Shipping a UK built car to the US?
Discussion
Looks like I’m going to be making a permanent move from the UK to the US in the next 18 months... and considering taking the 1997 Spyder with me… shipping it over and doing a LHD conversion. Would initially be on the East Coast / NYC but may eventually end up on the West - California etc
However, how difficult would it be to register / use it in the US… given it has a SBC with no cat converters and holly 750 that sprays fuel like a fire hose in the approximate direction of the manifold. I’d assume the whole set up would no way come close to passing any current emission test.
Anybody know anything about this process? Should I sell and buy another or consider shipping?
Adam
However, how difficult would it be to register / use it in the US… given it has a SBC with no cat converters and holly 750 that sprays fuel like a fire hose in the approximate direction of the manifold. I’d assume the whole set up would no way come close to passing any current emission test.
Anybody know anything about this process? Should I sell and buy another or consider shipping?
Adam
Cats and emissions will depend upon the state you register the car and the year of the engine block, etc. You will most likely be able to waive those requirements. Run some internet searches on vehicle registration in the states you may end up and read up on the laws. Hopefully some of the folks in those states can help you out too. I would post this up in the US forum as you may get some answers over there too.
www.markkoch.net/wforum/viewforum.php?f=28
As far as shipping it over, it may be cheaper (and easier) to import if you send the engine and transaxle separate from the car. There is a reason the factory sends a roller over here minus engine and transaxle.
www.markkoch.net/wforum/viewforum.php?f=28
As far as shipping it over, it may be cheaper (and easier) to import if you send the engine and transaxle separate from the car. There is a reason the factory sends a roller over here minus engine and transaxle.
Edited by Hugger Z on Tuesday 26th September 14:25
From what I can gather, whilst going through the L1-B, you can import a car into the US for up to a year as a private possesion, without much in the way of duty. You can then go through the registration process whilst you're there. You may still find it easier to do it in one hit though; if you go for the year option then register it, you may find you still get hit for the duty, plus have to do something amusing like export it for a day (drive to Canada/Mexico, turn around, come back).
There is a guy witth an Ultima build site in the US who can probably help you out - I seem to remeber that he's in Chicago...apart from that, can't help - try the build site sticky.
The age of the block is important, as above - if old enough, emissions are irrelevant.
As the engine came from the US in the first plac, you may be able to ship it back without incurring duty.
You best bet is to speak to an international remover and see what they say.
There is a guy witth an Ultima build site in the US who can probably help you out - I seem to remeber that he's in Chicago...apart from that, can't help - try the build site sticky.
The age of the block is important, as above - if old enough, emissions are irrelevant.
As the engine came from the US in the first plac, you may be able to ship it back without incurring duty.
You best bet is to speak to an international remover and see what they say.
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