So, on some other forum I was informed that modifying my 2005 Infiniti G35 is illegal because of federal emission laws as stated below:

That is an emissions certified vehicle and modifying the emissions package in any way is punishable by a fine of up to $25,000.

Supplemental Information
Potential Tampering Liability Associated with Fuel Economy Retrofit Devices

The federal tampering prohibition is contained in section 203(a)(3) of the Clean Air Act (Act), 42
U.S.C. 7522(a)(3). Section 203(a)(3)(A) of the Act prohibits any person from removing or
rendering inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in any motor vehicle in compliance with regulations under Title II of the Act (i.e., regulations requiring certification that vehicles meet federal emissions standards). The maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section by a manufacturer or dealer is $25,000; for any other person, $2,500.

Section 203(a)(3)(B) of the Act prohibits any person from manufacturing or selling, or offering to sell, or installing, any part or component intended for use with, or as part of, any motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine where a principal effect of the part or component is to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative any device or element of design installed on or in a motor vehicle or motor vehicle engine, and where the person knows or should know that such part or component is being offered for sale or is being installed for such use. The maximum civil penalty for a violation of this section is $2,500.

Installing any device, system or part(s) which affect the fuel delivery rate or the combustion process would be expected to affect elements of design of the emissions control system. Accordingly, any change from the original certified configuration of a vehicle such as adding a system or parts that affect the fuel delivery rate or the combustion process, or the manufacture, sale of, or installation of, aftermarket parts or systems which are not equivalent to the original equipment could be considered violations of section 203(a)(3) of the Act.

ENFORCEMENT

However, EPA has established an enforcement policy, Mobile Source Enforcement Memorandum No. 1A
(Memorandum 1A), to provide guidance to the public to reduce the uncertainty regarding
potential liability under section 203(a)(3) of the Act for using or selling aftermarket parts or
systems, or making adjustments or alterations to parts or system parameters.

However, I am seeing all over the internet of multitudes of people putting all kinds of modifications into their G35s, so my question is: Who is right? Or is this really illegal, but made legal if certain forms are completed?

I was hoping to do an engine swap and transmission swap, which would require replacing pretty much everything else in the car with reinforced performance parts, and then using the vehicle on public roads, not just as a drag car, so it needs to be able to pass emission tests and be registered. Is it possible to leave in the emission package, while replacing the other components, and still be able to register the car?

I live in Kentucky, which is pretty lenient on all of it's laws, so maybe that helps?

Thank you guys for all your help.

 

Hahaha..do you even have emissions testing in KY?

 

I don't believe so, but apparently this is a federal law, which overrides the state laws. would that matter?
I just need to know if I can modify this car and not be fined out the *** when or if a cop ever decided to pull me over

 

Well, i fail that part!!! But then again everything on my car is CARB legal. Paid a lot of money for it too.

 

Well, I mean, yeah technically you can be fined, but the likely hood of that happening is pretty low. For instance, if you're not driving like a maniac or street racing civics I don't see any reason why a cop would ask you to pop yer hood.

 

Yea, see I just don't know, and it doesn't make sense to me that I can't put an engine that I bought into my car that I bought. The catalytic converter and all of the emissions package would still be intact and functioning, I don't see why it would be any less clean than before.

 

Any idea how much the fine would be? something like $50 i can handle, but $10,000 is a different story. what happens if they impound it? lol all that money and work crushed to bits

 

I believe Its actually worse than that. Haha IIRC its kinda like a fix it ticket where you're fined (not sure how much) and then you need it written off (inspected) by an officer to make sure it has been fixed.

Try googling people from your state who have gotten a ticket for something like that and see what they were fined.

 

So basically I'd spend a few months building this things, drive it a few months, and then possibly get a ticket and spend a few more months taking it all back out? That doesn't sound very good to me.

Is there any chance of jail time over modding your car?
I know you can get some for wreckless driving, which I've gotten off with a warning for once before (very lucky day), but I wasn't being very smart about when and where I was doing that hahaha

 

If you're really worried about this then you shouldn't mod your car. Just leave it stock and/or buy a car that comes built from the factory the way you want it.

 

No, no ones gonna throw you in jail for it. That's ridiculous.

I'm sure there is a proper way of going about this thru the DMV so you don't have to worry about it. Also, if your state doesn't have smog, what makes you think a federal agent will bust you? City and state patrollers can only enforce laws from their jurisdiction.

 

Yea I suppose that's true, so I guess on to step 2 lol

Alright, so I have a 2005 Infiniti (Nissan) G35 RWD V6 that is completely stock. I want to do an engine and transmission swap. I've seen some videos online about people putting LS1's and LS2's (which I believe are Corvette engines), 2JZs, Hemi's, LQ9s, and RB26s into their G35s, and I was wondering if one of those is what I should use or not.

So firstly, what I'm looking for is any V8 engine with between 350 and 500 horsepower to replace the stock V6 280HP engine without requiring any or, at least very little, serious modifications to other parts of the car, in terms of cutting holes through the frame/body, not in terms of part swaps. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Secondly, I'm looking for a compatible 5 or 6-speed automatic transmission. I don't know as much about these, but I need one that will be focused only towards acceleration and take-off, not top end speed, as I'll be driving in the city and wont be able to top out anyways. Also, I'd prefer that the torque stay just low enough that the car takes off without burning out, or have very little burn out, but still giving it the maximum power for the fastest take-off. It currently has a 5-speed transmission, and the car has a curb weight of 3,395 lbs (~1,540 kg).

 

There's absolutely no reason for you to consider an engine or transmission swap with your power goals. A vortech kit (supercharger) with a 3.12" or 2.87" pulley will give you the power you want on the stock motor without so much torque as to be useless on the street. There's a very long FAQ thread on my350z.com that answers ANY question you could have about the kit. And the kit is street (aka CARB) legal in California which likely has more stringent emissions laws than Kentucky.

 

That sounds great, i'll look into that, but wouldn't a turbo kit be better as it isn't parasitic to the engine when not in use like a supercharger would be? and which would be better for a 1/4 mile street run?

 

'Better' is subjective, but given your stated goals & desires (power without roasting your tires), a supercharger is the better way to go. I've had both on my car. All things being equal, a supercharger will be easier on the stock motor. But in my opinion, turbos produce a funner driving experience (more torque).