Are Transmission swaps legal? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

vboy720 · 01-15-2008, 08:29 PM

I have a pretty simple question. I live in california, and was wondering is it legal to swap a 240 from automatic to manual? Will the car be able to pass smog at the referee?

tknbkthrsdy4anfg · 01-15-2008, 08:33 PM

If your car is a S14, you need to have an S14 tranny with the crank angle sensor, if its an S13, there are no issues if you use a manual ECU.
It has nothing to do with the emissions.

*njd07* · 01-15-2008, 08:33 PM

lol....legal...just tell them you blew your old transmission...besides 5 speeds should have better emissions. 5 spd ussually have better gas mileage then auto.

vboy720 · 01-15-2008, 08:38 PM

My uncle thats a mechanic convinced me that i shouldnt do it because i wouldnt be able to pass smog.... Guess he's wrong. Thanks guys

!Zar! · 01-15-2008, 08:39 PM

You can do whatever you want with the transmission as long as all the sensors are there and you aren't throwing a check engine light.

Transmissions don't affect smog.

Your uncle is horribly wrong.

HORRIBLY WRONG.

Bubba · 01-15-2008, 08:42 PM

I would go 5 speed and make him help. You can teach an old dog new tricks, he may enjoy helping you with it also. It never hurts to have experienced hands in the engine bay with you either.

burnsauto · 01-15-2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !Zar!

You can do whatever you want with the transmission as long as all the sensors are there and you aren't throwing a check engine light.

Transmissions don't affect smog.

Your uncle is horribly wrong.

HORRIBLY WRONG.

lol, "horribly wrong"

i love those "my *insert family member here* is a mechanic and said *insert wrong answer here*."

BustedS13 · 01-15-2008, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tknbkthrsdy4anfg

If your car is a S14, you need to have an S14 tranny with the crank angle sensor, if its an S13, there are no issues if you use a manual ECU.
It has nothing to do with the emissions.

you can use an auto ecu with a manual in an s13. it raises the rev limit and removes the governor.

coreansurfer · 01-15-2008, 08:50 PM

the ref can fuck you for pretty much anything he/she wants

my friend failed for a painted valve cover.

ive know people who've failed for less.

the ref sucks

gotta240 · 01-15-2008, 08:53 PM

I call bs on failing for a painted valve cover. Most refs REALLY know their shit and don't fail people for the WRONG reason.

They may be a pain in the ass and picky, but not retarded. Thats just from my experiences with them.

coreansurfer · 01-15-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

I call bs on failing for a painted valve cover. Most refs REALLY know their shit and don't fail people for the WRONG reason.

They may be a pain in the ass and picky, but not retarded. Thats just from my experiences with them.

call what you want, but it happend, ref claimed it was "JDM" when it was just a painted b18 valve cover.

!Zar! · 01-15-2008, 08:56 PM

Umm.

No.

No friends, someone I know's bs here.

I don't want to her it.

He asked a question.

He was given an answer.

Done.

drift freaq · 01-15-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !Zar!

You can do whatever you want with the transmission as long as all the sensors are there and you aren't throwing a check engine light.

Transmissions don't affect smog.

Your uncle is horribly wrong.

HORRIBLY WRONG.

yup pretty much says it. I have passed smog with 5 speed swaps with auto ecu's on s13's.

On a S14 though you will need your 5 ecu and all sensors hooked up because they are OBDII, except the very earliest 95's. OBDII is picky and will throw a CEL if you don't have the sensors or the 5 speed ecu. a lit CEL well constitute a automatic fail on smog. The Actual transmission swap does not affect the smog its just the computer and the stupid check engine light. Smog mechanics are instructed to fail a car with a lit check engine light.

answer and complete explanations as to why. End of story close thread.

azndoc · 01-15-2008, 09:36 PM

I don't know if the DMV requires you to register the swap info with them at least. I seriously doubt it though.

I remember on Okinawa you have to tell the dmv that you changed your shit and pay extra money to them because you did so. Don't know if its still the same.

Gjohnson7 · 01-15-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azndoc

I don't know if the DMV requires you to register the swap info with them at least. I seriously doubt it though.

I remember on Okinawa you have to tell the dmv that you changed your shit and pay extra money to them because you did so. Don't know if its still the same.

That's a bunch a crap. Do they help out with the swap or put in on the parts for you? I don't know how you guys do it. I'm glad I don't have to worry about passing inspections or emissions and all that Jazz. Just have to make sure I renew my tag and insurance.

luisgonz · 01-15-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreansurfer

the ref can fuck you for pretty much anything he/she wants

my friend failed for a painted valve cover.

ive know people who've failed for less.

the ref sucks

Yes this is true, I have Failed many cars because of this same issue. Its a easy way to make people have a bad day. I used to fail cars because they spoke to me wrong.LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by gotta240

I call bs on failing for a painted valve cover. Most refs REALLY know their shit and don't fail people for the WRONG reason.

