HZ Ryder Posted September 18, 2009 Share Posted September 18, 2009 I have a 1979 280zx, with a V8 chevy 5.7L 350.. unfortunately the body is in bad shape.. I would like to take this mil and move into a 1983ZX.. However, it is my understanding that I can't since the recipient of the engine, etc is newer than the engine I am putting in. I would really hate to loose out on this. I have a title of the doner, however it dosen't state the engine type .. So 1- Can I do this? 2- If I can, legally etc, do I / can I bring the engine into the 80's 3- How can I deal with the emmisons testing to pass.. P.S. I live in New Jersey and finding any engine swap information is well...... Any help would be greatly appreciated.. I am eager to start.. this is something I have wanted to do for many years... but the star is becomming a real pain.. thanks in advance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z2go Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 Since it's a V8 and not an original 79 motor, they won't care that it came out of a 79. What they will care about is what year the V8 itself is. If it came out of an 83 or newer vehicle, and you can prove that, then you are golden. If you can't prove it, but you think you can convince them of it, then I think you are still good. However, I have no idea how they will want you to prove the age of the V8. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HZ Ryder Posted September 23, 2009 Author Share Posted September 23, 2009 Thanks.. my understanding from the fabricator of the car is that it came from a 1979 Camaro, which makes my life a little more complicated.. The car was registered and passed Ca emissons test.. in the current car. I wouid guess that there is an engine ID that identifies all the production information of the motor, man date, plant etc.. and based on that the inspector would know when the mill was produced. The engine, does have several performance mods, which is the main reason why I would like to keep it.. not to mention that the package is tied to a warner 5 speed.. which really makes the combo nasty. I hope I can come to some conclusion soon, as I am getting ready for a two car tear-down. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
z2go Posted September 24, 2009 Share Posted September 24, 2009 Besides scrapping the motor swap idea, you might be able to get away with it. In California, where we have just as many silly laws as you probably do, if you can find a shady shop to do the inspection for you, you can probably get away with it. I would ask around to some guys you know who do mods, and find out where the best place to go is if you want to pass something that is going to pass smog, just not every rule in the book. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
showa Posted September 26, 2009 Share Posted September 26, 2009 HZ Ryder, You might try contacting a couple kit car clubs in NJ.... They might be able to answer your questions.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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