Americas Most Wanted 4x4 425 Swap in California

[berb]

Not sure if this is the route you want to go but, here is a list of states that allow nonresidents to register their vehicles. I am not sure how this affects your car insurance, but it may be a legal work around. DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, just an ordinary jeep gladiator owner trying to enjoy my jeep without the government telling me how to enjoy my jeep. Good Luck!
Massachusetts and South Dakota seem to be the best options.

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[Dilly’S Willy]

It can be legal, it just has to get through a referee in California. As long as it can get passed it’s 100% legal. Having said that there’s a better chance of snowstorms in hell than getting it through a referee with the current policies in place. JSS goes through this on one of his videos as far as legality. There are specific parts needed to do this.

It has to do with the allocation of how many of certain emissions code engines are in the system or something like that. I didn’t fully understand it but it’s very dependent on the referee. If you know someone who does custom cars or can contact someone who does they’d have more real time knowledge experience with it.

Generally, the ref will need CARB compliant parts, usually the entire powertrain and electronics. They basically confirm you have all CARB compliant parts installed and working correctly. You are allowed 1 "readiness monitor" to be "not ready" and the EGA must pass per that powertrain under CARB regulations.

Generally, FUCK CARB. And the idiots that THINK it's going to make a difference to anyone OTHER than THEM in THEIR state. Yep, I'm an asshole. But I'm not a sheep that says "how high" when someone tells me "jump".

Register in Montana?

You CAN. But as the post below said:

Then you have residency, insurance, and other issues.

Residency is cured via a UPS mailbox, but you didn't hear that from me. Same for insurance, they don't actually check the address you give them, as long as it can receive mail. "Other issues" refer to corrupt/uneducated police/courts, local laws, and some DMVs that refuse to comply or educate themselves.

In NY if you wanted to swap a less-than-25-year-old vehicle, you had to get the DMV to reregister the VIN as the vehicle the powertrain came out of so when you get an inspection it matches the ECM parameters for emissions. Kinda what CARB is doing, just not as much of a Nazi about it in NY.

Not sure if this is the route you want to go but, here is a list of states that allow nonresidents to register their vehicles. I am not sure how this affects your car insurance, but it may be a legal work around. DISCLAIMER: I am not a lawyer, just an ordinary jeep gladiator owner trying to enjoy my jeep without the government telling me how to enjoy my jeep. Good Luck!
Massachusetts and South Dakota seem to be the best options.

This is wrong, NY ABSOLUTELY requires you to register your vehicle, obtain NY insurance, and a DL within 30 days of moving to NY. They WILL profile you for this, and so will California. I worked with a guy in AZ who drove to CA and back every day for work, and he got stopped almost every day before he quit his job there and vowed never to drive into CA again.

While this IS legal under he 14th amendment (right to travel) and Harvard and NHTSA both got a bill passed during 21-22 era, states generally do not recognize this and when you get pulled over will call you a "sovereign citizen" for exercising this right.

This is also why "snowbirds" generally don't get hassled.

But with the Flock/Ai cameras going up everywhere, enjoy the little freedom you have with your vehicles while you can. Because they're coming for everyone who doesn't follow the laws to the T. NY residents are already having issues renewing their DLs if they've EVER in their LIFE gotten a fine in another state and didn't pay it (regardless of the reason why they didn't pay it). This is the State DMV system linking and checking other state DMVs for fines/etc.

If you don't believe we're living in a dystopian society more and more each day, please educate yourself and stand up for what's right. Do you really want your kids and their kids to live in a society that is like Black Mirror? Because several of those episodes have been happening in real life as we speak and for about a decade now.

 

[ASU_Greg]

I had to have the 3.6 replaced in my JT Rubi back in December 2025 due to a cracked engine block at 40000 miles.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/got-the-bad-news-today.103414/

I have the JT back with about 3000 miles on the remanufactured motor. I am smelling coolant. I have taken it back to the dealer, and they claim there is no leak after a pressure test. I really have lost faith in this motor.

