3S-GTE legal in U.S.? Options

[HectortheRican]

I'm just wondering if doing a 3S-GTE swap would be legal in America

[yarik83]

According to any police officer (and yes any police officer) after market modifications are not legal. If you do not believe me swing by a library or police station and inquire on particular modifications. They will whip out a huge book with many rules and regulations and pretty much tell you that you are shi out of luck.

Now... engine rebuild is legal as long as it fits epa guidelines. Engine becomes illegal the second it is modified and hence on every single modification (ie air intake) manufacturers always write. Not for street use or for off road only.
Engine swap is allowed for as long as you replace it with same engine and it has to be documented in your vehicle report.
Engine from another vehicle is not allowed because it was not tested for reliability, crash ratings etc etc etc etc etc with vehicle you are swapping into.

Now. Yes many people have engine modifications and SOME have gathered up funds for a swap. If your state requires you to pass emissions you will fail every time and therefore most engine swapped car owners end up going to local certified mechanics, who for a fee provide you with a sticker regardless of whether your car is legal or not.

More importantly dont piss off police officers. A cop in a bad mood will eat your heart for dinner and eyes for desert.

Edit:
Can they crush your car? Yes and very much yes. Each state chooses what laws govern it. Under some stipulations and or without reason your property may be seized with intend of destruction under such clauses as domestic terrorism, violating importation laws etc etc. If they want to crush your car they will do it and laugh in your face but not before holding it on their parking lot for a few months making you pay a hefty fee for impoundment and facility rentals. In some extreme cases if holding fee exceeds value of your vehicle you can sign a release form and forfeit rights to the car. At that point car will likely be sold at a police auction.

This post has been edited by presure2: Jan 22, 2010 - 6:20 PM