Not true. All E-rod packages come with a fully OBDII compliant setup and have diagnostic ports in the supplied harness. The entire idea behind these engines was for pre '96 cars/trucks to pass emission tests in all 50 states.
Also, installing an LQ4/LQ9 engine into an 80 series (for example) would mean the ECU would need a reflash to show a VIN of a light duty truck, not a 2500, which those engines came in, in order to be a viable swap into the lighter LC. Not only that, but ALL emissions equipment for that year of truck would need to be present. Stock manifolds (presents a big issue in our trucks), CATs installed at required distances, O2 sensors present, no fault codes, no 'tamper' codes, evaporative emissions, etc...
For those living in places where you can get a 'quick' pass, or just a sniffer test, this would be a simple swap. Not in places like CO and CA where extensive testing and inspections are performed. You have to do your homework, or you're going to be up s*** creek quick come time to get inspected.
The thing to consider is what these places look for. If your door card says they should be seeing an EGR system, you better make sure the engine you swapped in has one, or its a 'red flag' and they go into full inspection mode. Have your ducks in a row and you just might skate. Otherwise, spend the money on an E-rod or rebuilding your engine. Just my opinion..
Not sure if Jonathan Ward bought up every 5.3L that Chevy Performance made, but the 5.3L (GVWR 7200 or less) is not available currently. Multiple sites are saying it is discontinued. I have a few emails out trying to get answers, as I am most definitely going to try this route with my FZJ. It's just too good of a deal to pass up.
The thing about the 6.2L is that it is only certified for GVWR of 5725 or less. That means no 80 series trucks can 'technically' be swapped to the E-rod 6.2L and pass inspection (in a state like CO or CA that has them), should your referee decide to dig a little deeper after you hand him your magic piece of paper with an executive order number written on it.
