CA smog questions...lots of em

[curtis73]

I know a few things about smog laws, but not enough to go charging into a very expensive engine swap without first knowing that it will be smog-feasible. So, for those of you who know the answers to these problems, or a website reference where I can find them, I would appreciate it. I've searched the CA DMV website a ton of times, but that legal mumbo jumbo makes me want to vomit my brains through my nostrils. Pretty image, huh? Just so you know, the recipient vehicle is a 1996 model year if that makes a difference.

I know this much so far and correct me if I'm wrong:

-engine swaps where the engine was originally offered in that car are considered direct replacements provided they are from the same year or newer and all emissions equipment is proper for the other engine. For instance, putting a V8 in a mustang originally equipped with a V6 is legal and no referree certification is required. Is that correct?

-engine swaps where the new engine was NOT offered in that car are legal, provided they are the same or later year, all emissions equipment is brought over from the donor vehicle, the new engine is from the same emissions class (i.e. passenger car, truck, etc) and the vehicle passes inspection at a referree station. For instance, putting a V8 in an S10. Is that correct?

What I don't know:

-does the new engine have to be in the same vehicle make? GM for GM, Ford for Ford, or can it be mix n' match?

-what about putting an engine that was originally designated a gas guzzler into a non-guzzler car? Like a Jag V12 into a Mustang. They both were under the same emissions standards, so my thought is that its fine.

-Once a legal swap is completed, can I then use performance parts with CARB EO numbers that correspond to the new engine, or am I stuck with a stock configuration because of the recipient car's VIN? I guess what I'm asking is; do the CARB EO numbers on aftermarket parts apply to the engine, or the VIN of the car?

-If I perform a legal engine swap that requires a referree station inspection (like for instance a V8 into an S10), are its chances of passing based more on a black and white checklist, or are they based on the mood of the inspector and his/her opinion of the swap? I would hate to spend a ton of money making it conform to a legal swap only to have a referree not "like" it and question its legality because he "thought" it might be illegal.