They may be a pain in the ass and picky, but not retarded. Thats just from my experiences with them.

Take a honda with a valve cover like that and can fail it. They might call bs on the fact you state the fact the motor is US.

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreansurfer

call what you want, but it happend, ref claimed it was "JDM" when it was just a painted b18 valve cover.

Yes It happens alot.

*revat619* · 01-15-2008, 10:16 PM

I have a kouki S14 (OBDII). It used to be auto and i swapped it to 5spd. It passes just fine. Tell your uncle to go read a book or something.

gotta240 · 01-15-2008, 11:17 PM

Take a honda with a valve cover like that and can fail it. They might call bs on the fact you state the fact the motor is US.
.[/quote]

Again, i call bs. The ref should

1. know the difference

2. be able to run the engine code(ie:b18 vs b18c1) etc, and should also know that it is in no way illegal to paint a valve cover.

Furthermore.... If that was REALLY the only thing different under the hood, i would ENSURE the ref was jobless thereafter. Luisgonz- were/are you a ref or just a smog person?

luisgonz · 01-16-2008, 12:13 AM

At California Community Colleges When taking courses for Smog tech you have to do internship. Call it what ever you want . But if I get Ref ticket it goes away With a click of a pen.LOL

gotta240 · 01-16-2008, 08:20 AM

ah. interesting and scary! lol.

lucky you.

legacy927 · 01-18-2008, 03:03 PM

thank god i have a '95 and live in NYC where shops pass you for extra cost...Even for cars '96 and above which cost little bit more to make it pass...

SINxSELEKTAH · 01-18-2008, 03:26 PM

transmissions swaps (from auto to manual) are not illegal. however if they are re-geared to the point where the car can no longer pass california emissions, it is still LEGAL, it just won't pass smog

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisgonz

At California Community Colleges When taking courses for Smog tech you have to do internship. Call it what ever you want . But if I get Ref ticket it goes away With a click of a pen.LOL

nope, no internship required.

Quote:

Originally Posted by legacy927

thank god i have a '95 and live in NYC where shops pass you for extra cost...Even for cars '96 and above which cost little bit more to make it pass...

you can do that here as well.

legacy927 · 01-18-2008, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SINxSELEKTAH

transmissions swaps (from auto to manual) are not illegal. however if they are re-geared to the point where the car can no longer pass california emissions, it is still LEGAL, it just won't pass smog

nope, no internship required.

you can do that here as well.

oh i see....lolz sorry....

gotta240 · 01-18-2008, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SINxSELEKTAH

transmissions swaps (from auto to manual) are not illegal. however if they are re-geared to the point where the car can no longer pass california emissions, it is still LEGAL, it just won't pass smog

Lol... Really? Why don't you tell be the diff ratios of both auto and 5spd then?

bardabe · 01-19-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisgonz

At California Community Colleges When taking courses for Smog tech you have to do internship. Call it what ever you want . But if I get Ref ticket it goes away With a click of a pen.LOL

can you be my best friend???

*revat619* · 01-20-2008, 12:07 AM

why is this thread still open?

DreamN · 01-20-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisgonz

At California Community Colleges When taking courses for Smog tech you have to do internship. Call it what ever you want . But if I get Ref ticket it goes away With a click of a pen.LOL

I wanna be your best friend now

lol

bardabe · 01-20-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamN

I wanna be your best friend now

lol

lol hey with all your respect fuck you mister i called it first

Agent_S13 · 01-22-2008, 11:26 AM

Alright, how about this?

Aren't transmissions also stamped with the VIN? Or is it like the dash with just a "plate"?

Its super technical and "letter of the law" type stuff but could they possible fail you, not from a smog/emissions standpoint but one of the transmission vin not matching the plate/engine, etc?

I would think that's within the scope of the Referee, but what about the Smog Tech?

Sorry to keep this thread up but its something that I thought about while reading.

It also seems to go along the same lines of the "I did a swap, do I have to tell the DMV" type thing.

If there's no VIN stamped on the transmission then its not an issue, but anyone care to comment if they can fail for mis-matched VIN's?

-Aaron
'91 240sx coupe

inertiaticism · 01-22-2008, 11:32 AM

No, if that were the case, the entire salvage auto parts industry would be illegal.
I doubt they could tell anyway, I'm not even sure if there is a digit in the vin number that specifies 5spd or auto.
I know that ABS and trim package are represented by vin digits.

01-15-2008, 08:29 PM	#1
vboy720 Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Posts: 288 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	Are Transmission swaps legal? I have a pretty simple question. I live in california, and was wondering is it legal to swap a 240 from automatic to manual? Will the car be able to pass smog at the referee?

