Hi folks,

I'm planning to move from Europe to California by year 2007. My 993 have to be imported.
Do I have to modify my P 993 to become streetlegal (air-emissions, etc.)?

Thx.

 

Simply put, you can't.

Well you could, but it's very long, very expensive and just not worth it. If the car was more than 25 years old, it would be a different story.

Sell the car before leaving.

 

Do I understand that older than 25 yrs. old is not a problem???

 

If it is 1995 or earlier it'll probably cost around $10k to make it legal for street use, assuming it already has the required airbags. If ti does not add in that cost.

If it is 1996 or newer I was told it is simply not worth it.

If you're moving here temporarily, store it at hme in Europe. But a used car here, and sell it when you return to Europe.

Good luck.

 

Can you be more specific?
My P 993 is from june 1996 and equipped with airbags, etc.

What modifications do the imported Porsche 993 need to become street-legal in the US and especially California.

Thx in advance.

 

Emissions regulations in CA changed dramatically in 1996. before that year, the system was a little more "loose" and the majority of what you needed for the tests was to be able to pass a sniffer. 1996 and forward, the car will need to have an OBD2 port and all the electronics to go along with it. Not saying it can't be done, but the cost would be huge. I've got some experience bringing cars into CA, but they are japanese cars. And no one tries to legalize the 1996+ cars (legally).

This doesn't even bring into consideration the changes that you will need to make in signal lighting, driver and passenger airbags, windshield glass, and side impact protection.

California is the WORST state to try and do this in. For the car you have, unless it is truely one of a kind, it won't be worth the trouble.

 

I thought if you are an ex-pat you're allowed to import one car for X amount of years...

I think that's how this guy in the Bay Area drives around in a TVR.

 

We have done DOT AND EPA conversions on several euro spec Porsches and Ferrari's over the years..
Yes it can be done.. Yes its pricey and Yes it takes a long time to get the red tape paper work done.. Most recently did a car and it took 13 months to get the paper work through DOT- And there is no one to call or yell at.,...

You can import the car on a VISA for 1 year and drive it on European plates.
It will then need to be taken out of the country- If its not the Feds will show up at your door step - Sieze the car and if you are lucky you may get it back.

If you need more info or help with the process feel free to email me...

 

Hi folks,

Thanks for your advice.

I think it's better to sell my car in Holland and buy another one in California.
Cars in The States are very cheap!

I'm gonna miss my lady:

 

Mooie 993

GL on the sale then!

 

Dank je wel "landgenoot".

Mijn 993 wil ik liever niet van de hand doen alhoewel ik ook oog heb op een RUF 993 Turbo hier in Nederland. Zoek nog naar mogelijkheden om haar (993 of 993 RUF) toch geimporteerd te krijgen.

Ga deze week informeren bij US Consulaat naar wet- en regelgeving Californie.

Groet!