Kretzmech

iTrader: (1)

I've been searching on Google forever trying to figure out what the differences are here :
(3.0, VIN C, 4th digit, VQ30DE)
Calif, from 7/99
Calif, thru 6/99
exc. Calif, from 7/99
exc. Calif, thru 6/99

I'm looking for a new motor and I don't want to buy a cali spec motor for all the restrictions and extra o2 sensors and I know the y-pipe is different. So can someone please explain these differences and clarify which one is NOT Cali spec. Maybe some one can answer this before I spend the rest of my afternoon endlessly searching lol. Im gonna guess the "exc." means its not cali but I'd still like the know whats up with the 6/99 and 7/99... emissions? Thanks

asand1

iTrader: (1)

The engines are the same. The difference is in bolt on peripherals. Reuse your y pipe and upper intake to retain your existing emissions.

Phromethius

did they change the EGR system in 99 or was that the VQ30dek that got rid of the EGR tube and stuff?

You probably will have a few extra mounting points on the front of block near your LOGO valve cover. Thats where all the extra 02sensor wires end up.

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

JSutter

iTrader: (46)

The only real Cali spec motor is from a Cali spec 99. Every other motor or year is virtually the same. There are some minor emissions differences here and there but they are easy to swap. It's worth mentioning on the 95 fed spec there is significantly less emissions.

Just search for a motor made before 6/99. When in doubt get a pic. If it has swirl valves in the LIM or the big front pre cat manifold it's a Cali.

DennisMik

iTrader: (2)

The 4th digit of the VIN only means that it is the VQ30DE engine, it has no bearing as to cali or fed or Canadian or whatever country.

The dates (6/99 7/99) are changes in the production line. 6/99 represents the 1999 year models and some of the very first 2000 year models.

If the engine is still in a car, look at the silver plate that is on the passenger side firewall. The VIN is on that plate but right below the VIN is a line of characters labeled ID. The 12th character over tells you the emissions standard the car was manufactured to.

V = California
U = U.S. federal
N = Canada