Re: Also ............more! (archive)

Don't forget that quite a few of these cars were de-federalized (in terms of emissions) at some point. This was common back in the mid-'80s when quite a few counties did not have emissions testing, and almost all tests were tailpipe idle tests, which the car can easily be tuned to pass.

The M88 engine was not designed to work with emissions equipment, and when tuned properly it tends to run on the rich side--it will clog up a cat within a year or two.

All this is to say that the best way to see what kind of troubles you might have is to take the car to a NJ or NY emissions center and have it tested. If it passes, then you're in luck. :)

If the car already has a New Jersey title then
it has already been converted. There is no way to
get a car titled in this country from europe without it being converted and released by DOT & EPA both!

Has anybody had any experience registering a non-federalized M6 in NY State? I'm interested in one for sale in my area. There's no DOT paperwork, just a valid NJ title. The current owner claims it has a catalytic converter. I don't believe the car was ever registered before in NY or NJ. What's the best thing to do? The VIN# is not traceable I guess since its a Euro model. Thanks.

Chances are the car HAS been EPA/DOT'ed. The paperwork is important for the state DMV (and the out of state inspection) if you want smooth sailing through the red tape of euro car titling and emissions testing. If the conversion paperwork has been lost proof of conversion and copies can be obtained by Dick Merritt@ 202-366-5300.

Also I wouldn't say it's impossible to have a US title to a NON US legal euro car. Seems to me some states like Georgia for cars over 15-20 years old only require a bill of sale w/the VIN listed on it for issuing a new US title.

To check for US compliance look for DOT approved windshield glass (side windows are hardly ever replaced), steel bars in the doors and front & rear bumper area. Cat converter, added safety lights on front and rear sides of fenders etc....US approved DOT headlights (very rarely does someone replace the tailights w/US counterparts) and possibly a US mph speedo etc....

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