IM testing a TJ Hemi

[AKLJ8]

Is a turn key kit available for this Hemi swap and is it 50 state legal? I'm in Alaska and the local IM ref is telling me if I purchased an AEV Hemi converted TJ it wouldn't pass with out a California Air Resource Board (CARB) certification. I have an 06 Rubicon LJ I'd love to do a Brute Hemi conversion on but want to be sure it would pass IM...

[AEV Dave]

AKLJ8,

This is from our knowledge base:

http://www.aev-conversions.com/knowledgebase/entry/26/

Basically it will be able to pass in most states. CA mandates that for newer vehicles the mfg provide a 8/80 warranty on emissions to ensure vehicles are working properly, in this case it is illegal to void the factory warranty (even if you are putting in a miracle no emissions engine). So in CA, the referee's are not even supposed to look at the engine, it doesn't matter because of the paperwork issue. That being said, we have had customers report getting it passed in CA and CARB themselves are of little help, everyone there has a different answer. We only perform the conversion on titled vehicles and not new vehicles, which may be why some customers have gotten them through.

dh

[AKLJ8]

Thanks... Alaska has been real tough on IM issues due to the cold weather. There is a strict visual; inspection and f it's not an OEM part they wont pass it. The do recognise the CARB certification though and I got an 82 Scrambler through with the Mopar EFI kit. There is hope on the horizon though as I understand that the IM program may be a thing of the past up here by 2010...

[AEV Dave]

There are some states (I don't believe AK is one) that require the same standards as CA, typically that doesn't work because most of those states are in cold locations where CARB standards are not well suited, but try to explain that to our lawmakers. Our conversions use all OE parts, so it would test the same as a Grand Cherokee, Durango, or 1/2 ton Ram. If they don't have the OE emissions warranty requirement, my gut feel is that you would pass with no issues.

dh