Jersey emissions with late model engine

[Stangrob]

Hi guys,

Hmmm... I've been planning to build a 331 for my 289 FIA car using a '65/'66 289 block, but the gymnastics I'll have to go through with NJ to get it titled are making me consider either a new 302 block or perhaps buying a long block. With either alternative solution I'll have to deal with emissions (which is why I was so keen on the 289 block - just a simple PCV valve...).

So my question to others in Jersey and in similar situations is - what did you have to do for emissions? Is adding cats sufficient, or did you have to do more? I was hoping to avoid all of this but sometimes the best laid plans go astray....

Thanks!

Rob

[ggunter]

Just for curiosity sake why does it make a difference which year block you use. Why does a new 302 short block or a 289 short block make a difference? I'm not following their logic.

[Stangrob]

Just for curiosity sake why does it make a difference which year block you use. Why does a new 302 short block or a 289 short block make a difference? I'm not following their logic.

The year of the engine (or in this case, the block) dictates the year that drives emissions testing. In Jersey there will be two dates on the car's title - the year of manufacture and the year of emissions testing. If I use an engine pulled from an old car, I have to provide the title for that car as part of the titling process. Unfortunately, that also means I can't junk the car once I pull the engine, as the junk yard will also require the original title. Just very frustrating and annoying, which is why I'm now looking at just buying a new block ;)

Rob

[Blitzboy54]

NY is similar. They base the emissions off the "application year" of the engine. So a brand new 427 is still treated as a 1968.

[Joel Hauser]

NJ State Senator Parker Space (that's his name), who represents District 24 (Morris, Sussex and Warren) introduced Bill No. 1836 in 2024. The Bill "Establishes motor vehicle registration for street rods and custom motor vehicles." It looks like the Bill will exempt kit cars from a lot of the inspection requirements. You might want to contact his office and find out if it passed, and if it benefits you.

[Stangrob]

It's amazing the hoops you need to jump through in Jersey for the car's title. From an engine perspective it's gotten to the point I'm considering a long block from Ford or perhaps BluePrint. But even then, I'm not sure how they'll be treated from an "emissions year" perspective. It looks like I have to do more research. My kit will be here in November and I'd like to have these details nailed down beforehand.

Rob