Hello Moparts members, Is there anyone out there that lives in Pa. that knows the emmissions laws?
I have a 1986 Dodge Ram 4x4 that had the 318 removed and replaced with 400 Big Block. Catalytic converter was removed and dual headers installed.
Numerous calls to Pa. officials have not given me the answers I need to know about how this truck will be titled. We do not want a "R" title as this truck is not a salvage or Reconstruction per se, but a beautiful modified original. Any information will be helpful.
Thanks Moparts.

Engine change would have nothing to do with registration.As for imissions,depends on location.In most cases the original imission parts must be there but do not have to work.Cities like Phila,Pitts and Harrisburg they need to be functional.Most based on county by county population.

where in pa are you moving? some counties on 96 and older is a visial(sp) and gas cap check. you will need the cats. the five phila counties will do a dyno test it will need cats.
check out http://www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us

see if this helps.
why would your truck need an "R" title?
joe

Not actually sure about " R " title, just one of the responses we got when enquiring about a Pa.title. Florida does not have inspections and so my Pa. knowledge is extremely limited and phone calls to officials have been less than what we had hoped for. Thanks for the help.

Make sure the odometer doesn't log more than 5,000 miles between yearly inspections and it will be emissions exempt.

If it wasn't for the custom appearance, you could register it as an antique next year when it is 25 years old, and never worry about emissions again. However, there are mileage and use restrictions with antique plates.

"R" title stands for Reconstructed Title and is for vehicles that were once claimed as a total loss by an insurance company. "R" title does not affect emissions inspection in any way.

I agree, as long as you keep it under 5,000 miles a year you will be emissions exempt. If you do drive more than that and they do a visual inspection only, another loop hole is that the mechanic doing the visual inspection can not remove anything to do his check, all he can do is look around. So maybe a custom engine cover to install for your inspections if you go over the miles. Something large that would possibly cover the intake and the fact that you don't have a smog pump would work. As far as cats go, you can punch them out and run pipe straight through them and it will look like it is correct, but you will still have your stright thru flow.

So I'm guessing the "easy" way past the e-testing is to swap in a spare gauge cluster when the next e-test is comming up? Yeah I only put 10 miles on the truck last year!

Yeah, where in PA are you moving? If you're in central PA, (York, Harrisburg area) PM me, I can probably give you a hand.