Is anyone familiar with the rules on engine swaps in California? I was thinking about dropping an M103 in place of an M110 in a US spec 280E or CE. First instinct is not to say anything and see if they notice.

Thanks,
Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

I believe you can install a newer engine into an older car but not the other way around.

Call the State Referee in Sacramento. That office should be able to give all the rules regarding such a swap.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I believe the rule is that you can drop another engine into the car as long as that engine was offered int hat car from the factory.

But not too sure.

You may be able to get away with it.

I know for sure you can put a newer engine into a car, but you cant put an older engine into a newer car.

You need to check witht he california smog referee. Thats who would inspect the car to check to see if it passed smog or waive the smog if it wouldn't pass, and would cost more than the allowable limit for repairs.

I had an old GMC Jimmy, the big one, and it didnt pass smog, took it to the referee station, and they actually got the car to pass.

My mgb, cars notorious for hating smog equipment, passed with flying colors too, with all equipt working, which amazed me.

My benz has never had a problem passing with levels so low, the guy redid it to make sure his readings were right. my levels were so low, he wondered if something was wrong with his test equipment.

Alon

__________________
'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon - Sold
2006 E350 Wagon - 368 - Dead
2015 GL350 Bluetec - 197U

My understanding is that you can go both ways, but the smog requiremnets will be based upon the newer of the two.