EffWun

Title, can I just swap ANY MOTOR in ANY 1997 or before smog exempt diesel and drive around? I have a cammed LS1 would love to drop in a mercedes diesel wagon or something. If true I will broaden my search to all diesel pre 97 cars

anyone let me know thanks.

TheDonEffect

I thought they were going to smog diesels... but yes, if they exempt then you can theoretically swap any engine. I know that 240sx people were converting their cars to ethanol, get the exemption, and then swap away.

EffWun

Were they? I googled the information of 1997 and prior diesels are smog exempt.

Interesting, ethanol conversion to be smog exempt is something to look into as well

darcyw

that's a great swap- a number of years ago a local did a 350 swap, and lowered his 64 Mercedes sedan. took a pretty regular car and turned it wicked cool.
I can't speak to CA's rules, but I'd love to see this when you're done.
darcy

rrounds

This is off of the CA.gov web site-
Diesel Smog Test Exemption:
The DMV does not require a California emission inspection (smog check) for the following types of vehicles:
Any diesel car or diesel pickup truck which is 1997 model year or older.
Any diesel truck which weights over 14,000 GVWR.

But if you put a gas engine in a '97 diesel car or truck and get caught, they will make you switch back to the diesel engine.
Have fun and don't get caught.

Rod

EffWun

Damn CA laws. Also not too smart of a financial move for me at the moment too.