meetthespeakers.. well best to call the head of legal at CARB.. Alex Wang and just ask him.. his phone number is listed on the ARB site.. nice enough guy.. later bc

This is an interesting (to me anyhow) twist on the California issue.

So CARB is all about emissions/smog. As I understand it here in California engine swaps can be approved as long as all of the emissions equipment is in place for the newer component (also needs to pass the sniff test). So if you put a 2017 engine in your 1985 car and now it needs to pass 2017 emissions testing. Install a 1967 engine you your 2012 car and it still needs to pass 2012 testing. When these swaps are preformed they must be inspected by the state and approved. 

Anyhow dropping a emissions certified engine in a newer 1970ish classic Mini could be a way of getting one registered in California. 

Of course this does nothing to address DOT safety concerns.

I am fine with the purchase price as is, just wondering if it means anything in CA. I don't know the ins and outs, if it makes it easier to go back to California, or if the paperwork is worth jack. I thought it was a nice addition to the car, and don't know if all the money spent would have to be spent again to get back in to California, or if it could just be provided and pay a small fee, and not the $2500-5000 again.

As it is not still registered in CA i would either make some inquiries to see if it the CARB documentation is still usable or buy the car for what it is worth to you without selling it in CA.

I don't know much about CA and all of its rules/laws. I am purchasing a Mini that the previous own paid to pass the carb in CA, I see receipt for over $2500 for Northern California Diagnostic Lab, looks to be $5k total in passing it. Its a 73 Mini and I was thinking about potentially marketing the car to CA if it makes sense. The car is no longer registered/tagged in CA, but I have all the documentation. It is a 73 Minitec swapped car with a B16. Thoughts anyone?