My plan is the next year is to get an AMW 425 conversion. I called for a quote and was told the conversion is not 100% CA legal. They said it will pass all smog tests except for the visual test, because my model year did not have a V8 option. He did say that there are a bunch of people here in CA who have Jeeps with their V8 in them. He was not sure how they were passing the smog test.

This is my question: if you live in CA with an AMW V8 conversion, how are you passing the visual smog inspection?

Thanks
Kent

Not too sure I would be worried about the visual check. The people they hire aren’t the brightest light in the lamp!

 

[FLY-DOG]

Jeep Speed Shop claims their 5.7L V8 swaps are CARB compliant. Onyl downside is the price doesn't include the motor or transmission. https://jeepspeedshop.com/product/california-carb-compliant-vvt-v8-5-7l-hemi-swap-kit/

I would avoid that option as they use a truck engine with a locked ECM. When I do my swap I'll use AMW4X4. For about the same price you get an 5.7 SRT engine with a boatload of extras. I'll probably pay extra for the 392 engine.
GLADIATOR CONVERSION PACKAGE JT
(RUBICON OR NON-RUBICON MODELS)
HORSEPOWER: 425 TORQUE: 410

• Hemi Long Block Crate Engine
• Hemi Intake Manifold: SRT | Dual Runner Valves
• Cold Air Intake Kit | Closed Airbox: 9” Oiled Filter
• Engine Mounting System: Clevite Mounts | Engine Cradle
• Proprietary Powertrain Calibration: PCM | Remote Tuning Feature
• Deep Rear Sump Steel Oil Pan
• High Torque Engine Starter
• High Output Alternator
• Power Steering Pump: Oil Cooler | Fluid Supply Lines | Reservoir
• AC Compressor & Mandrel Bent Lines
• 3.0” Exhaust Manifold Kit: SRT
• Stainless Steel Mandrel Bent 3.5” Exhaust System
• ZF Automatic 8-Speed Heavy-Duty Transmission 8HP75
• Aluminum Radiator
• 850-Watt Engine Cooling Fan
• Powertrain Harness | Fixture Built & Circuit Tested
• Proprietary (AMW TrueShift) Manual Shift Mode: Unlocked TCM | Remote Tuning
• Integrated Body Control Module Tool + Gateway Bypass
• 241 T-Case Half + Input Shaft | Option Selection: Non-Rubicon or Rubicon
• Diagnostic Tool: Wi-Fi Remote Calibration Tuning Capability
• Install time: 45 hrs
• Part Warranty: 24-Month | 24,000 Mile
• Labor Warranty: 12-Month | When Installed by AMW4x4

 

[BlackRuby23]

Those AMW engine conversion prices are bananas. Most of them cost more than I paid for my Gladiator Rubicon brand new. I'd rather buy a 2nd rig as a backup than go that route. Hell, you could buy 2 more backups for the higher priced options.

 

[vacaedzzr1200]

After living in the People's Republik of Kahleefornya for 35 years, I got fed up with how the amount of taxes, rules, and regulations became so onerous.
Now live in New Hampshire with no income tax, no vehicle inspections,(though how that is going to work out in a state that uses salt on the roads in the winter).
Vote with your feet and get out instead of feeding their bloated bureaucracy.
Just follow the U-Hauls.

 

[MSFTMatt]

After living in the People's Republik of Kahleefornya for 35 years, I got fed up with how the amount of taxes, rules, and regulations became so onerous.
Now live in New Hampshire with no income tax, no vehicle inspections,(though how that is going to work out in a state that uses salt on the roads in the winter).
Vote with your feet and get out instead of feeding their bloated bureaucracy.
Just follow the U-Hauls.

No thanks. I love CA. No place is perfect but with the things me and my family enjoy CA is the best place to find them all.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I would avoid that option as they use a truck engine with a locked ECM. When I do my swap I'll use AMW4X4. For about the same price you get an 5.7 SRT engine with a boatload of extras. I'll probably pay extra for the 392 engine.

Don't get me wrong, if it comes down to it I'd be doing an AMW conversion as well but the OP asked about CARB compliance and JSS claims one of their swaps is. Locked ECU as well as the other drawbacks aside, if you're trying to stay CARB compliant the options are very limited.

