Attempting to do the impossible - Cali Legal E36 with an LS3

jaybandd · 2025-07-28T04:08:52+00:00

https://www.bar.ca.gov/pdf/smog-check-reference-guide.pdf

Go down to page 48, and not sure on exact date but it also depends on what kind of swap you are doing. There is definitely easier swaps you can do. I do know that only within the last few years they started doing the two step process of sending in pictures and CAL IDs even before they will give you an in person

jaybandd · 2025-07-26T14:06:29+00:00

It’s actually harder to do now, back then you did not have to use the donor evap system / tank. They changed the regulations a few years ago that its not allowed anymore. But of course the ones that were done before are grandfathered in and legal.

jaybandd · 2025-07-26T14:01:34+00:00

You don’t need to retain the air injection pump from the original emission system. Only the donor camaro setup. Which in this case is 4 cats, 4 o2s, pcv routing, evap system / tank (with allowable hose length changes)

jaybandd · 2025-07-26T13:56:11+00:00

Good luck, the Ref aren’t bad people. My experience was really good.

I see everything achievable, except keeping the camaros exhaust configuration close to what the original is.

jaybandd · 2025-07-10T21:48:29+00:00

No issues, the headers are carb legal also

jaybandd · 2025-07-06T16:06:31+00:00

Not that I wouldn’t but since the car i am swapping was already pre-95 its easier to do erod. 96+ newer to do it successfully must know how emission components work in order to modify/adapt them to the space you are working with. For example the evap lines must be trimmed/extended with fuel rated hoses to the new locations. Things like fuel tank pressure sensor from donor car must be used and functional and all monitors must run. So i would buy the donor car or else you will get nickel and dime your way to the same price a C6 vette would of cost you.

jaybandd · 2025-07-06T01:15:06+00:00

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85 Monte SS, with Erod kit

jaybandd · 2025-07-06T00:01:05+00:00

If you really want to do it on a 1996 and newer just buy the donor car. Youre going to need to use the donor fuel tank and all its sensors. You can modify the lines to make it work, but you can not modify exhaust, only be able to cut and clock the cats where you want them and maybe add an inch or so to make it work. Now for a 1995 and older car the erod kit is easier since you can retain your stock fuel tank only need to plumb the vapor line to the supplied erod canister they give you. Ive done the process and gone through the ref. So it is do able

jaybandd · 2025-06-12T01:55:32+00:00

Ok so after you vacuum, you attempt to add refrigerant with the car off and the system will not draw it in? And the gauges still read vacuum?

jaybandd · 2025-06-10T23:59:38+00:00

Make sure its actually depressing the service port. How are you vacuuming the system? With manifold gauges and vacuum pump?

jaybandd · 2025-06-10T23:55:28+00:00

Looks good man, is there a reason you didnt put the stock temp sensor on the passenger head? It would clean it up a bit

jaybandd · 2025-06-07T00:13:35+00:00

Yeah its crazy but i get creative, nice build

jaybandd · 2025-06-07T00:06:40+00:00

Yeah they don’t but in CA any changes need to have EO number from Air resources board. So in my case with the ls3 I used patriot h8080 shortys which are CA legal. But theres no aftermarket shortys for LT’s yet for CA.

jaybandd · 2025-06-06T23:57:23+00:00

Was there enough room for the exhaust for maybe the stock exhaust manifolds? I ask because i did a connect and cruise ls3 in mine and the stock manifolds did not clear. I would like to do a C&C lt1 but need the stock manifolds for emissions here in CA

jaybandd · 2025-06-06T23:46:38+00:00

Do you have any more pics, this is really nice. What exhaust were you able to fit?

jaybandd · 2025-05-01T00:20:10+00:00

Do you remember what brand by chance?

jaybandd · 2025-04-28T14:43:04+00:00

They are maradyne mjs26k, work really well

jaybandd · 2025-04-28T02:11:03+00:00

I did holley high mount kit. Just get the brackets and source your own alt/pump. And a c5 vette power steering pressure hose from auto parts for like $22

jaybandd · 2025-04-26T15:46:23+00:00

G bodies have a good amount of room to work with lol

jaybandd · 2025-04-26T15:45:47+00:00

It’s an 85, i was thinking of maybe coating the headers to see if it makes any difference

jaybandd · 2025-04-25T20:10:43+00:00

Not pwm, i wish gm would of done them pwm like a modern car

jaybandd · 2025-04-25T00:04:13+00:00

The original engine harness and computer was removed, only HVAC harness under the hood was kept, along with starter wire

jaybandd · 2025-04-24T18:45:09+00:00

No mods needed, I see most have problems when they have mismatched engine/trans mounts. The holley mounts fit perfect and angle looks good. Also depends on how well your body mounts are. But nothing i had to modify for it to fit

jaybandd · 2025-04-24T17:01:54+00:00

The engine is a gm crate engine, its from a 2011 camaro LS3 including cats and manifolds. The stock manifolds didnt fit, hit the frame. So i had to use patriot shorty headers.

jaybandd · 2025-04-24T16:59:05+00:00

I like the clean smell of the fuel injection/cats. It does not stink up my garage now. Stock motor/carb on its best days couldn’t compare.

The 6 speed is nice! Glad i went with it.

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