Just a little update from Andrew at Jaguar Specialties. Our Jaguar XK8-LS1 prototype car has now passed the California referee emissions testing and is fully legal to register and drive here, just as any other car. The car was inspected and approved after just one visit to the test station (which is unusual, but not unheard of). This is a major milestone for this project and shows without a doubt that the conversion is viable, and can be legal, likely anywhere in the US (California is probably the toughest state to deal with as far as engine conversions)

If you're not familiar with California's engine change rules, read on- you might find it interesting

To be legal in California, engine conversions on vehicles later than 1975 need to be inspected and approved by a state run station for emissions compliance (The BAR referee). Without this approval the car can't be registered (or re-registered) to be driven on the street. This is a pretty involved process with some very strict guidelines:

1) The replacement engine has to be as new as the car or newer
2) Only car engines can be used in cars; no truck engines, etc.,.
3) All of the emissions-related parts originally supplied on the engine must be used, and the only aftermarket parts allowed are those that have been certified (by the aftermarket manufacturer) as emissions compliant for California (with an "EO" number, provided by the state)
4) Only the transmission originally supplied with the particular engine can be used.
5) All emissions systems must work as original- there also must be a visible check engine light and standard diagnostic connector
6) The exhaust system (including the original cats supplied with the engine) must be the same configuration as originally supplied- no switching single exhaust to duals, etc.,. Also, for OBD2 cars (96 and later) only the original cats or California approved aftermarket units (for that particular application- year/model/make) are allowed. No generic cats are allowed.

For OBD 2 cars, 1996-2000 models are allowed up to 2 emissions monitors to not be set; 2001 and later models are allowed only a maximum of 1 monitor not ready. This car with a 2004 engine was only allowed 1 monitor not ready.

Once the car is inspected and approved, the station applies a special sticker and then the car can go through the standard emissions testing (done every 2 years) at any regular emissions test station.

This car itself, in fully emissions compliant form, runs great, and any GM dealer or regular shop can service or repair it as needed.

Attached are a few pics the car and the sticker that shows it's legal....

 

Wow! Grats!

I've thought about doing this... or getting the twin screw upgrade. Can't decide. lol

I'm glad you're local in case I decide to do it.

 

Well done, it does sit in there rather well....... I have a curiosity question, you obviously have a box of tricks to fool the original ecu/instruments, could this be utilised for a manual transmission conversion rather than an engine swap?

We do not have your strict emission laws, we can fit anything we like as long as it complies with the regs.....

 

Yes, I suppose it is possible some of our tech could be used in a manual trans application behind the stock engine.

Just a note- in our conversions we are not "fooling" the original ECU- it is gone from the car....... (same goes for the TCU)

 

So you are using your own ECU? Do you still need a TCU linked to the system if you have a manual or do the US trannies not require one?

 

Since you're a supplier, we should take this conversation offline.

You're welcome to call over any time you like.

Thanks

Andrew
Jaguar Specialties

 

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