creaser64

I was wondering if you can replace the ECU of a non California emissions version of the 1993 LS400 with refurbished ECU from a California emissions 1993/94 Ls 400? I researched this site and there was a reference that seemed to indicate that such a swap would be OK. (although the opposite would not be ok). Does anyone have any info on this question?

deanshark

Yes, you can use a Cal spec ECU in a fed spec 93-94 LS400 but not the federal spec in a Cal car. I've done that in my old 94 and worked perfectly. The only difference is the Cal spec has an extra air pump for emissions.

creaser64

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.

afanboy

Does it not start? Or do you just mean that it's illegal (if in California)?

deanshark

It will start and run fine.
Illegal???? I don't know. The California laws are crazy.

paulo57509

Technically, the only thing I can think of regarding the illegality of a Federal ECU in a CA certified vehicle is the potential that it won't pass visual inspection and would be considered tampering with an emission control device.

However, I don't know if CA emissions test software is that sophisticated where it reads any kind of ECU ID data, like an electronic VIN stamp, etc. (or if there's even an electronic VIN in the ECU). If the software IS that sophisticated, it could flag the electronic VIN and physical VIN as a mismatch and would be flagged as a visual fail. I also doubt an inspection tech will dig into the dashboard to verify the ECU part numbers against a list of CA part numbers. However, I did have a tech crawl under one of my cars to look for the required CARB stampings on a replacement catalytic converter, so anything is possible.

If there is any risk of getting busted, it's with newer OBDII vehicles and much less risky (to no risk) with an OBDI vehicle.