Advice on 1997 FZJ75 LHD Registration in Kalif
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gilmorneau
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I guess he wasn't interested ... 
Just throwing this out there, I've been down the CA gauntlet several times with varying degrees of success, as nothing that came in the USA and passes CA emissions is appealing to me.
Even if it were here legally, you would still have to smog it since it is gas, then you're not only dealing with CARB regs but BAR as well. I'm imaging this might be possible if you threw an engine/trans/exhaust/evap system from a 97 FZJ80 in there, anything short of that and you would be SOL. It's hard enough to get a diesel in here, but it's possible because a diesel doesn't have to pass emissions and removes BAR from the equation, leaving one to deal with CARB. Since it's gas it would have to pass a with a referee and be smogged. Even though we got 1FZs here, if it the VIN attached to the engine never had to pass federal emissions then it's a non starter, so you'd have to start with a US spec engine and go from there, opening up a rabbit hole that can get really deep.
Even if it were here legally, you would still have to smog it since it is gas, then you're not only dealing with CARB regs but BAR as well. I'm imaging this might be possible if you threw an engine/trans/exhaust/evap system from a 97 FZJ80 in there, anything short of that and you would be SOL. It's hard enough to get a diesel in here, but it's possible because a diesel doesn't have to pass emissions and removes BAR from the equation, leaving one to deal with CARB. Since it's gas it would have to pass a with a referee and be smogged. Even though we got 1FZs here, if it the VIN attached to the engine never had to pass federal emissions then it's a non starter, so you'd have to start with a US spec engine and go from there, opening up a rabbit hole that can get really deep.
This thread raises an important question to the moderators and our members: Should this forum allow for sale listings for vehicles which are known to not comply with federal law?
gilmorneau
SILVER Star
That's a slippery slope, that is. Consider that most any 25+ year old 'Cruiser with a motor swap does not comply with Federal law. Only exceptions are for "identical" and "newer, EPA approved" motors. So, not naming names (there are too many), any former 1HZ that's now a 1HD-T is in violation; any former 3B or 1PZ that's now a 1HZ is in violation; and....you get the idea. Any 3B or 1HZ with an aftermarket turbo is technically in violation of federal law. There's more. Obviously, under 25 year old cars are a red flag, though not all are here illegally, but over 25 doesn't necessarily ensure compliance, either.
Definitely a slippery slope. At most I would think you require an addendum on ALL ads about it is buyers responsibility to make sure whatever they purchase complies with federal regulations blah blah lawyer speak blah.
Not too mention everyone on mud is pretty good about asking calling out questionable vehicles.
Not too mention everyone on mud is pretty good about asking calling out questionable vehicles.
Can you provide a URL to the ruling that replacing an engine on an imported vehicle requires that it be identical or newer?
I thought that non-original engine replacements were unlawful *before* importing, but were allowed once in the United States.
In the case of a 25+ year old vehicle, motor swaps are generally legal, federally and state-wise, if identified properly (post-import).
There's a lot of loopholes and gray areas in there though. Sorta how Maltec's Troopy is reg'd as an 80, or so I've been told.
There's a lot of loopholes and gray areas in there though. Sorta how Maltec's Troopy is reg'd as an 80, or so I've been told.
No mention of importing but the rules should be the same if the vehicle is already here. The way I read it, it would be the same as dropping a crate motor in a muscle car. Totally fine, federally.
State-wise is another story, especially in CA. Registering in WY or MT isn't all that difficult.
gilmorneau
SILVER Star
I shouldn't have mentioned it--a lot of guys aren't going to want to hear it.
I'll find chapter and verse tonight (I'm on my way to work right now). It's in the Clean Air Act. The same rules apply "before" and "after" importing, BTW. That is, the same law that exempts 25+ year old vehicles from EPA regulations for importation, exempts them while here, but the same conditions apply.
Re: Federal law, this is not always true. Clearly true in the case of swapping in an EPA certified engine (for instance, your V8, Tony). Also clearly true in the case of replacing a motor, say a 1HZ with an "identical" motor (i.e. another 1HZ). Literal application of the law implies that it would not be true in other circumstances.
State laws are all over the place on this kind of thing.
More to follow.
BTW, the link TonyP shared only applies to EPA certified engines. Not what most of us are dealing with.
gilmorneau
SILVER Star
From Tony's link:
"Another situation recently brought to EPA's attention involves the offering for sale of used foreign-built engines. These engines are often not covered by a certified configuration for any vehicle sold in this country. In such a case, there is no way to install such an engine legally. EPA has recently brought enforcement actions against certain parties who have violated the tampering prohibition by performing illegal engine switches."
"Another situation recently brought to EPA's attention involves the offering for sale of used foreign-built engines. These engines are often not covered by a certified configuration for any vehicle sold in this country. In such a case, there is no way to install such an engine legally. EPA has recently brought enforcement actions against certain parties who have violated the tampering prohibition by performing illegal engine switches."
I'll have to do more homework. I researched it a while ago but can't remember the details.
That's definitely not legal especially as you're fiddling with emissions equipment and non-certified foreign engines. You can probably get it reg'd and inspected, depending on the state, but federally it's definitely not legal. Like I said, WY and MT you can get away with a lot. Still not legal, but you can (probably) do it. Lots of sketchy vehicles are registered in Montana.
