Is JDM Swap Legal?

i posted this in the JDM section but no one really knew the answer for my area. IS a JDM engine swap legal in COnnecticut? does anyone know if its legal where you live?
If it is illegal, how do i get past emissions?

It is ILLEGAL to swap a JDM motor into a USDM car

oh i just found another similar post. anyway does anyone know about Connecticut?
and could someone tell me the pros and cons of swapping an engine, just want to know if i should do it.

i thought it was legal...just that it has to be the same year or newer

Originally posted by MLodsin
oh i just found another similar post. anyway does anyone know about Connecticut?
and could someone tell me the pros and cons of swapping an engine, just want to know if i should do it.

A pro would be more power!!!!

I remember reading a SuperStreet article, where they interviewed a California cop, who patrolled an area with alot of imports, and he knew alot about them, so he could tell what was legal and illegal. he said that any japanese engine is illegal in a U.S. car. This guy knew where to look for engine codes, CARB EO numbers. If you swap another USDM motor into a USDM car, like B16B said, it has to be the same year or newer.

Originally posted by Swonder67


If you swap another USDM motor into a USDM car, like B16B said, it has to be the same year or newer.


Maybe you are referring to the B16A. The B16B is the Civic Type R motor (Japan only :mad: ).

I meant "B16b Bomber", the person, not the engine code. lol

lol am i invisible or what

Originally posted by b16b bomber
i thought it was legal...just that it has to be the same year or newer

Only on USDM motor, JDM motors dont have all the emissions crap that we do which make them "illegal" Or you could be lucky like me and live in a town fulla rednecks that dont care..:D

Originally posted by b16b bomber
lol am i invisible or what Huh? Did you say something? :devil:

i dunno about u guys...but the cops around here (indiana) wouldn't know the difference from a JDM and a USDM if someone was to explain it to them and even then they wouldn't give a damn......well, now that i think about it, that's true for most import enthusiasts around here too.....damn

Originally posted by jimmyfunk
i dunno about u guys...but the cops around here (indiana) wouldn't know the difference from a JDM and a USDM if someone was to explain it to them and even then they wouldn't give a damn......well, now that i think about it, that's true for most import enthusiasts around here too.....damn LOL!!!

Has to be the same year engine or newer, and all USDM emissions equipment has to be added to the JDM engine.

Do you know if it is legal to swap an engine in California?? Do you just have to pass smog?? I'm thinking about doing a swap but i heard its illegal. I heard one cop made the guy swap back the old motor. So i wouldn't wanna go thru the trouble if they're gonna just make me swap in the old motor. help??