01-15-2008, 08:33 PM	#3
njd07 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: canada Age: 39 Posts: 644 Trader Rating: (14) Feedback Score: 14 reviews	lol....legal...just tell them you blew your old transmission...besides 5 speeds should have better emissions. 5 spd ussually have better gas mileage then auto. __________________ s13 parts fs:http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193416 sr parts fs: http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193399 s14 parts fs:http://www.zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=193420 180sx part out http://zilvia.net/f/showthread.php?t=203711

01-15-2008, 08:39 PM	#5
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	You can do whatever you want with the transmission as long as all the sensors are there and you aren't throwing a check engine light. Transmissions don't affect smog. Your uncle is horribly wrong. HORRIBLY WRONG. __________________

01-15-2008, 08:42 PM	#6
Bubba Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Biloxi, MS Age: 41 Posts: 352 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I would go 5 speed and make him help. You can teach an old dog new tricks, he may enjoy helping you with it also. It never hurts to have experienced hands in the engine bay with you either. __________________ Good at wrenching, terrible at electrical. Lord help me... HAHAHA

01-15-2008, 08:56 PM	#12
!Zar! Post Whore! Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: North Korea Posts: 14,579 Trader Rating: (27) Feedback Score: 27 reviews	Umm. No. No friends, someone I know's bs here. I don't want to her it. He asked a question. He was given an answer. Done. __________________

01-15-2008, 08:38 PM	#4
vboy720 Zilvia Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: NorCal Posts: 288 Trader Rating: (2) Feedback Score: 2 reviews	My uncle thats a mechanic convinced me that i shouldnt do it because i wouldnt be able to pass smog.... Guess he's wrong. Thanks guys

01-15-2008, 08:53 PM	#10
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	I call bs on failing for a painted valve cover. Most refs REALLY know their shit and don't fail people for the WRONG reason. They may be a pain in the ass and picky, but not retarded. Thats just from my experiences with them.

01-15-2008, 09:36 PM	#14
azndoc Post Whore! Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles Age: 43 Posts: 9,487 Trader Rating: (47) Rides Gallery: azndoc Feedback Score: 47 reviews	I don't know if the DMV requires you to register the swap info with them at least. I seriously doubt it though. I remember on Okinawa you have to tell the dmv that you changed your shit and pay extra money to them because you did so. Don't know if its still the same.

01-15-2008, 10:16 PM	#17
revat619 Retired General Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,672 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	I have a kouki S14 (OBDII). It used to be auto and i swapped it to 5spd. It passes just fine. Tell your uncle to go read a book or something. __________________ www.Jspec.com www.SpeedAlliance.com www.PoweredByMax.net Instagram: @rjsladerade

01-15-2008, 11:17 PM	#18
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	Take a honda with a valve cover like that and can fail it. They might call bs on the fact you state the fact the motor is US. .[/quote] Again, i call bs. The ref should 1. know the difference 2. be able to run the engine code(ie:b18 vs b18c1) etc, and should also know that it is in no way illegal to paint a valve cover. Furthermore.... If that was REALLY the only thing different under the hood, i would ENSURE the ref was jobless thereafter. Luisgonz- were/are you a ref or just a smog person?

01-16-2008, 12:13 AM	#19
luisgonz BANNED Join Date: May 2004 Location: los angeles Age: 42 Posts: 2,761 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	At California Community Colleges When taking courses for Smog tech you have to do internship. Call it what ever you want . But if I get Ref ticket it goes away With a click of a pen.LOL

01-16-2008, 08:20 AM	#20
gotta240 Post Whore! Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: so cal Posts: 3,496 Trader Rating: (21) Feedback Score: 21 reviews	ah. interesting and scary! lol. lucky you.

01-18-2008, 03:03 PM	#21
legacy927 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ny, ny Posts: 477 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	thank god i have a '95 and live in NYC where shops pass you for extra cost...Even for cars '96 and above which cost little bit more to make it pass...

01-20-2008, 12:07 AM	#26
revat619 Retired General Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Diego Posts: 4,672 Trader Rating: (7) Feedback Score: 7 reviews	why is this thread still open? __________________ www.Jspec.com www.SpeedAlliance.com www.PoweredByMax.net Instagram: @rjsladerade

01-22-2008, 11:26 AM	#29
Agent_S13 Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 492 Trader Rating: (6) Feedback Score: 6 reviews	Alright, how about this? Aren't transmissions also stamped with the VIN? Or is it like the dash with just a "plate"? Its super technical and "letter of the law" type stuff but could they possible fail you, not from a smog/emissions standpoint but one of the transmission vin not matching the plate/engine, etc? I would think that's within the scope of the Referee, but what about the Smog Tech? Sorry to keep this thread up but its something that I thought about while reading. It also seems to go along the same lines of the "I did a swap, do I have to tell the DMV" type thing. If there's no VIN stamped on the transmission then its not an issue, but anyone care to comment if they can fail for mis-matched VIN's? -Aaron '91 240sx coupe

01-22-2008, 11:32 AM	#30
inertiaticism Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Age: 41 Posts: 320 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	No, if that were the case, the entire salvage auto parts industry would be illegal. I doubt they could tell anyway, I'm not even sure if there is a digit in the vin number that specifies 5spd or auto. I know that ABS and trim package are represented by vin digits.