[Mr2002zz]

this does not sound right. My shop said that if the ECU doesn't match the vehicle, the state might send them or the owner a letter asking for confirmation that the vehicle was actually inspected, this has never happened in 8 years. Also NYS regulations stated that the engine swap is legal.

I really hope you are right. Let me know how you make out when judgement day comes. I know the inspector said my vin would be flagged for 30 days. I’m going to continue to look for options. Very frustrating considering no codes and all monitors up

 

[Cableaddict]

Did this topic ever get a concrete solution?
I'm looking to buy a swapped MR2, but live in NY State. Everyone I ask has a different answer.

Ughhh ......

 

[rmeller]

What is the swap that you are thinking about?

You would want to go to a shop with car-friendly inspectors. I have a converted SMT with a Celica ECU. The tech told me that it had a Celica ECU, but they had no problem verifying that it ran properly and passing it. They didn't tell me about any bureaucracy behind the curtains that they had to deal with.

 

[FormInFunction]

I have a 2zz spyder in NYC for almost 10 yrs. I have NEVER had an issue getting it inspected with the Celica ECU. I've never even had a single hiccup or comment related to it

 

[Cableaddict]

Thanks, guys, this is good news.

And yet there are plenty of post online from people that could not get their cars passed, in NY.
Technically, it's 100% illegal.

I'm feeling a little better now, but not ready to pull the trigger.

Any more useful input from our members?

 

[Cableaddict]

What is the swap that you are thinking about?

I'd likely buy a Spyder with a 2zz already installed, though I'd prefer the 2AR: It has more low-end torque and so is better for my kind of street driving. (I don't like living up around 6K, burning fule and attracting the attention of every deputy donut in town.)

 

[FormInFunction]

Technically, it's 100% illegal.

Tbh I'm not 100% sure this applies any more. I need to look into the actual laws; I thought NY adopted the California equivalent of BAR emissions requirements within the last few years (ironically when I was living in LA & not paying attention to the NY legislation because I was figuring I needed to make the car BAR legal) HOWEVER either way there's no intricate infrastructure to enforce such a change at the current time. If looking to buy a swapped car I would read over if any changes were made recently or already due to go into effect in the near future.

FWIW NY also considers 25 yrs to be a classic car & emissions exempt so PFL Spyders are basically there.

 

[Cableaddict]

Yeah, it's very confusing.

"FWIW NY also considers 25 yrs to be a classic car & emissions exempt so PFL Spyders are basically there."

True, except anything post 1996 has to have an engine that was originally offered for that car.
That law hasn't changed, as far as I can tell. I don't even know if an engine-swapped car can be registered.

 

[FormInFunction]

This

True, except anything post 1996 has to have an engine that was originally offered for that car.
That law hasn't changed, as far as I can tell. I don't even know if an engine-swapped car can be registered.

That's patently false. It's probably worth reading the inspection rules on the DMV website as linked below if you're unfamiliar with them. Again, the only thing I'm not sure of is whether any additional legislation was passed but not implemented yet in the last 2-3 yrs. Obviously to pass inspection you need a functioning OBDII port on a vehicle MY1996 or newer as stated in the guidelines.

New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program | NY DMV

Learn more about the New York State Vehicle Safety/Emissions Inspection Program and Requirements

dmv.ny.gov

 

[Cableaddict]

Thanks, FF, that link really helps.

I guess a lot of people have this wrong, as I've read it on several threads, elsewhere.
There are still issues, though. I assume you have to install an ECU for the specific engine going in, correct?

And people still say things like "find an understanding inspector." So there MUST be issues.

I've also been told that you can't put a turbo on, for instance on a 1zz. I'm not crazy about turbos, anyway, but I do love me some good low-speed torque.
-------------

And yes, recent changes to the laws are possible. For one thing, they changed the rules about exhaust systems. It's no longer 15 dB above ambient. You now can't do ANYTHING to the exhaust system that make the car louder than stock, and the fines are serious. You can't even add a sports cat. @#@%$@^@#$
So this raises the question again about engine swaps. Heck, even fixing the precat issue with early Spyders. - How does that work with the new NY State law?
- And can I put headers and a good exhaust on a 2zz? It's not the original engine, so how can it possibly have the same volume as the stock car?

It almost makes me want to move to New Jersey. (And I HATE New Jersey.)

 

[FormInFunction]

I don't know where you're getting your info but much of it is wrong. You can do anything to the car....engine swap, turbo, aftermarket ECU, etc, etc. The OBDII must be functional, it must pass emissions. This is why I can't get inspected on my Apexi ECU, there's no OBDII functionality with it (ancient tech).

