What are the rules on engine swaps when it comes to odometers?

Can you use the original odometer and reset it back to zero with a new motor or do you need to buy a new one? Is there any type of documentation that is required or recommended?

 

ive never reset an odometer with a new motor, you arent suppose to either, odometer reflects chassis mileage, cause an odometer works with the engine off, in neutral

 

I would guess it depend on the state and the DMV of that state. When I redid my 66 Mustang I put in a working odometer and reset it to 0. They don't require mileage on vehicles over 20 years old.

 

Yes and no you can but i wouldn't do it.

 

alright thanks guys... I assumed that it was mileage on the motor. You know what they say when you assume, haha

 

As Joe said, the odometer is supposed to reflect chassis mileage, not engine mileage. Some DMV's may allow you to change it, but most consider it highly illegal.

 

To escape the illegal part you can replace the odometer with a new unit which is completely legal where as I'm fairly sure rolling back the odometer is illegal in every state. Note also that if the car has been registered and/or inspected in the last 20 years the current odometer reading will be on file at the local DMV. Not sure about other states but in NJ the mileage is on the Title as well.

 

yeah, its on my current title, thanks.