I hate the way California does things in terms of what it allows in the way of modifications and emissions compliance. I researched a few things last night and came across something interesting. After an exhaustive research through the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair), I came across the VLT (Vehicle Lookup Table) that lists the engine displacement and the emissions cut-off for the ASM (Acceleration Simulation Mode) test. This is the test that California uses in the enhanced test areas of the state that have the most pollution, and for this test the car is put on a dynamometer, where the engine is under a load to measure the Nitric Oxide (NO) emissions the car is emitting along with HC (ppm) and CO%. In less urban and less smoggy areas a basic TSI (two-speed idle test) is performed which samples the exhaust at idle and at 2,500 rpm for HC (hydrocarbons) and CO (carbon monoxide) emissions along with a functional EGR test. At any rate, the information I found lists two displacements for the Tercel - 1.5L & 1.6L. I assume that this means that either the 3A-C or the 4A-C would be acceptable, and I'm sure most smog techs probably wouldn't be aware of the difference between the two. If there was an issue, I would just remove the 4A sticker on the valve cover.
As for engine swaps, it's difficult to get them certified by a Smog Referee Station, as there are guidelines that need be followed. I was interested in swapping a 4A-FE or 7A-FE into one of my wagons, but it doesn't seem like it's going to work because I called the CARB in regards to this and they said that the engine's exhaust must remain stock all the way to the catalytic converter. The problem with this is that the stock exhaust manifold on these engines will not clear the Tercel's steering, which creates the problem. I have just decided I will stick to the 3A-C and 4A-C engines and live with their lower output (of course with internal modifications to increase the output).
Here are the guidelines from the CARB website:
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/replace.htm
Engine Changes
Engine changes are legal as long as the following requirements are met to ensure that the change does not increase pollution from the vehicle:
• The engine must be the same year or newer than the vehicle.
• The engine must be from the same type of vehicle (passenger car, light-duty truck, heavy-duty truck, etc.) based on gross vehicle weight.
• If the vehicle is a California certified vehicle then the engine must also be a California certified engine.
• All emissions control equipment must remain on the installed engine.
• Vehicles converted to 100% electric drive, with all power supplied by on-board batteries are considered in compliance with the engine change requirements. All fuel system components must be removed prior to inspection. For additional information contact the ARB helpline at (800) 242-4450
After an engine change, vehicles must first be inspected by a state referee station. The vehicle will be inspected to ensure that all the equipment required is in place, and vehicle will be emissions tested subject to the specifications of the installed engine.
On the website you will read also that just about everything is "illegal" in regards to changing parts between engines, models, etc.
The BAR also has these Engine Change Guidelines on this webpage:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/0 ... lines.html
It used to be that there was a 30 year exemption law for vehicles that needed to go through smog checks. Governor Schwartzenegger approved AB2683 that removed this provision and now all vehicles model year 1976 and newer must undergo Smog Checks.
I have had more than my share of trouble getting my vehicles through the smog check. Usually it comes down to having a good catalytic converter and a properly operating carburetor. One of my cars has passed the enhanced test with a vacuum leak, the EGR passages completely clogged (unbeknownst to me at the time, later to be discovered), and consuming a lot of oil. It was the new catalytic converter that helped out a lot in terms of reducing emissions output, however, if the engine is not running optimally it will kill the catalytic converter, therefore it would be prudent to perform other repairs to the system before replacing the converter.
The California CAP (Consumer Assistance Program) is still offering $1,000 to retire your old polluting vehicle. Two former members chose to go this route and had their T4WD's crushed. As far as I know, the car is crushed whole so that none of the parts can be salvaged. However, there are restrictions on how many vehicles you can retire and a list of requirements is listed on the application here:
http://www.bar.ca.gov/80_BARResources/f ... AP_App.pdf. It will not work on out-of-state cars and the program has numerous other restrictions to ensure that the program is not abused by unscrupulous individuals looking to profit from the state.
I am also including $350 worth of BMW off-road package floor and trunk liners! That way you can keep the inside of it clean regardless of what Mother Nature brings on your path. I’m asking $2200 OBO. If you are interested, feel free to text me, call me, or email me. My number is 206-276-four-six-eight-eight. Thanks for looking! Eddie.