The truth is it also needs to have all of the emissions control devices (EVAP, catalytic converter, etc) it came with originally as shown on the linked page but short of blasting a straight pipe most places are going to just let the emissions test decide your pass or fail there....they don't make any money off of doing inspections & tend not to want to draw out the process. It's nothing like Cali where they have strict pictures showing what every make/model should look like as far as intake, exhaust, heat shields, etc. The precat thing is a complete non-issue. Technically illegal to remove, but as above, no one is breaking out the book to see what it should look like. They do nothing for emissions once the main cat is at operating temp.

As far as noise you can read the noise statute page linked below...76 decibel limit when traveling 35mph or less. No other restrictions to the actual exhaust. There was a 2021 law passed, which my be what you are referring to. That is not enforced in any way, shape or form other than to be tacked on as an additional costly fine (increased from $150 to $1,000) for repeated offenders...in reality only those with extremely obnoxious burble tunes.

Aftermarket exhaust statute --> signed into law

NY State Senate Bill 2021-S784B

Relates to certain vehicle equipment violations and fines.

www.nysenate.gov

Noise statute --> still in committee. This bill is wanting to tack on checking exhaust volume to the yearly inspection process.

NY State Senate Bill 2023-S6718

Requires inspections of motor vehicle mufflers and exhaust systems to determine compliance with established maximum allowable sound levels.

www.nysenate.gov

FWIW Jersey's free inspection places actually run the car over a camera to ensure the cat is there, more than most places do in NY. I would advise reading up on the laws, they are simultaneously not as bad as you think while seemingly also heading towards the end times (being synchronous with California's).

 

[rmeller]

... fixing the precat issue with early Spyders. - How does that work with the new NY State law?

Modifying the emissions control is a federal crime no matter where you are. Very unlikely anyone is going to take your car apart to look at it, unless maybe it involves a complaint against a shop.

 

[Cableaddict]

So the governer is lying?

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Cracking Down on Noisy, Illegal Mufflers and Exhaust Systems to Protect Public Health, Safety and Quality of Life

Governor Hochul signed legislation that increases penalties against motorists and repair shops that illegally modify mufflers and exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy — an act associated with aggressive driving that harms community health, safety and comfort.

www.governor.ny.gov

And the Senate bill THAT WAS PASSED AND SHE SIGNED is just BS?

NY State Senate Bill 2021-S784B

Relates to certain vehicle equipment violations and fines.

www.nysenate.gov

And this article is wrong:

What You Need to Know About the New NYS SLEEP Act

What does the New York State SLEEP Act mean for my exhaust or muffler? Read here about the state’s new legislation aimed at reducing noise and emissio

blog.nycm.com

And the two inspection places I asked and said "don't even try it" were wrong, as was the one mod shop I asked who said the same thing and refused to even consider it.

OK then, good to know.

 

[Cableaddict]

I don't know where you're getting your info but much of it is wrong. You can do anything to the car....engine swap, turbo, aftermarket ECU, etc, etc.

According to techs at both TCS and Monkey Wrench, whom I recently spoke with, an engine modded with a turbo will not pass emissions. They very strongly warned me not to do it.

I guess they're wrong, too.

 

[FormInFunction]

You can certainly pass emissions. My Saab has a 4cyl turbo & passes emissions. A supercharged V8 Dodge Demon passes emissions. There are a ton of engine swapped & turboed vehicles in NYC alone....Are you trying to turbo it to the moon & double/triple your fuel injection while put on a high flow [offroad use only] cat to maximize every last HP by removing restrictions? Cause that probably won't pass emissions.

As for what you linked, you seem to have missed the substance of the law by falling for the sensationalized stories & not looking at the actual signed bill, which is why I linked the actual bill; as dry as it is. If you read the summary of provisions for S784B (which we've now both linked, kinda proving you don't read what is presented to you) & you'll see what is parphrased below:
Section I: Can't sell/install an exhaust bypass/'valves' or get fined
Section II: Increases the preexisting fine for having an illegal exhaust
Section III & IV: Inspection stations can have their status suspended or revoked for giving stickers to such vehicles repeatedly

Read the laws themselves, not headlines meant to grab clicks, views, & IP traffic. Actually read them....reposting my link which you clearly didn't read either time was absolutely hilarious, but doesn't solve the issue of not understanding the existing vs newly amended laws. "Governor Hochul Cracks Down on Automotive Hooligans, Making Your State Safer & More Peaceful" sounds like a great headline....hell, I'd want them to write that if I had to run for re-election. Meanwhile, the newest amendments only increased existing fines/punishments. As the MCM guys say, this my blow your wormhole: 'Offroad use only' exhausts/mufflers were always illegal & contain that disclaimer to protect the manufacturer from liability. 🤯