90 Civic Hatch Engine Swap legality

[Celicaman]

I have a 1990 Honda Civic DX Hatchback and the engine is a little old with alot of miles on it so I was planning on swapping out my engine for a D16Z6 engine that came with the American 92-95 Civic SI and the 92-95 Del Sol SI. I have been reading alot about engine swapping being illegal and not being able to pass smog especially in California(which is where i live) but if i got an engine that orginally came from the U.S. or California for that matter would it be legal and able to pass smog?


Thank You

[2gracer]

I've heard the same tings as you, but I firmly believe that there are lots of swapped civics cause they're legal. generally, the engine has to be of the same year or newer to pass. as for smog just go to a crooked shop, but I really don't think you would have much of a problem, you might also ask a lot of local shops, because they will probably give you different answers. but I honestly think it's not as big a deal as it is made out to be

[CFourDX]

jsut make sure the motor is newer, if a us spec engine then it will pass, the j spec ones wont (i believe), you should have any problem with the d16z, its almost the same engine as you already have in your car already, just one more liter and v-tec, shouldnt be a problem getting it registered with dmv or smogged