Our headers will be receiving EO certification within the next month or so, so there will be no problem with a 3800 AUTOMATIC swap here in CA, as long as an OBDII catalytic converter is used. Craig ( sleeper ) is a perfect example for this.
Couldnt even tell you about the V-8 swaps, only that folks in the past have swapped VIN plates to a smoggable car, to me - it's just not worth going to PRISON over trying to get a car to pass smog cert.
------------------ ( the above was the thoughts, views, and opinions of a disgruntled Fiero mechanic, and do not express or imply those of West Coast Fiero, Fieros West, or any other organization - just that of this poor bastard ) :) Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero 310-305-4111
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04:40 PM
Jun 5th, 2003
Orville Member
Posts: 263 From: Bakersfield, Ca USA Registered: Dec 2000
OK, I'm back with good news - my spcns fiero was tested as a "sb100" (their term) and classified and passed as a 1960's, no-test car. I have the new plates and the tag, but wait, don't get excited until you hear what I had to do to get fair treatment under Ca laws sb100, sb580, and sb1578.
At the first appointment to get tested as a spcns, the ref, as usual, immediately phoned his regional manager to be told what to do. Turns out that the BAR hierarchy in Sacramento has arrogated to itself the authority to second guess the DMV and the CHP to declare that my vehicle was not really a spcns but rather was still a '87 fiero. They refused to even test it, referring to it by its destroyed, no longer existent, former VIN! Talk about a catch 22.
Not wanting to accept that sort of insanity (even for Ca), I took my case, with cover letter, copies of the laws, my registration, the DMV's instructions to me and the carb ref, to the local office of the state senator for my district. The office manager there was most helpful. He asked carb and BAR to rationalize and justify their actions. Apparently, they couldn't give one or had bigger fish to fry because after about a month of excuses and foot dragging I got a call yesterday from the carb regional manager with "good news" - they had decided to process the vehicle as a "sb100" and smog it as a 1960's car.
I'm not sure what all this means for Ca guys wanting to go the spcns route to get their engine swaps passed by the carb ref's. Has BAR changed its policy? Or did they just make an exception in my case? I guess maybe it'd be best to call and ask in advance.
But, having gone through the carb referee process with two OBDII engine swaps in several years, I can say this about my experiences: Don't expect to get better treatment by venue shopping - any ref anywhere in the state will evaluate your engine swap as instructed by his regional manager, who in turn will take his cues from the BAR people in Sacramento. And don't expect to negotiate or "talk it through" with BAR. [Here's where I get on my soap box] These characters, for whatever weird, incomprehensible reasons, probably not even understood by themselves, have extremely negative, discouraging attitudes toward engine swaps. Perhaps they see themselves as some sort high priests in charge of protecting the vestal virgin purity of OBDII from being violated by Ca's evil engine swappers.
However, I've gotten two OBDII swaps passed, so maybe there's a chance.
Orville
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08:32 PM
West Coast Fiero Member
Posts: 2044 From: Los Angeles, CA, USA Registered: Jun 2001
Perhaps having you and your car at the Vegas show would be a great oppurtunity to have a tech session regarding CA engine swapping.
------------------ ( the above was the thoughts, views, and opinions of a disgruntled Fiero mechanic, and do not express or imply those of West Coast Fiero, Fieros West, or any other organization - just that of this poor bastard ) :) Eric Nelson Technician, West Coast Fiero 310-305-4111
I didn't have the same experience with BAR, but that's great news! Who else is going to try?
Frankly, a Fiero engine swap doesn't meet the requirements of a specially constructed vehicle athough with a complete body change it might, but since the frame had a VIN at one time it's still a Fiero.
But, I'm not one to argue with suscess!
[This message has been edited by TK (edited 06-05-2003).]
More good news in the crazy Cali land today.. I heard on the radio this morning since cars are already regulated they are going to have to find other ways to reduce emissions... Their apparent answer to this problem has already passed the House and is heading to the Senate. What is this miracle they have come up with? They plan to legislate and limit how far each person can drive in a day!! Isn't that some crap? Thank God my cars are registered in Tennessee!
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04:06 AM
PFF
System Bot
Orville Member
Posts: 263 From: Bakersfield, Ca USA Registered: Dec 2000
TK: sb1578 specifies that spcns designation can be applied to a "previously registered vehicle". This , of course, means a vehicle previously registered as OEM. So, any vehicle, no matter what its origin, could be considered for spcns designation provided that it met the requirements of sb580. Admittedly, these requirements are not that clear. How much modification would be required? Would an engine swap alone be enough? There are several fiero guys who are going to be trying this route so we'll know more in time.
Incidentally, senator Maurice Johannessen (termed out) authored each of these three bills. He's a fellow car enthusiast who's intent with these laws was to thwart the carb and bar obstructionism.
Hey Everyone, I got my Lt1 fiero with OBDII passed without problems. First I lied and told them the engine was from a manual, then I rigged a "null" relay for the "skip shift." I was told to use either a mass produced exhaust manifolds with a CARB No. or the stock manifolds that came with the engine or similar engine; I opted for the Corvette manifolds. Also, I maintained the original 88 fiero canister. My car passed the visual and tailpipe test. The best thing to do is go to a referee station that is part of a Community College because you will find more knowledgeable people. At least that has been my experience and the people were very helpful.
Hey Everyone, I got my Lt1 fiero with OBDII passed without problems. First I lied and told them the engine was from a manual, then I rigged a "null" relay for the "skip shift."
LT1's came with manuals didn't they?
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01:01 PM
Rickady88GT Member
Posts: 10649 From: Central CA Registered: Dec 2002
What year is your Lt1? What college did you take it too? Is your car registered as a specialty or a daily driver? I had to change my canister because of the ECM controled purge instead of the vacuum controled purge on the Fiero. How much did it cost ya to get the certification sticker? It's cool to have a legal car and not have to worry about smog every 2 years.
Yes Lt1's came with manuals, but they also came with automatics. In fact mine was from an auto Z28.
It's a 97 Lt1, and it's registered as a daily driver, though I have to get it smogged every 2 years. You can still make the canister work with the electronic purge. The sticker was about $30. I took the car to Evergreen Valley College in San Jose.
