How do V8 conversions pass OBD II emissions inspection?

[19Walt93]

NH uses the Gordon Darby OBD II emissions inspection system on everything 96 and newer for state inspection. It plugs into the data link and tests the function and it also reads the VIN in the PCM and compares it to the one the tech entered off the registration. The system won't fail a vehicle for a VIN mismatch but the tech and/or shop owner can find himself sitting in a room at the DMV in Concord explaining why his inspection license shouldn't be revoked. If you transplant a 2001 Explorer V8 with all the emissions equipment intact into a 96 Ranger it still wouldn't fly even though you actually reduced the emissions because of the VIN mismatch. Several foreign cars were allowed to pass with DTC's present, though. I don't think NH is in the minority testing emissions but I may be wrong. How do you get a converted truck to pass inspection in your state?
I'm absolutely not against engine swaps, having done a few myself, I'd just like to know how it works in other states.

 

[fastpakr]

Explain - what about the VIN mismatch should cause it to fail (or the inspection license to be revoked)?

 

[cbxer55]

Most likely they're only done in one of the many states, like mine, that don't do that crap. No testing at all here, not even safety checks.

 

[Snoranger]

A VIN mismatch usually means you were plugged into a different vehicle then you said you were.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I have heard as long as the engine is the same year or newer and has all the emissions stuff intact and operating usually you are good to go.

Can never replace a bad ECM with a used one?

 

[fastpakr]

I have heard as long as the engine is the same year or newer and has all the emissions stuff intact and operating usually you are good to go.

Can never replace a bad ECM with a used one?

Yep, that's the federal standard. That's why I'm trying to figure out what the OP is concerned about.

 

[RonD]

Looks like there are many ways to register altered vehicles in New Hampshire

Might need a $50 safety inspection

Emissions test is for the year and type of engine, OBD2 is based on this as well
Inspectors can change the VIN on the title if any modifications, like different size engine, doesn't match

"New Hampshire does not have engine modification or swap regulations. However, annual safety inspections are required. Emissions testing is also required for vehicles manufactured after 1996."

Good read here: https://www.semasan.com/semaga/TagTitleToolbox_NH.pdf

You have to jump through a few hoops but nothing like Calif. hoops, which can be endless, lol.

 

[19Walt93]

If the VIN on the registration doesn't match the one in the PCM the state assumes you plugged into a different vehicle to generate a pass code. When the program first launched it had some glitches, for example, Escapes had to be held at about 2500 rpm during the test or it wouldn't communicate. A local independent mechanic had to go to Concord for a hearing and was asked if he had used other vehicles to get an OBD pass for an inspection. He said no, the state inspector said "you did it 16 times, do you want the VINs?" and threatened to permanently revoke his inspection license. He wa sable to convince them to let him keep his license, it would have put him out of business otherwise.
Inspectors can only change up to 3 digits if the VIN is incorrect on the registration. More than 3 digits and the state has to get involved. I did inspections from 1972 until I retired in 2017.
If you install a used PCM and reflash it the correct VIN will be set, at least it did when we did it at the dealer.

 

[Dirtman]

I never thought about this. Im not in NH but I've taken a few cars through obd2 inspection testing with junkyard ECUs and never been questioned. No flash or programming just slap it in and go. I see the point of checking the VIN, but you would think there would be a legitimate way to get around it if you have changed the ECU. Your average diy guy doesn't have access to the tools needed to flash the dang thing to change the vin number.

 

[bobbywalter]

Simple. Custom title. Altered. Assembled. homebuilt. hotrod.....whatever the fawk you have to do to be free.


Vin locking is the insideous slippery slope of the liberty thieving fuktard do nothing m fers not representing voters directly.

I have about 12 hundred dollars worth of shit I can't use because of tying Vin to tune and name of tuner.

Regardless...federally you can not legally put a v8 in a ranger.... And call it a Ford ranger.

 

[19Walt93]

It's not simple to get a "custom" title in NH, it has to be inspected and tested by the DMV to get a state issued VIN. Show up with a 96 or later vehicle in an attempt to get around the OBD system and you'll be disappointed. NH was forced to do OBD testing or we'd have lost federal highway funding. As I understand it, Florida refused to test OBD and forfeited the federal money but they don't spend what we do plowing, sanding, salting, and then cleaning up in the spring and they sure don't have to repair frost heaves every year.
I was originally looking for a 83-88 Ranger for my V8 swap but ended up with a 93 because I found one that was rust free. Rust free in New England is like gold and trumps other considerations.
If you swap in a junkyard PCM and don't have it reflashed there's almost no chance of having the right calibration, not to mention any updates that have been released.