CrazyQuantumMan
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If you read the EPA 3520-1 form you will find:CrazyQuantumMan said:The following is from the EPA site regarding importation of engines. I do realize installing a non-certified engine into a certified vehicle constitutes some form of illegality. The engines I'm interested in are US versions with the same engine codes commonly available here. If I could get a TDI engine for $1500 I would be giddy!!!! If it costs $1k to ship I'm still coming out way ahead! Getting through customs should be easy with the correct declaration:
"B. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or Chassis
EPA regulates the entire vehicle, not individual parts, for cars, light trucks, and motorcycles. If an engine is not installed, and is to be used in a car, motorcycle, or light truck, it may be imported as an automotive part. No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA. Importers should be aware, however, that replacement of an engine in a U.S. version vehicle with an engine of a different type or model year which is not currently covered by an EPA certificate or will be covered by an EPA certificate prior to introduction into commerce may violateEPA regulations.
To import an engine for use in a car, light truck or motorcycle, the importer must file with U.S. Customs, upon entry, an EPA Form 3520-1 and declare code "W" on that form.
For a "heavy" vehicle or "heavy" truck, EPA regulates the engine, whether or not it is installed. EPA considers a vehicle or truck as "heavy" if it has a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 8,500 pounds, or a curb weight of more than 6,000 pounds. To be imported, such an engine must be either excluded, exempted, covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, or imported by an independent commercial importer."
Scott Kraut can tell you all about his engine seizure. because he could not produce said certificate of conformity.CrazyQuantumMan said:I'm confused. Why does the EPA form put "Code W" under the "Excluded Vehicles" portion of the form? As stated, they do not require any certifications whatsoever nor can they legally ask for one. If you've had problems in the past why have you not shown them their own regulations and what it says on their own form? "No approval or Customs bond is required by EPA." That means the EPA can kiss my cold cheeks. Correct me if I'm wrong on this because as noted, I have not imported an engine before. But, I deal with legal issues for a living so this is nothing new for me. I'm curious about those folks who had their engines "seized" by customs and the circumstances behind the seizures. Were they smuggling coke in the oilpans?
Most of the parts imported by restorers and collectors are older parts, older than the 25 years mandated by the EPA. Once it's past that age it's no longer restricted, being considered a "classic" or something like that and not reasonably believed to be a daily driver (Hah, my "classic" is my '82 couple daily driver!).dobeonguard said:Cars and car parts are imported everyday into the United States by collectors, restorers and the like. A friend of mine restorers exotic cars, for example a 1918 Locomobile that he had in a few weeks ago.
The problem is that it cannot be a private person to person shipment, this needs to be handled by a company that does this. If you find a motor you want it would need to be shipped to the facilitator in Europe, then forwarded here for you to pick up. Do a search online and you will find plenty of companies that do this. I think shipment for a motor varies between $250 and $500. I know shipping a small car from the East Coast US to the port of Amsterdam for $600, motorcycles are $400 or so.CrazyQuantumMan said:If anyone is willing to ship me a 1.4TDI lets talk! Wouldn't that look fantastic in an "off-road" Fox wagon??
Your Ford Probe also has a certificate of conformity and conforms to EPA, and DOT specs for the model year so I doubt there would be an issue.dobeonguard said:My Ford Probe wasn't 25 years old...
Your shipping rates are either very old or very low. Ocean freight is about $300-400 bucks per cubic meter or 1,000kg whichever is greater. There are usually pretty high minimums. I've airlifted engines before and they were around $1,000 bucks for 150 kilos.dobeonguard said:I think shipment for a motor varies between $250 and $500. I know shipping a small car from the East Coast US to the port of Amsterdam for $600, motorcycles are $400 or so.
Again if you can't read the form and instructions I suggest you have someone else do your importing.CrazyQuantumMan said:Show me where on this form it says that!
http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/forms/3520-1.pdf
I've already stated how to do it. The only way to bring over an engine if you don't have a certificate of conformity is in pieces or sub assemblies. No form EPA form xyz is required. No secrets there. You can roll the dice with customs any way you which but if you get an inspection (which occurs more than 50 percent of the time) they can and will start asking questions, and if you answer those questions with "I know the rules I'm a punk ass that does this stuff everyday" you will not gain any friends with the CBP. I've dealt with the CBP on many occasions and your attitude will end you up in jail, fined or both, and you still won't get your engine.mrchill said:I suspect he wants advice...I did speak to him. Though Mr Dewitt is clearly unwilling to give any advice save to use a known importer. It wouldnt hurt to give some pointers on how he does it. After all, this forum is full of people giving away their "secrets" that they use to make money all the time right? What would it hurt? Scott did lose an engine.
You must be illiterate.CrazyQuantumMan said:Plane ticket to UK= $859.
Sleep on friends couch=free.
Purchase engine and everything else I need=$500
Ship it to the US=unknown
Anyone help fill in that unknown?
Redlight racing likely brought over the Lupo under one of the few temporary importation clause good for one year, then the vehicle must be exported or destroyed.CrazyQuantumMan said:If I do not succeed, then I will keep trying until I do. www.redlightracing.org This guy got a 1.2 so I know it is possible. Even if it costs me 10 times more than finding one here, it will be worth it to share my story to others.
That is exactly what he did. That Lupo has now been destroyed. I bought my engine from Quality German Auto Parts. Yes, it is more expensive, but you don't assume any risk.Scott_DeWitt said:Redlight racing likely brought over the Lupo under one of the few temporary importation clause good for one year, then the vehicle must be exported or destroyed.
It requires various governmental permissions and is on a case by case basis.
I do believe the vehicle in its entirety has to be rendered inoperable. That would include engine and the rest of the drivetrain.CrazyQuantumMan said:So they destroyed the Lupo but what happened to the engine? EPA regulations that allow a one year pass are only for the entire vehicle, not the engine according to their website. So whats the story, did they destroy the engine?
I drove it a few weeks ago, so apprently notCrazyQuantumMan said:I just now stumbled upon the Insight thread. I'm guessing by the look of things the engine did not make it to the crusher.