CornerCon '04
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 42,315
Likes: 45
From: Central Massachusetts
Actually, I thought the same thing, Brunt.
From the "crash test" (NHTSA) point of view, it seems to be entirely a beaurocracy issue. However, from the EPA point of view, it turns out that the JDM cars are dirtier, so this is truly thorny. The JDM engine control computer is quite different than our version. It does not support the OBDII (on-board diagnostics) connector standard, and additionally it has rev-limiter issues. Finally, the JDM version runs on a different gas octane, which might or might not be a PITA to deal with.
It's really the emissions stuff that's different, and the lack of OBDII would make it impossible for me to get my bi-annual emissions certification in Massachusetts.
Interesting, eh?
From the "crash test" (NHTSA) point of view, it seems to be entirely a beaurocracy issue. However, from the EPA point of view, it turns out that the JDM cars are dirtier, so this is truly thorny. The JDM engine control computer is quite different than our version. It does not support the OBDII (on-board diagnostics) connector standard, and additionally it has rev-limiter issues. Finally, the JDM version runs on a different gas octane, which might or might not be a PITA to deal with.
It's really the emissions stuff that's different, and the lack of OBDII would make it impossible for me to get my bi-annual emissions certification in Massachusetts.
Interesting, eh?
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,828
Likes: 74
From: stuffed in a box
hey Chazmo, the octane in Japan is essentially the same, they use a different formula and get different numbers, but it is actually within a couple points of our octane, so that actually *shouldn't* be an issue..... you can search UTH, there has been several discussions on this topic....
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 93,305
Likes: 820
From: Nowhere
I should elaborate on that - EI claimed the Evo7 was similar to the US Lancer (it is structurally), therefore bypassing the required crash testing. EI passed emissions with a mildly detuned OBDII compatible ECU. Mitsubishi, however, blocked the legalization process. I'm not sure of the exact procedure, but the manufacturer, if they are registered in the US, can easily prevent an imported vehicle from being legalized.
Nissan has traditionally been the only Japanese company to allow importation - thus the Skyline GTR R32-R34 and recently the Silvia S15.
Nissan has traditionally been the only Japanese company to allow importation - thus the Skyline GTR R32-R34 and recently the Silvia S15.