swapped engine on a t28 turbo.

ElmStormer · 01-19-2011, 03:50 PM

who told you they were illegal?

Krimlin · 01-19-2011, 03:52 PM

I don't know about PA but state's laws differ, in TX no swap is illegal, but there are government codes regulating them from what I've heard something to do with the EPA.

I've looked through all of the vehicle regulations in the CFR (Federal Regulations) and have found nothing barring the sawpping of engines

Pure_JDM · 01-19-2011, 03:53 PM

Full of win. To summarize all the things I want to say, someone lied to you.

codyace · 01-19-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elemento1991

Ive recently been finding out that it is illegal to have ANY J-spec engine here in the U.S. I've wanted an SR20 or RB25 240 for years, but I can't risk my insurance getting pulled and having my families house and all kinds of shit taken away if someone is hurt in an accident.

Is it illegal because of smog or for other reasons? We do not have emissions tests in my part of PA, they let the law expire and knowing where I am from I doubt they will reinstate one anytime soon. Mechanics will usually pass you on inspection even if you don't make the laws anyways.

I guess I am just going to sit down with an insurance agent and see what is legal and illegal and what I can work with. I hate this fucking world we live in today. Ive asked before but I never got any knock on wood answers, do you guys just lie about your swaps, are any of your insurance companies aware, they wanted to look at my suspension kus it "would throw the cars balance off." god knows what they'd do with a swapped engine on a t28 turbo.

Tell your parents to get off your back about modding your car.

Just don't say anything. You live in PA, not Kalifornistan.

However just because you don't have an emissions 'test' in your county, that does not mean you are exempt from the visual inspection, which you would not pass if you went a shop who actually looked at it.

Couped_up'd · 01-19-2011, 04:02 PM

So if I owned a chevelle, Camaro, ect ect....Or even a geo/honda.

My chevelle could not swap to another motor? hmm...

Someone did lie to you.

I have been pulled over, many times, never once got any problems about what motor I had.

Far as insurance, hell my rb25 is COVERED on my insurance. So I am pretty sure they know it is installed in the car..

fckillerbee · 01-19-2011, 04:03 PM

buy a n/a american sr20de. buy the hks turbo legal kit. now you have a sr20det.

no i'm just kidding. Just drop a v8 in that bitch. corvette motors are legal in any vehicle. hahaha...

just not in cali.

zooopreme · 01-19-2011, 04:11 PM

^There are actually V8 swaps that are smog legal (will pass both emissions and visual with no problem or under the table crap) in Cali

90hatchie · 01-19-2011, 04:12 PM

i passed ny state inspection with a sr
visual and smog
i know tons of people in pa with sr20's and rb's and even 1jz
who ever told you they are not legal is lying
in california.....sure everything is illegal and causes cancer

drift freaq · 01-19-2011, 04:16 PM

Wow this thread is full of fail. Engine swaps are not illegal per se.
Engines that have not been sold in the United states are Federally Illegal.

Now whether or not your particular state chooses to follow those laws to the letter or look the other way is another thing.

In fact California even has a swap law that allows same year or newer with all smog equipment from donor engine vehicle.

Krimlin you should know better by now than to speak up here. Unless you enjoy getting owned once again.
EPA is Federal! EPA rules andregs are Federal and Federal emission laws.

If an engine does not comply to EPA rules and regs i.e. Federal regulations it is illegal.
Most JDM engines do not comply because Japan up till very recently used different emission equipment. Now before any of you start saying your In California its different! I am talking about EPA AND FEDERAL!

There are a few exceptions like the Toyota 3SGTE which was sold here and In Japan and is pretty easy to make legal as well some Honda engines.

Though pretty much all Nissan's are a no go.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90hatchie

i passed ny state inspection with a sr
visual and smog
i know tons of people in pa with sr20's and rb's and even 1jz
who ever told you they are not legal is lying
in california.....sure everything is illegal and causes cancer

Like I said some states are willing to look the other way. Oh and Matt by Federal EPA law they are.

Oh and Matt stop hating. LOL you are the one that wants to move out here. LOL

$nicklefritz · 01-19-2011, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elemento1991

Ive recently been finding out that it is illegal to have ANY J-spec engine here in the U.S. I've wanted an SR20 or RB25 240 for years, but I can't risk my insurance getting pulled and having my families house and all kinds of shit taken away if someone is hurt in an accident.