Let’s present some scenarios and you say Legal or Illegal (with a citation to the legislation if possible):
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to LS1: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to a new 1HZ: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to 1HDT before/after: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 1HZ before import: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 1HZ after import: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 2JZ after import: legal
1997 FZJ75 with any engine: illegal (until 2022)
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to LS1: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to a new 1HZ: legal
1992 HZJ75 with 1HZ, switched to 1HDT before/after: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 1HZ before import: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 1HZ after import: illegal
1988 BJ75 with 3b, switched to 2JZ after import: legal
1997 FZJ75 with any engine: illegal (until 2022)
Here's what I think, after having imported three trucks from the Middle East: a 1992 RJ77, a 1993 Model 80 and a 1998 Model 100.
Look at the forms you actually have to fill out and sign and give to the shipping company and decide if you can, legitimately, sign them.
Here's a link to the EPA form.
In the case of the RJ77 and Model 80 I checked off Code E:
The DOT form contains the 25 year requirement (don't think about the inconsistency between EPA and DOT--that way madness lies).
I checked block 1 on the DOT form.
The 1998 turned out originally to have been sold in the US so I was able to declare it as a US vehicle. I had to prove it with a carfax report.
In sum, look at what you have to sign (or ask your seller to sign) and decide if it is truthful. I wouldn't knowingly try to import a car with an engine not identical to that it originally came with in market where it originally was sold. I just don't need the headache and worry.
One last thought: I picked a freight forwarder who specializes in international vehicle transportation. They knew the ropes and provided me the forms and actually checked with their US counterpart before accepting each vehicle. I found that aspect of the service invaluable.
Look at the forms you actually have to fill out and sign and give to the shipping company and decide if you can, legitimately, sign them.
Here's a link to the EPA form.
In the case of the RJ77 and Model 80 I checked off Code E:
The DOT form contains the 25 year requirement (don't think about the inconsistency between EPA and DOT--that way madness lies).
I checked block 1 on the DOT form.
The 1998 turned out originally to have been sold in the US so I was able to declare it as a US vehicle. I had to prove it with a carfax report.
In sum, look at what you have to sign (or ask your seller to sign) and decide if it is truthful. I wouldn't knowingly try to import a car with an engine not identical to that it originally came with in market where it originally was sold. I just don't need the headache and worry.
One last thought: I picked a freight forwarder who specializes in international vehicle transportation. They knew the ropes and provided me the forms and actually checked with their US counterpart before accepting each vehicle. I found that aspect of the service invaluable.
Spot on. And just to clarify @John Young, your 100 series import was a US market vehicle originally. You did not import a GCC 100 series and brought it in just because 100 series were also sold in the USA. You brought in a 100 series that was originally sold in the USA, the US model of which complies with FMVSS (federal motor vehicle safety standards). That means that all of your safety equipment bears a DOT marking (e.g lights, seatbelts, hazard flasher relays...etc etc).
The above point about FMVSS is also relevant to any importation of car parts for which there is a safety standard (e.g. new 70 series headlights, seatbelts...etc). Some items, such as the actual body, I do not believe, have a FMVSS safety standard. Any part that does not bear a DOT marking or stamp is technically unlawful for importation and in turn use on American roads.
Hi RH,
Yep. I did not import a GCC model 100, although I drool at the thought. My 98 started life outside Chicago as a new vehicle. I got it cheap here and had a lot of fun getting it to the point where I really liked it. It has 350K miles on the clock now and everyone who drives it loves it. It is my daily driver when I'm in the US.
I had a 2001 GCC spec 100 with a straight 6 and a factory fridge between the front seats and I LOVED it. And you can find 100's with factory manual transmissions here in Dubai if you search, although they do tend to be trashed. But no go until 2023 at least. And I don't think I will stay here that long. I might make a buying trip, though, when the time comes. Having a few reliable mechanics here helps too. I feel confident I could buy one and have it worked on here remotely and then import it. I would not try to make a business out of it, because that's not my deal, but I suspect I will get one of those manual 6 cylinder 100's sometime.
Just one other thing....
This thread has gotten me thinking. When I imported the three vehicles from Dubai I did not think twice about putting spare parts in the back for shipment to the US. My shipping company said it was fine and I had to do a supplemental customs declaration, but I did not have any problem. My 1992 RJ77 'Biscuit' discussed elsewhere in this forum, for example, had the original factory bumper and a new-old Model 100 Toyota aluminum bull bar I found in a scrap yard here. I thought about trying to wedge a diesel engine in the back of the 1998 but after reading the forms decided that was a bridge too far.
I'm planning to clean up, polish and install the model 100 bull bar on my 1998 during my next trip to the US.
This thread has gotten me thinking. When I imported the three vehicles from Dubai I did not think twice about putting spare parts in the back for shipment to the US. My shipping company said it was fine and I had to do a supplemental customs declaration, but I did not have any problem. My 1992 RJ77 'Biscuit' discussed elsewhere in this forum, for example, had the original factory bumper and a new-old Model 100 Toyota aluminum bull bar I found in a scrap yard here. I thought about trying to wedge a diesel engine in the back of the 1998 but after reading the forms decided that was a bridge too far.
I'm planning to clean up, polish and install the model 100 bull bar on my 1998 during my next trip to the US.
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