reivaxtorres
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voidfinger said:so there wouldn't be any problems unless the smog guy rips my passengers kick pannel off and reads the numbers??? Tell me more about the dmv thing about getting it inspected??? i'm confused.
well no, not quite that complicated. when the smog tech hooks up his computer to the ECU, he can check the VIN # and compare it to the one that the DMV has on file. out here you get a letter (registration renewal) mailed from the DMV with all the info on it that you have to take to the smog tech. the smog tech then scans the barcode on the registration renewal which then uploads all the info into his computer. the only way for him to check the VIN number is to pull up what the ECU says via his computer, which from what im told, they dont do.
the DMV, however, does get to see what VIN number the ECU says it is and compares it to the VIN # they have on record for your car. these wont match and thats when the DMV will start looking into the matter. whether it starts an investigation or lets it slide is up to the DMV, but im guessing they investigage.
as for doing it the legal route, you pretty much have to document everything, and preferably have a shop do the swap and take care of everything else.
out here, a legal swap must include an engine that was originally equipped in the car/model (in this case a cobra's dohc engine would be acceptable, a mark viii engine would not) and it cannot be older than the year of the car (ie. you cant put a 96 dohc into a 98 sohc). once everything meets these guidelines, you can go ahead with the swap. once its complete, it has to be inspected by the state Bar, who will make sure that everything is still stock (uncluding midpipes, catback, everything) and make sure that everything is in working order (ie. accurate speedo, working turn signals, all emissions components are there, etc). if everything checks out, he will certify the car as being street worthy and sign off on the swap. now the ECU's VIN number wont match your cars VIN number, but the DMV will already have it on file as being a legal swap and that there will be a discrepancy in the VIN numbers.
this is how it works in cali (from what im told), and as everyone knows cali is very strict on car modifications. North Carolina might have different rules, so it wouldnt be a bad idea to call your DMV to see what they tell you about performing a swap.