Is it illegal because of smog or for other reasons? We do not have emissions tests in my part of PA, they let the law expire and knowing where I am from I doubt they will reinstate one anytime soon. Mechanics will usually pass you on inspection even if you don't make the laws anyways.

I guess I am just going to sit down with an insurance agent and see what is legal and illegal and what I can work with. I hate this fucking world we live in today. Ive asked before but I never got any knock on wood answers, do you guys just lie about your swaps, are any of your insurance companies aware, they wanted to look at my suspension kus it "would throw the cars balance off." god knows what they'd do with a swapped engine on a t28 turbo.

i got 4 letters 4 u .. READY....... S.T.F.U. YUR BABBLING ON ABOUT MATTERS WICH YOU DO NOT YET UNDERSTAND

Craig Jr · 01-19-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codyace

Tell your parents to get off your back about modding your car.

Just don't say anything. You live in PA, not Kalifornistan.

However just because you don't have an emissions 'test' in your county, that does not mean you are exempt from the visual inspection, which you would not pass if you went a shop who actually looked at it.

This thread is fantastic!!! I live in Kalifornistan! LOL

drift freaq · 01-19-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig Jr

This thread is fantastic!!! I live in Kalifornistan! LOL

Kalifornia UBER ALLES Kalifornia UBER ALLES Kalifornia UBBBER ALLLEESSS.

90hatchie · 01-19-2011, 04:28 PM

lol i gave up on moving to cali
ill just continue to visit every few months haha

ericcastro · 01-19-2011, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90hatchie

lol i gave up on moving to cali
ill just continue to visit every few months haha

Too bad.

-We are wearing Tshirts.
-Girls are wearing shorts and skirts.
-Winters over, it was 3 weeks.
-Models and Beautiful Actresses are still moving here from every town in the united states. Especially since they all left your towns, leaving you with fat chicks that want a family and thats it.

LMAO!!!

HAWAII · 01-19-2011, 04:37 PM

hahaha! Go to your local Department of Vehicle's website and search on what is illegal and what is not. Every state is different!

"Don't hate the world you live in, hate yourself for not being mis/uninformed!"

*slider2828* · 01-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Who cares... seriously... LS that biznatch and you don't have to worry about water temp, oil temp, gasket blowing, all that crap.... especially when racing a 400hp sr20det.... they are so finicky I wanna take a sledge hammer to it....

90hatchie · 01-19-2011, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericcastro

Too bad.

-We are wearing Tshirts.
-Girls are wearing shorts and skirts.
-Winters over, it was 3 weeks.
-Models and Beautiful Actresses are still moving here from every town in the united states. Especially since they all left your towns, leaving you with fat chicks that want a family and thats it.

LMAO!!!

lol damn it
the fatties wanting familes thing is true
see u at long beach

ericcastro · 01-19-2011, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90hatchie

lol damn it
the fatties wanting familes thing is true
see u at long beach

lol, cool man

elemento1991 · 01-19-2011, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElmStormer

who told you they were illegal?

Lots of people. The SR20DET was never manufactured in the US or DOT approved so it is illegal, according to most folks on the other threads I found.

I don't really care about lying to them but if some joe blow pulls out infront of me and I hit him and my insurance notices a swapped engine they don't know about, I can't be left with medical expenses and repair bills. Perhaps I am misunderstanding but from what I have read all J-spec engines are illegal in the US unless this is just some rumor everyone passes around

codyace · 01-19-2011, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Couped_up'd

Far as insurance, hell my rb25 is COVERED on my insurance. So I am pretty sure they know it is installed in the car..

What side of the Mountain do you live on?

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90hatchie

i passed ny state inspection with a sr
visual and smog
i know tons of people in pa with sr20's and rb's and even 1jz
who ever told you they are not legal is lying
in california.....sure everything is illegal and causes cancer

The thing is, they are totally illegal in PA. PA non emissions county inspection stations have a book that lists engines per year/type and what should be on it. Even if he said 'oh it's a 2.0 engine' (as the book does not break it down by vehicle type) it still doesn't have EGR, a visual compoent here. I'd assume no converter either, nor working charcoal canister.

