Pulled over with Swapped Engine
 

Hey guys, Just wondering if anyone has had there engine checked out when they were pulled over. Im just hesitant about getting back into the JDM scene with a swapped motor and the Cops give me for it. Also if the motor is swapped what can they do about it? Not trying to start a debate just want to know the facts. Any insight would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Well Im not sure how things work with Import vehicles, but I know that older cars that swaped out a I4 or 6cyl to a V8 were considered "hot rodded" and that can exempt you from Drive Clean. You tell yer insurance co that ya did the swap and they adjust yer premiums accordingly (cuz if ya dont tell em - you could be in breach of yer policy and have it automatically voided), that and ya update the info with the MTO and they give ya anew ownership saying its now a V8.

Thats about all I know, I've never been bugged about it, neither have ppl Ive known. I say if yer gonna do the swap, let the MTO + yer Ins Co know about it. Prolly ask yer ins co first tho, they might not support that type of thing and you'll need to shop round for a new ins co.

Unless a cop is a gear head or motor savy, they prolly wont notice.

chaNCES ARE THE COP WONT NOTICE ESPECIALLY ON A HONDA AS ALL THE MOTORS LOOK THE SAME. IF ASKED JUST TELL HIM ITS THE MOTOR THAT CAME WITH THE CAR, ****en caps are on, and if he says its not then play ignorant.

Thanks for the input fellas. Not really interested in changing my insurance and letting them know I have a "modified" vehicle. Usually when they hear that its hard to find coverage. So I think Ignorance is the best route to go.

just know that if ya do swap motors and you get into an accident, they can drop you and not pay out - means you are responsible financially and can be sued. hurt someone bad enough and you'll pay all their hospital bills for the rest of their life, could cost ya over a million.

also, for everyone else, just cuz ya got ins doesnt mean yer fully covered - if ya have 1mill liability and someone needs "special"care and they live for another 40 yrs, that care could run into the millionS over that time frame and they could sue, win, and have yer wages garnished for anything above yer liability coverage.

Its sad but true when an insurance adjuster tells ya that its easier and cheaper to kill someone in an accident rather than trying to "lessen" the wreckage and having many ppl survive that need long term costly care.

I have State Farm, and know that if you have modified your car from original specs you won't be covered if you get into any accident.

So yes, if depending on who your insurance company is, if they have a clause that says insurance coverage policy will be void due to aftermarket mod (vs. original OEM), then policy holder/car are not covered.

Plain and simple, ask your insurance company.

You don't want to find out after the fact you have no insurance and you are on the hook for crazy $$ simply because you didn't want to pay a bit more on your premiums if you end up maiming/killing/damaging with your car!

Good point guys. Ill call around and see what price I can come up with. Thanks again.

Thats not 100% true. Im with State Farm and I had a 2L 16v Turbo in my VW Jetta and I got full insurence. My rate changed due to the motor but everything was covered.

Cops arent dumb. They are now recieving special training to identify motors and tranny's. Also now a days it comes down to who did the swap and where it came from. Papers prove everything.

Besides you wouldnt have this problem if you drove a VW. Every damn VW has a VR6 in it now :D

they also have to hold a mechanics licence if they want to look under your hood... your probably thinking thats bullcrap, but it came from a highly decorated traffice cop in the guelph area and beleive me, he knows everything about swaps, bolt ons etc, he even comes to the track the odd time with us.....

i had a pretty cool cop pull me over in my s13 once.
he said he first noticed the car because he saw my huge front mount intercooler.
he was a cool guy though, when he pulled me over he asked me if i had time. it ended up that he knew alot about drifting and nissans aswell. so i let him check it out under the hood. and he was amazed.

^spray paint your intercooler black, then no cops will be able to ID it from that far. youre lucky you actually met a cool cop, but cool cops are few and far between.

NOT a smart idea!!

FYI, if you get into an accident, If the insurance company finds out your vehicle as been modified, your claim will be voided and you pay everything.


WORST case, you kill someone = you pay all charges! lawsuits now a days over 1M

hope you have that kind of cash laying around!