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Understanding Emission Requirements for Hot Rods in
Regulation 361/98 under the Environmental Protection Act

You have a duty to maintain your vehicle’s emissions equipment according to the rules outlined here. Below are various situations that demonstrate these rules. If you have questions, email the ministry's Sector Compliance Branch at ReviewDirectorSCB@ontario.ca.

1. In 1995 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1986 Chevy V8 motor (originally required multiple emission components). What are the emission requirements?
2. In 2001, the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1986 Chevy V8 motor (originally required multiple emission components). What are the emission requirements?
3. In 1995 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1963 Chevy V8 motor (with no original emission components). What are the emission requirements?
4. In 2001 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1963 Chevy V8 motor (with no original emission components). What are the emission requirements?
5. In 1995, the owner of a 1986 GMC vehicle installed a 1970s motor. What are the emission requirements?
6. In 2001, the owner of a 1986 GMC vehicle installed a 1970s motor. What are the emission requirements?
7. What are the emission requirements for a 2004 Honda with the original engine that has been modified with performance parts, (i.e., turbocharger, cold air intake, etc.)?
8. What are the emission requirements for a 1968 Chevy with the original engine?
9. What are the emission requirements for a 2004 Honda with the original engine that has been modified with performance parts, (i.e., turbocharger, cold air intake, etc.)?

Q: In 1995 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1986 Chevy V8 motor (originally required multiple emission components). What are the emission requirements?

A:  This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• the catalytic converter requirements do not apply
• the emission control equipment requirements do not apply
• meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test.

Q: In 2001, the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1986 Chevy V8 motor (originally required multiple emission components). What are the emission requirements?

A: This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• meet the emission standards set for the original motor (1935). As there were none, the car must meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test
• have all emissions control equipment normally included with the replacement motor (1986), or its equivalent, attached and functioning.

Q: In 1995 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1963 Chevy V8 motor (with no original emission components). What are the emission requirements?

A: This vehicle must:            

• meet the visible emission standards
• the catalytic converter requirements do not apply
• the emission control equipment requirements do not apply
• meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test.

Q: In 2001 the owner of a 1935 Ford (no original emission components) installed a 1963 Chevy V8 motor (with no original emission components). What are the emission requirements?

A: This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• the catalytic converter requirements do not apply as the replacement motor did not come originally equipped
• the emission control equipment requirements do not apply as the replacement motor did not come originally equipped
• meet the emission standards set for the original motor (1935).  As there were none, the car must meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model-year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test.

Q: In 1995, the owner of a 1986 GMC vehicle installed a 1970s motor. What are the emission requirements?

A: This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• the catalytic converter requirements do not apply
• the emission control equipment requirements do not apply
• meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test.

Q: In 2001, the owner of a 1986 GMC vehicle installed a 1970s motor. What are the emission requirements?

A: This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• meet the emission standards set for the original motor (1986).
• have all emissions control equipment normally included with the replacement motor (1970), or its equivalent, attached and functioning

Q: The owner of a 2005 Chevrolet vehicle installed a 2011 crate motor. (The 2011 crate motor was not designed or equipped with any emission components). What are the emission requirements?

A:  This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• meet the emission standards set for the original motor (2005).     
• have all emissions control equipment normally included with the replacement motor (2011), or its equivalent, attached and functioning.  Since the crate motor did not come with any emission components, none are required.
• meet or exceed the 2005 standards for that original motor if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test.  Although emissions control equipment is not required, without it, the car would likely fail the Drive Clean test.

Q:  What are the emission requirements for a 1968 Chevy with the original engine?

A:  This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• meet the emission standards for the model year of the vehicle (1968).  As there were none, the car must meet the emissions standards for 1980 and earlier model year vehicles if a provincial officer asks for a Drive Clean test
• have all the original emissions control equipment, or its equivalent, attached and functioning.  

FYI, this vehicle is not considered to be a “hot rod’ because it has the original engine for the make and model year.  This is true even if it has other modifications.

Q: What are the emission requirements for a 2004 Honda with the original engine that has been modified with performance parts, (i.e., turbocharger, cold air intake, etc.)?

A: This vehicle must:

• meet the visible emission standards
• meet the emission standards for the model year of the vehicle (2004) 
• have all the original emissions control equipment, or its equivalent, attached and functioning.  

FYI, even though this vehicle has been modified, it is not considered to be a “hot rod”.  That’s because the modification to the engine (turbocharger) did not change the engine, which was available to buyers of that make and model year of vehicle.