94 Del Sol w/B16a JDM swap California ?s

systemt · #1 03-13-2004, 03:53 AM

Anyone who can help, I sure appreciate it! - Just purchased a 94 Honda Del Sol in California. I got a hell of a deal so I'm sure there is a catch. I was told the motor came from a late model Acura. It is stamped B16A and has a serial #1,20x,xxx. From what I've read I'm sure it is a second generation JDM(no suffix on the B16A stamp, 4 wire O2 sensor, Hydraulic trans, etc.)

In addition - This car has never been titled in CA, title is NJ. The previous owner got a temp CA registration with a referal to the CHP for VIN verification (missing dash VIN as the dash came from a salvage yard) Before I bought the car I had the police dept. run the VIN from the door jam and the firewall - it checked out fine.

My questions:

How can I determine the year of the motor - California law requires it to be as new as the car or newer(so I've read.)

I've read conflicting opinions - I've read that I have to take the car to the state referee board and they will issue a new VIN # so the car can pass smog. I've also read that it is illegal to have a JDM B16A(assuming that's what it is) in a US car. What's up??

What the hell is the the CHP going to say when I show up with a car that only has 2 of 3 VIN #s on it?? And are they going to give me shit before I have a chance to go to the state referee board and get the new VIN??

Thanks again,
Just Bought a Headache in OC

crxlvr · #2 03-13-2004, 10:23 AM

well for starters, the acura that came wih the b16 was the 90-93 integra. however, it is illegal to swap an older motor into a newer car. you may have problems without that vin number, but if the chp runs the other ones, he shouldnt have a problem, plus you can tell them it was a part from a junkyard.

hope everything goes alright.

systemt · #3 03-13-2004, 01:46 PM

Thanks for the reply... Is there any way the motor could be newer then 1993? The kid I bought the car from said it was a late model motor - so he lied. Then it's possible it's not even from an acura, right?. How can i find out the actual year of the motor? Also I can't seem to find the transmission code, where exactly is it located?

Thanks Again!

jcrx · #4 03-13-2004, 02:04 PM

Check it out, one the head, above and to the left of the exhaust manifold, there are a series of small circles, and numbers inside those circles. The one on the very left is the year the head was cast. Now, it could be an older head on a newer block, or it could be a newer head on an older block, or it could be exactly what it says. But, the problem is the CARB policy is that a JDM DOHC motor is not functionally identical to the SOHC motor that was in the Sol to start with, so it can't pass the BAR. But we all know this is BS, because many people have legaly smogged JDM engines before. The guy I talked to at CARB said that it is just policy, not law, so the ref is, in the end responsible for the desicion on whether or not to pass it.

Quote:

Japanese Replacement Engines
Used engines imported from Japan can be used as replacement engines as long as the engine being used has been identified as functionally identical to the original engine. Please refer to the engine importers catalogue to determine if a replacement engine is legal for installation in your vehicle.

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.
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.

tsugsr · #5 03-13-2004, 03:06 PM

the B16's wernt in the 90-93 acuras, those im pretty sure had the b18A's, cause my 87 teg had a B16a, and my brothers 93 teg has a b18 all the late modle tegs have a B18's in them, but like jcrx said, it could be an older head on new bottom end or visa versa

jcrx · #6 03-13-2004, 04:12 PM

The B16A was in the JDM Integra Xsi/RSi from 90-93, the US was the only country to get the 92-93 GSR, with the B17A1, and tsygsr is right about the Integra LS having the B18A1.

systemt · #7 03-13-2004, 10:07 PM

jcrx, thanks for the great info!! (everyone else too!) I checked the numbers on the head and the first circle on the left shows 0|0.
Is it possible the head was cast in 2000?? and is it possible for the second gen B16A with a 1,20x,000 SN to be that new? (fingers crossed!)
What is the next step - how do I determine the age of the block?
Also, if it is up to the ref in the end how do I maximize my odds of passing?

jcrx · #8 03-14-2004, 03:44 AM

Probably a B16A from a 00 SiR. No suffix is Japanese, as faras the serial number, not sure, but the 0|0 does indicate it is a 2000 motor.

95TegSE · #9 03-14-2004, 07:33 PM

However, wouldn't the JDM B16 be functionally identical with the B16A3 that came as an option in the del Sol VTEC?

jcrx · #10 03-14-2004, 07:37 PM

No, because it has different pistons in it and the JDM ECU won't pass a smog inspection, he would have to use the USDM ECU.

95TegSE · #11 03-14-2004, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcrx

No, because it has different pistons in it and the JDM ECU won't pass a smog inspection, he would have to use the USDM ECU.

Oh, I see. My mouth is now shut...

systemt · #12 03-14-2004, 11:13 PM

So, if I understand this right, I'm going to need a USDM ECU to pass smog? What would be a good source? Will the state ref OK this type of mismatch? Where in Orange County/LA can a person find an easy going ref? (sounds like this is what I need!)

Also - if you can help - this car is very low, headlights at 18-19" center from ground. Who is going to get me on this - DMV, CHP, or State Ref? Can a suspension kit be adjusted the 3-4" I need or am I looking for a different solution(hydraulics)? Sorry this is off subject, but you guys are really helping this rookie!!!

Thanks again

jcrx · #13 03-15-2004, 08:28 AM

Coilovers can take care of your headlight issue, and not sure who else but your local yokel cops and the CHP can gig you for it.

The reason for the mismatching is, you are comforming the motor to US emissions standards. You should use a US cat to and header (aftermarket is fine as long as it has the carb approval sticker), just make sure when you go to smog it, you have all receipts for motor and parts, and as a matter of fact, keep those especially the motor receipt in your car at ALL times. Seems to be a hobby for the cops in California to confiscate motors (whole car that contain them), that can't prove they are not stolen.

pheurton-skeurto · #14 03-15-2004, 09:41 AM

God im glad i dont live in california...here in ohio we'd never dream of having our cars tested. sounds like a pretty sick sol though, just move man...

ndeezy_179 · #15 03-15-2004, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by systemt

Also - if you can help - this car is very low, headlights at 18-19" center from ground. Who is going to get me on this - DMV, CHP, or State Ref? Can a suspension kit be adjusted the 3-4" I need or am I looking for a different solution(hydraulics)? Sorry this is off subject, but you guys are really helping this rookie!!!

Thanks again

I had a appointment for a state ref a couple months ago for a non-carb legal intake system. I slapped on my factory intake and I had a non-cal legal exhaust and they said it wasn't a problem as long as I didn't get a ticket for it. I paid about 40 bucks in all and I was on my way (after smog and visual test etc.)

From this experience I think that they are not authorized to write tickets. They would usually just give you a list of things to test and your second time is free I believe...

Hope some of this helps

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