That aside, the Moab 392 I test drove was an absolute riot and provided more smiles per mile than i can count but the 5.7L is a more likely candidate in my JTM if the need arises. No need for premium and frankly, 425HP is plenty enough to keep me happy.

 

[MrBones]

It can be legal, it just has to get through a referee in California. As long as it can get passed it’s 100% legal. Having said that there’s a better chance of snowstorms in hell than getting it through a referee with the current policies in place. JSS goes through this on one of his videos as far as legality. There are specific parts needed to do this.

Based on my one and only experience with the referee they don't know dick about performance equipment. I had an aftermarket CARB legal B&M blower installed on my '92 Mustang LX. At registration renewal time the form required me to visit a smog referee. He spent about an hour doing the visual and then advised me that I failed because my turbo wasn't listed in his handbook. I had to walk him through the book to the supercharger section and then he says "OK you pass."

 

[S JEEPN]

In the past in California it was possible to swap an engine over that was of the same class and newer with all the donors emission equipment regardless if the powertrain came in the vehicle as an option or was ever offered in it. You could also run an alternate or experimental fuel such as alcohol, propane or CNG to get around the requirements. i do not believe those fuel loopholes remain an option. The only option remaining is convert to fully electric and after being certified exempt swap in what you want not legal but possible and probably to much cost and work for where you end up. Presently the issue with the gladiator may be the vehicle type and weight since short of spending half or more of what you paid for the Gladiator to gather all the components you would need a donor vehicle with similar weight and classification that is California emissions certified to use as a donor. You would need a light truck engine and all the stuff that goes with it a 3.6 in a 1500 series is similar unfortunately every model above the V6 has a few thousand pound higher GVWR including with the hurricane so it may not meet the class requirements unless you can as mentioned talk the referee station into it.

This seems to be a pretty good outline of what they require to do an engine swap.

How To Do a Legal California Engine Change (E-ROD LS Swaps & More!) - Page 2 of 6 - LS1Tech.com

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

The only people that like living in CA either have MONEY, or are so high they couldn't care less about having things.

There's a reason CA is the state with the most homeless people, whether they moved there or were born there. And a few of the reasons were already posted above.

 

[MSFTMatt]

The only people that like living in CA either have MONEY, or are so high they couldn't care less about having things.

There's a reason CA is the state with the most homeless people, whether they moved there or were born there. And a few of the reasons were already posted above.

I’m not sure if you’re serious or just trolling but that has to be one of the most ridiculous and ignorant comments I’ve ever read on this forum.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

I’m not sure if you’re serious or just trolling but that has to be one of the most ridiculous and ignorant comments I’ve ever read on this forum.

Both a joke AND serious.

CA has the most homeless people in the country, FACT.

CA has the highest (after Hawaii, only due to shipping costs inflating EVERYTHING) cost of living in the country.

CA is one of the top 5 highest income states in the country.

CA is the 1st state to medicalize Marijuana.

CA has the most regulations.


I can go on, but I think you're already triggered. Have a great night!

 

[MSFTMatt]

Both a joke AND serious.

CA has the most homeless people in the country, FACT.

CA has the highest (after Hawaii, only due to shipping costs inflating EVERYTHING) cost of living in the country.

CA is one of the top 5 highest income states in the country.

CA is the 1st state to medicalize Marijuana.

CA has the most regulations.


I can go on, but I think you're already triggered. Have a great night!

Not ‘triggered’ dude. Just wondering why, if you hate CA soooooo much, you are bothering to read, let alone comment, in a thread SPECIFICALLY about a topic that only pertains to folks in CA. I guess I have better things to do then spout irrelevant nonsense on a Jeep forum but you do you. If you’d like to continue this conversation feel free to DM me, if not, then let this thread get back on topic

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

While I actually agree with most of that, it also has some of the best weather and some of the most diverse terrains to wheel in that I’ve ever experienced. And that’s worldwide. Yes, it’s expensive but those 2 things alone make me pretty glad to be here. I don’t know too many places that you can start out in the forest of Big Bear with snow and end up in Johnson valley with rocks as big as your rig.

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