1971mach1

Years ago I put a used 1989 engine into a 1983 Blazer body. The BAR said it had to
have ALL the smog equipment from 1989 including the computer. The short story is that
it needed the entire wire harness, dash, fuel inj, gas tank and transmission from the 1989 donor truck. When i registered at BAR, it got a door sticker that said it was certified to be smogged as an '89. BAR goes by the build date of the engine when it's a kit car, not the body.
If your car is titled as a '67 then that's different. Just put the engine in and don't
tell them. Register at the DMV with your title papers or apply for a lost salvage title with the VIN on the dash.
I'm guessing it doesn't have a '67 title or VIN (which is probably the reason why your asking here). Then I'd place big bets that it's going to have to be smogged to the year of the engine, not 1967. So if your 357 crate engine is a 2008, then you'll need 2008 smog equip. Definatly call BAR for a ruling or look for a vintage engine.
'67 smog equip depended on the engine but mostly it had to have a closed PCV system with a cold start manifold heat exchanger. Some engines needed an air pump too. There was no 357 in '67, so maybe they'll believe your statement that it's really a stock '67 302. Leave off the fancy valve covers, headers and hi-rise manifold to make it more believeable.

Starfury

The SPCNS certificate allows you to register the car by the intended year of the body rather than the year of the engine.

tx65coupe

That seems rediculous to me. So if my 65 Mustang with a 90 302 was in Cali, it would have to pass 90 emissions? Thats a crock.

Wouldn't that also mean that if you got a brand new crate motor it would have to be up to that standard?

nba1341

nah if you have a pre 1974 car you just register it pay taxes on amount purchased and just renew your registration through the mail each year. never once in 15 years for the 41 ford or almost 6 years for the mustang have i ever seen anything about smog

Starfury

tx, your car has a '65 VIN and is registered as such. That trumps any smog laws. It predates even CA smog regulations, so you can throw whatever motor you want in that car and not ever have to worry about it.

The only reason the OP is having issues is because he's building a kit car. The car doesn't have a VIN, so things get trickier.

1971mach1

Tx65coup, Starfury,
Actually to be correct within CA law, a 1969 with a 1990 motor should have the 90
smog equip and be smog tested as a 90. BUT the ONLY reason you're able to be exempt from testing is that you didn't tell the DMV or BAR about your 90 motor, so they think you still have a 1969. If you ever got a "fix-it" ticket for lack of proper smog equip (and you CAN by the police) you would be required to install 1969 smog equip or be certified and tested as a 1990. Even a modified 1969 motor may have to go back to a stock setup, unless it can be proven that the modification didn't result in more pollutants than was acceptable in 1969. So,, save that old air cleaner and smog pump, better yet be nice to that cop who pulled you over!
As for a modified 1965 or older which didn't have smog equip, maybe you're safe.

Starfury

Exactly. '68+ federal vehicles and '66+ CA vehicles (those built for use in CA, not brought in from out of state) are technically required to comply with smog laws, regardless of whether or not the car is required to be inspected for compliance. TX's '65, however, is exempt from any smog laws The car never came with any smog equipment, so no state or federal smog laws can apply to it.

tx65coupe

Thats cool. I'm glad thats cleared up.

The kit car registration makes sense, since its not actually a classic.