Engine swap/modification legalities/insurance - California

[Rom]

Hi all,

I know a few people here have some 3.4L swaps and the like, and I know that California requires an inspection by a Referee to ensure that the engine fitted is newer than, or same year as, the original, and that all the OEM emissions systems such as catalytic convertors, EGR, etc, are all working, but I was wondering how far you can go...

If you were to do, say, a complete engine swap, replace all internals, and switch to high-flow catalysers, and other "serious" modifications, could you get that legally done if you meet all the current legal emissions limits? The "Referee" method apparently just does a visual check of everything and then a simple emissions test - but that wouldn't be enough if you had a lot of custom work done (especially as apparently that Referee just sees a bunch of everyday cars that have failed emissions tests day-in, day-out - not exactly a specialist)! One could argue that since he/she isn't so specialised, as long as your work is very professional and uses a standard engine as a base, has a valid Engine Number, you've installed all the standard emissions devices, and you meet the emissions limits, they'd probably be none-the-wiser about the extra work you've done - but that could be seen as "cheating" ;)

The amount of people that do serious custom work, are they simply illegal in California, or can you (undoubtedly for a hefty "fee") get a one-off legal certificate?

The other question is insurance... Can they understand something like this (even if you do a "simple" engine swap to 3.4L), or do they just put you under high-risk and increase your premium 10-fold assuming you can now outpace a Bugatti Veyron?

Comments appreciated ;)

Thanks!

Shash

Edited April 2, 2006 by Rom

[Rom]

No comments anyone? This must come up, especially you guys who have done engine swaps already (at least the insurance part)? ;)

Thanks!

Shash