I'm not trying to be that forum nerd trying tbe right, just stating what the inspection law is and are. He may have heard that and got his information from that perspective.

Needless to say, 95% of inspections mechanics have a hard time even pointing out where half the stuff is, let alone know what cars have a motor swap. Not saying that we look past the law but....well.

revcyanide · 01-19-2011, 08:19 PM

a couple of sr20's would pull a premium a week before race wars.

nevertheless · 01-19-2011, 08:26 PM

I Had to get my engine through EPA/customs, and they were dicks! Told me nobody ever gets there engines imported. On the bill of sale it was listed as "Sr20" which i guess is illegal, so I had my book keeper fax him the invoice with it saying "Sr20det" which is legal...what a relief that was.

ROOSEY · 01-19-2011, 08:53 PM

i live in pa too and ive heard the same sr20's are illegal crap but i and probably a 50 other guys are running sr's in pa and i dont think anyone i know has ever had a problem with it ive had three 240s all with sr20's, been pulled over numerous times, and never had a problem. just do the swap.

coup-emonster · 01-19-2011, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revcyanide

a couple of sr20's would pull a premium a week before race wars.

haha fast and the furious classic line..i dont understand why he says that though haha since he wants to put them on civics haha

ElmStormer · 01-19-2011, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elemento1991

Lots of people. The SR20DET was never manufactured in the US or DOT approved so it is illegal, according to most folks on the other threads I found.

I don't really care about lying to them but if some joe blow pulls out infront of me and I hit him and my insurance notices a swapped engine they don't know about, I can't be left with medical expenses and repair bills. Perhaps I am misunderstanding but from what I have read all J-spec engines are illegal in the US unless this is just some rumor everyone passes around

Your going to be fine if u do the swap. if your so worryed about it then stick with the ka!

DenkiMan! · 01-19-2011, 09:16 PM

idk how it is in cali, but in md if the car is over 20 yrs old it can be plated as a historic vehicle (va i think is 25 yrs)...making it exempt from inspection. forever. catch is, you can only legally drive it a certain number of times a week.

but when my 86 bmw 5 series was running, i daily drove that thing to no end lol

smoked240 · 01-19-2011, 09:21 PM

I tried looking up stuff for MN but we have no inspections and it says there are no know restrictions on engines. Knowing the state troopers around here they will try and get you for anything they can.

Couped_up'd · 01-19-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revcyanide

a couple of sr20's would pull a premium a week before race wars.

2nd this right here.

smoked240 · 01-19-2011, 09:45 PM

That line is hilarious.

01-19-2011, 03:47 PM	#1
elemento1991 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: PA Age: 29 Posts: 32 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What makes JDM Engines illegal? Ive recently been finding out that it is illegal to have ANY J-spec engine here in the U.S. I've wanted an SR20 or RB25 240 for years, but I can't risk my insurance getting pulled and having my families house and all kinds of shit taken away if someone is hurt in an accident. Is it illegal because of smog or for other reasons? We do not have emissions tests in my part of PA, they let the law expire and knowing where I am from I doubt they will reinstate one anytime soon. Mechanics will usually pass you on inspection even if you don't make the laws anyways. I guess I am just going to sit down with an insurance agent and see what is legal and illegal and what I can work with. I hate this fucking world we live in today. Ive asked before but I never got any knock on wood answers, do you guys just lie about your swaps, are any of your insurance companies aware, they wanted to look at my suspension kus it "would throw the cars balance off." god knows what they'd do with a swapped engine on a t28 turbo.

