Re: CA smog question involving NON-OP registration

["Jonas Karlsson" <jonas85k@hotmail.com>]

>From: VWMikeLVW@aol.com
>
>>I picked up a '76 scirocco that had been registered as a non-
>>operational vehicle since '92. what happens when you bring it in to 
>>service AFTER it becomes exempt from smog checks (after 2001, the car will 
>>be more than 25 years old). The reason I'm asking
>>is I have the original 1.6L carb motor, (but want to drop in a later 
>>motor)
>
>Oh the other hand, I highly doubt the smog people would know the 
>difference.

The smog people will notice, as they will be looking for the carburator. FI 
just wouldn't cut it, now would it?

Now to answer your question Chris, it gets a little complicated.
I believe the cut off year for Smog Exemption has held at 1973 for a while. 
When it was announced as the cut-off it was in 98, 25 year old cars were 
exempt, but I don't think it is a rolling system where 25 year old cars are 
automatically exempt. I used to think that was the case until I looked into 
it. I'm in the same boat with my 77.

Also, anytime you buy a car, you need to get a smog check. I believe even if 
you want to register it as Non-op. (Very stupid, IMHO, and I could be 
wrong). DMV won't let you register it without it.

Might as well plop in that 1.6 carbed motor, get the smog check, and then 
take 2 years to swap in a complete motor of your choice (1.8 RD would 
probably be the easiest for the power) and get it certified by a referee. 
After that swap out the bottom end for a 2.0l and you're good to go.

Jonas
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