Has anyone imported a Datsun 1200 from outside the USA into the USA with a modified motor (L series) and still declared exemption from the EPA?

So the issue I am having with the EPA is:

Vehicles at least 21 years old with replacement engines are not eligible for this exemption unless they contain equivalent or newer EPA certified engines. This means that the engine needs to be a direct replacement (original replacement engine from the OEM) or an after market engine that was built to be identical to the original engine. A vehicle that is 21 years old or older and the engine has been replaced with an engine that is different than what it was originally manufactured with then it would be defined as a "new configuration" from when the engine was installed and can be defined as a new motor vehicle upon importation.

You could change the plate to L13/14 series and make it an excellent :) same engine height and externals bar the number on side of block as the L18.
Im sure someone in Japan will volunteer their numbers as there is no connection between countries and datsun 1200 excellent where available in Oz for racing and private imports, evaluation etc.

Is this the PB110 model you speak of? I did think of that too D, but not so far as to changing the plate. I did not know they were available in Australia. If I can prove this to the EPA guy it might be okay?

Bad news. The EPA doesn't recognize the PB110 so the L series is a no go.

Looks like its A12 or an EPA approved engine.

It does not need to be EPA approved. A PB110.can be imported as long as it is older. That's what the exemption is for.

Thanks DD. They still won't approve a ute with an L series motor because its not the factory motor. Therefore its judged as a "new configuration" and is not exempt for EPA emssions standards. That's what the agent explained to me.

Why don't you take the engine out and move the car and engine as two separate pieces, then reassemble over there?

Quite possible. I need to research the ramifications of importing a car without an engine. It might not be able to be registered in the states because it would have never gone through the EPA / DOT approval process as a complete car.