01-19-2011, 03:52 PM	#3
Krimlin Zilvia Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 292 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I don't know about PA but state's laws differ, in TX no swap is illegal, but there are government codes regulating them from what I've heard something to do with the EPA. I've looked through all of the vehicle regulations in the CFR (Federal Regulations) and have found nothing barring the sawpping of engines __________________

01-19-2011, 04:02 PM	#6
Couped_up'd Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Candy Mountain Posts: 1,119 Trader Rating: (47) Feedback Score: 47 reviews	So if I owned a chevelle, Camaro, ect ect....Or even a geo/honda. My chevelle could not swap to another motor? hmm... Someone did lie to you. I have been pulled over, many times, never once got any problems about what motor I had. Far as insurance, hell my rb25 is COVERED on my insurance. So I am pretty sure they know it is installed in the car.. __________________

01-19-2011, 04:11 PM	#8
zooopreme Post Whore! Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,772 Trader Rating: (38) Feedback Score: 38 reviews	^There are actually V8 swaps that are smog legal (will pass both emissions and visual with no problem or under the table crap) in Cali __________________ For Sale #1 \| For Sale #2

01-19-2011, 04:37 PM	#16
HAWAII Zilvia Addict Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Burbank,Ca Age: 45 Posts: 716 Trader Rating: (24) Feedback Score: 24 reviews	hahaha! Go to your local Department of Vehicle's website and search on what is illegal and what is not. Every state is different! "Don't hate the world you live in, hate yourself for not being mis/uninformed!" Last edited by HAWAII; 01-19-2011 at 06:57 PM..

01-19-2011, 03:50 PM	#2
ElmStormer Leaky Injector Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: O'Fallon,MO Posts: 60 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	who told you they were illegal?

01-19-2011, 03:53 PM	#4
Pure_JDM Zilvia Addict Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Denham Springs, LA Posts: 814 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Full of win. To summarize all the things I want to say, someone lied to you.

01-19-2011, 04:03 PM	#7
fckillerbee Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Age: 36 Posts: 4,266 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	buy a n/a american sr20de. buy the hks turbo legal kit. now you have a sr20det. no i'm just kidding. Just drop a v8 in that bitch. corvette motors are legal in any vehicle. hahaha... just not in cali.

01-19-2011, 04:12 PM	#9
90hatchie Banned from the Marketplace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: yorktown hts ny Age: 32 Posts: 2,984 Trader Rating: (15) Feedback Score: 15 reviews	i passed ny state inspection with a sr visual and smog i know tons of people in pa with sr20's and rb's and even 1jz who ever told you they are not legal is lying in california.....sure everything is illegal and causes cancer

01-19-2011, 04:28 PM	#14
90hatchie Banned from the Marketplace Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: yorktown hts ny Age: 32 Posts: 2,984 Trader Rating: (15) Feedback Score: 15 reviews	lol i gave up on moving to cali ill just continue to visit every few months haha

01-19-2011, 04:40 PM	#17
slider2828 Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,824 Trader Rating: (13) Feedback Score: 13 reviews	Who cares... seriously... LS that biznatch and you don't have to worry about water temp, oil temp, gasket blowing, all that crap.... especially when racing a 400hp sr20det.... they are so finicky I wanna take a sledge hammer to it.... __________________ Turn and Burn!

01-19-2011, 08:26 PM	#23
nevertheless Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: omaha, ne Age: 30 Posts: 502 Trader Rating: (5) Feedback Score: 5 reviews	I Had to get my engine through EPA/customs, and they were dicks! Told me nobody ever gets there engines imported. On the bill of sale it was listed as "Sr20" which i guess is illegal, so I had my book keeper fax him the invoice with it saying "Sr20det" which is legal...what a relief that was. __________________ Jessefuckinwood Street Prowl

01-19-2011, 08:53 PM	#24
ROOSEY Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: In the garage Posts: 430 Trader Rating: (12) Feedback Score: 12 reviews	i live in pa too and ive heard the same sr20's are illegal crap but i and probably a 50 other guys are running sr's in pa and i dont think anyone i know has ever had a problem with it ive had three 240s all with sr20's, been pulled over numerous times, and never had a problem. just do the swap.

01-19-2011, 09:21 PM	#28
smoked240 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Dakota Age: 30 Posts: 1,066 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	I tried looking up stuff for MN but we have no inspections and it says there are no know restrictions on engines. Knowing the state troopers around here they will try and get you for anything they can. __________________

01-19-2011, 09:45 PM	#30
smoked240 Zilvia FREAK! Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: North Dakota Age: 30 Posts: 1,066 Trader Rating: (4) Feedback Score: 4 reviews	That line is hilarious. __________________ Last edited by smoked240; 01-19-2011 at 10:33 PM..

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