Engine swap and registration in California for 1979 K5 (please help newbie question)

[Louieg123]

Hi All,
Newbie question here that I can't find a previous thread with answer (for California issues):

I recently ran across an opportunity to buy a '79 Blazer in original paint and no rust or body damage at all.
However it is not registered in California. It ended up selling within a few hours to someone else because I hesitated buying it only to end up with a nightmare to register it in California with it's smog restrictions on vehicles newer than 1975.
My plans were to have put in a 6.2L LS3 engine and 4L80e tranny in it.
Can anyone who's familiar with engine swaps in California please educate me on this?
I know you can take the car the CHP vehicle verification center to register in California with an engine swap (I actually did this with my '66 FJ40 but I didn't get any questions at all about that engine swap or smog requirements -maybe because of the year). But do any of you have actual experience with how strict they are with all emissions requirements?
Does California require it to pass smog with:
1. everything in place as for a newer car? or
2. year of the engine being swapped in? or
3. acceptable as long as the vehicle puts out less polutution than it originally came from factory and year when it was new.?

Very much appreciate your responses!

 

[Louieg123]

If this topic has been covered for California and someone can respond with link, very appreciated

 

[Wes Harden]

So I have left Kommiefornia, and the rules change at the whim of the saqmd. The Bureau of Automatic Repairs, would inspect the the engine swap and issue an inspection sticker for smog techs to use at the biannual test.
The emmison requirements were by the donnor engine year, you need everything even the EVAP controls and monitors.

Edit: check the BAR, and CARB web sites for up to date info.

 

[Cucv_M1008]

You also need a gas tank from the vehicle the engine came from

 

[Louieg123]

So I have left Kommiefornia, and the rules change at the whim of the saqmd. The Bureau of Automatic Repairs, would inspect the the engine swap and issue an inspection sticker for smog techs to use at the biannual test.
The emmison requirements were by the donnor engine year, you need everything even the EVAP controls and monitors.

Edit: check the BAR, and CARB web sites for up to date info.

Well that stinks! I was afraid of that, but not surprised at all.
Thank you for info and I'll read up on it

 

[Louieg123]

You also need a gas tank from the vehicle the engine came from

Really? I thought as long as you had all the ports to evap, etc.
This is getting worse by the minute!
Can't do anything in this freaking state!

 

[Cucv_M1008]

Really? I thought as long as you had all the ports to evap, etc.
This is getting worse by the minute!
Can't do anything in this freaking state!

My friend put a 8.1 in his truck and had to use the gas tank

 

[eodcoduto]

One work around is if someone on military orders registers it in California. There is a exemption for 49 state emission vehicles as long as the service members is stationed in Cali. I had to so this with a 2013 Harley, no one could buy it with a Virginia title. I was stationed in 29 Palms, registered it/ titled and the exemption follows the vin so it sold right away.

 

[ArizonaK5]

I grew up in So. Cal. Couldn't move fast enough to get out of that Hell Hole! Moved to AZ in 2016. Now I just have to get Classic car insurance and no smog needed. No sales tax either on used cars of any year.