I'm considering buying another member's SLC which has an LQ4 motor on Holley Terminator X. I'd be registering in MA as either "specially- constructed" or "replica." (I think the SLC would pass as a replica of a Nissan R90 series Group C car). My plan would be to run the remainder of this year's track season, then replace the LQ4 with an LS3 over the winter.
The car has a 2015 FL title, so I think registration would go smoothly, the problem is emissions inspection. The issue is the same for specially-constructed and replica cars - here is the relevant section of the MA hot rod law:
Specially constructed vehicles and replica vehicles, as so defined, registered after April 30, 2012 shall be subject to emission control requirements based on the model year and configuration of the engine installed in the specially constructed or replica vehicle, whether the engine is an original equipment manufacturer’s production engine, rebuilt engine or crate engine. Regulations relative to emissions compliance for replica or specially constructed vehicles registered after April 30, 2012 may establish maximum limits on the annual number of vehicle miles traveled by these vehicles; provided, however, that any such limit set, shall not be set at less than 3,000 miles per year. If the model year of the engine installed in the specially constructed or replica vehicle requires an onboard diagnostic system, the vehicle shall be subject to an onboard diagnostic system emissions test applicable to the certified configuration, including any exclusions or exemptions otherwise granted to that certified configuration.
The last sentence regarding OBD is the kicker. It seems to me that I can't represent the motor as being any older than '99, so I'm required to comply with OBDII (1996 onwards). That would mean adding cats, post-cat O2 sensors, and a new ECU. I don't think I'm up for that.
Anybody aware of a different way to avoid those requirements?
The car has a 2015 FL title, so I think registration would go smoothly, the problem is emissions inspection. The issue is the same for specially-constructed and replica cars - here is the relevant section of the MA hot rod law:
Specially constructed vehicles and replica vehicles, as so defined, registered after April 30, 2012 shall be subject to emission control requirements based on the model year and configuration of the engine installed in the specially constructed or replica vehicle, whether the engine is an original equipment manufacturer’s production engine, rebuilt engine or crate engine. Regulations relative to emissions compliance for replica or specially constructed vehicles registered after April 30, 2012 may establish maximum limits on the annual number of vehicle miles traveled by these vehicles; provided, however, that any such limit set, shall not be set at less than 3,000 miles per year. If the model year of the engine installed in the specially constructed or replica vehicle requires an onboard diagnostic system, the vehicle shall be subject to an onboard diagnostic system emissions test applicable to the certified configuration, including any exclusions or exemptions otherwise granted to that certified configuration.
The last sentence regarding OBD is the kicker. It seems to me that I can't represent the motor as being any older than '99, so I'm required to comply with OBDII (1996 onwards). That would mean adding cats, post-cat O2 sensors, and a new ECU. I don't think I'm up for that.
Anybody aware of a different way to avoid those requirements?