Keith

We've finally done it. We've come up with a way to get an LS3 fully CARB legal.

It's based around the E-Rod crate engine, of course. There were some packaging problems that prevented us from using all of the required parts until recently. But now we've got it. It'll add a bit to the cost of a conversion, but it should be less than $1000.

The base car has to be a 1990-95 model. We're building the first one for a customer now. We're really excited about this.

mrmustang

Congratulations, a lot of hard work in the background that I am certain not many will ever really understand.


Bill S.

jreid1000

Great news Keith!

mazdaspeedmiata

+Like

charchri4

Outstanding Keith! Love to see you guys continue to lead the way!

hkhard8

Good job can't wait to see Ls3 smog legal...

nnowa07

Any update? Did it pass bar inspection??

zandr

I took delivery of the car at the Mazdas at MRLS event.

It hasn't been through smog yet, I'll keep you updated as we go.

Since it has an EO number, I don't believe it needs to go through BAR. I've heard both answers on that, but...

I also have a Subaru swapped Vanagon. When I smogged that, they just wrote down the EO number, ran the smog test, and sent me on my way.

CARBoy

Did this pass smog?

zandr

Yes, it did.
With the GM manifolds and cats, and a horrible hot-air intake that meets the MAF location specs that are in the E-Rod documentation, it passed.

The irony was having to lie to Summit to get them to sell me "NOT LEGAL IN CALIFORNIA" parts to get the car through the referee.

-Zandr

CARBoy

That's great! My NB is getting near completion. I'm using G8 exhaust manifolds and cats. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Keith

If you want it to be fully legal per the EO, you have to use the manifolds and cats that come with the EROD kit. If you use something different, be ready to show that the distance from the exhaust port to the cat is unchanged from the EO setup.

zandr

He's building an '04. Uncharted territory, and not an E-Rod.

His donor is a GTO, but he's using G8 exhaust bits. That might be OK, but I think the intake might be an issue. Can you fit a G8 or GTO airbox under an NB hood?

Keith

He may have to also transplant the evap system, which is where it gets really fun. I'd recommend a chat with a ref if there hasn't been one already.

CARBoy

Martin thinks the Miata evap will pass because it's based on the tank size, which is the Miata. We hooked it up to the GTO ECU and it doesn't thrown an error. I used the GTO tank pressure sensor and the ECU is happy too. Good idea though, I'll look into speaking with the ref we plan to use before heading over there. I still have all of the GTO emissions parts, so if a transplant is needed I can do that. They are very similar actually. We figured out how both work, so we could go either way. The Miata just fits better, because it's stock, so we're trying that first.

I really appreciate the feedback!

CARBoy

I still have the GTO airbox, but I doubt it would fit. I'll check. I'm able to use the MAF sensor and the ECU isn't complaining, but this is another good question for the ref before going.

Thanks for your help!

WolfGT

Removed. Sorry, I have no idea how this post got here. I was on the other thread, hit reply and it somehow posted here.

miatachuck

The FM "CARB Legal" NA shows a corvette snorkel over the radiator. That is not part of the EROD parts kit. Did you have difficulty passing the smog techs?

Keith

The car in that picture isn't even close to CARB legal. It was just a handy pic for attention because the first of the CARB cars was not completed at the time.

The legal version uses the EROD intake with an underhood filter. It's 100% legit, no need for a "friendly smog". As Zandr noted, it's "a horrible hot-air intake that meets the MAF location specs that are in the E-Rod documentation".

gevvvvv

@Keith do you know if the measurement for the cat location (according to the instructions 16-20" from the last exhaust port) is the runner length, or line-of-sight distance?

Keith

Runner length, I believe. That's what matters in exhaust design.

gevvvvv

Got it, thank you!