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Author Topic: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon  (Read 2015 times)

August 31, 2020, 01:16:32 pm

mortisetortoise

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California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« on: August 31, 2020, 01:16:32 pm »
Hello,

My '90 Vanagon had an engine swap to an AAZ done in 2008. I just recieved a Smog notification and found out that the swap had never been correctly registered with the DMV. I need to provide them with details about the engine so that they can perform an inspection and register the van as a Diesel. Does anyone know of a good resource I could send them about the AAZ engine with diagrams of intake, exhaust etc?



Reply #1August 31, 2020, 02:52:15 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #1 on: August 31, 2020, 02:52:15 pm »
Probably the best source is the A3 Bentley manual.  You should have no trouble, though.  The AAZ engine is before the '97 model year when diesel emissions were regulated in CA and yet it is a newer engine than any that were fitted to the Vanagon.  You might also post onto the Vanagon forum on thesamba.com. 

Reply #2September 01, 2020, 04:37:36 pm

mortisetortoise

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #2 on: September 01, 2020, 04:37:36 pm »
I've now talked to a BAR referee. He says that in order to register this engine change in CA, I will need to configure the engine as if it were in a '96 which includes an ECU. I currently have a mechanical fuel pump and no CAT or EGR.


Reply #3September 01, 2020, 11:53:10 pm

rabbid79

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #3 on: September 01, 2020, 11:53:10 pm »
AAZ should be a non-ECU engine from the early 90's.  AFAIK, it was a Canadian-market engine, not available in the US.  1Z and AHU, which are both first-generation TDI engines had ECUs, but that's not what you're dealing with.  These engines are so old and obscure, I can understand why the BAR referee thinks the AAZ needs/came with an ECU, but it didn't.
'15 WRX
Parts for 2.0 TD build - Now looking for suitable car to put it in.

Reply #4September 01, 2020, 11:56:42 pm

rabbid79

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #4 on: September 01, 2020, 11:56:42 pm »
In other words, if you add an ECU to an AAZ, you WILL be modifying the engine.  The AAZ is an indirect-injection engine.  VW/Audi never installed an ECU/electronically controlled fuel injection pump on an IDI engine.  You would have to invent something.
'15 WRX
Parts for 2.0 TD build - Now looking for suitable car to put it in.

Reply #5September 02, 2020, 11:17:37 am

libbydiesel

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2020, 11:17:37 am »
I don't believe that the referee will pass an AAZ.  I believe the engine has to be one that was offered in a CA smog approved vehicle of the same or later year than the vehicle it is installed into.  The installation needs to include anything that affects emissions.  Because the AAZ was never offered in CA (or even the US) it will not pass. 

Reply #6September 02, 2020, 12:47:21 pm

theman53

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #6 on: September 02, 2020, 12:47:21 pm »
you could lie and try to say it is a 1.6 or "sell" it to someone out of state, title it there, and have them "sell" it back to you.

Reply #7September 03, 2020, 12:46:43 pm

mortisetortoise

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2020, 12:46:43 pm »
Oye,

None if this sounds fun. Looks like I might end up having to sell out of state and look for another Diesel van here in Ca. What a shame. this thing runs so smooth and I run renewable diesel from Propel in it. I wanted a diesel to not have to deal with Smog regulations and to run alternative fuels and be cleaner. Guess I got the worst of dealing with Smog regs now.

Reply #8September 04, 2020, 04:51:05 pm

sgnimj96

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #8 on: September 04, 2020, 04:51:05 pm »
  Maybe an ALH would bolt up, put that engine in an older model.
 California owes you an apology.
81 Scirocco 1.6D (conversion)    86 Gofl 1.6D      2003 Golf Tdi   1985 300TD

Reply #9September 04, 2020, 07:47:55 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #9 on: September 04, 2020, 07:47:55 pm »
My understanding is that CA requires routine smog checks for any engines after '97.  The ALH was not offered until '98, so it would require routine smog checks.  Installing a pre-'97 engine would give a smog exemption.

Reply #10September 08, 2020, 01:41:20 pm

theman53

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #10 on: September 08, 2020, 01:41:20 pm »
Might work if you find a bill of sale for a 1.6L engine and tell them it is that. I am not saying to do this, I am saying it might work. I am not too friendly with a gov telling me what to drive so I would do things a little differently ;D
« Last Edit: September 08, 2020, 10:56:17 pm by ORCoaster »

Reply #11September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 pm

ORCoaster

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #11 on: September 08, 2020, 10:56:45 pm »
You REBEL you!

Reply #12September 16, 2020, 12:23:28 am

mortisetortoise

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #12 on: September 16, 2020, 12:23:28 am »
Well,I have a potential lead on a '96 Jetta engine that may be allowed but I'm not sure what that will cost or involve just yet. Does anyone know what engine code this might be? I will need to verify it has the correct equipment for the inspection.


Reply #13September 16, 2020, 02:48:21 pm

theman53

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #13 on: September 16, 2020, 02:48:21 pm »
If it is in the states it should be a code AHU, I don't think the jetta's got the 1Z. But technically, the 1997 was the only year for the Jetta TDI as far as I know.

Reply #14September 16, 2020, 07:58:54 pm

libbydiesel

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Re: California DMV and AAZ swap into Vanagon
« Reply #14 on: September 16, 2020, 07:58:54 pm »
Yeah, in '96 the diesel was only offered in the Passat in the US.  IIRC, in 97, 98, and the first half of 99, the AHU was offered in the Jetta.  If it is a '97, that would probably work but would require the full electronic engine management.

 

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