[V8] MPG - oh no!!! - New engine feeler

[Buchholz, Steven]

... no matter what, the engine has a code ABH stamped on it where the car is supposed to have code PT.  There's no doubt, or argument, that the two are similar enough to pass most current scrutinization ... but as time goes by the rules get tougher.  I would not be surprised here in California that they don't check things more closely in the future ... perhaps even to provide pictures.  One time when I had my *STOCK* V8 in for a smog check the tech removed the air filter cover to check injectors and such!  Here, if they find anything that is not standard, you are required to return the vehicle to standard ... no matter whether or not the emissions meet the requirements ... 

As I stated in my original message ... anyone contemplating an engine swap would do themselves a favor by doing some research on the laws for doing so in their state.  Even California laws allow for engines to be swapped out ... the main requirement is that the replacement engine has to be the same model year or newer.  If it is an easy process to legitimately do the swap, why not make sure to follow the rules?  The consequences for getting caught sneaking something past "The Gummint" are likely to be rather severe ... 

Steve B
San José, CA (USA)
> 
> All true. But those items are to most people imperceptible differences.
> Granted the 4.2 glaring at you (and after all that work, why would you
> remove it right?) is a giveaway, but then that is advertising that it is
> a 4.2..