Basically, you're screwed. Bringing a car in from out of state requires a visual inspection by the DMV. Then you've got to get the vehicle emissions tested. You need to have all the original vacuum hoses connected, it must have the cat in the original configuration (i.e. you cannot install two cats for true dual exhaust), it must have the original (or approved by CARB) exhaust system, the smog pump (if installed originally) must be connected, the carburetor must be original (or one approved for CA by CARB), and you must pass the sniff test, timing must be to factory spec, and the gas tank will be pressurized to check for leaks.....fail one...fail the test.
You can use different pistons, crank and cam....but you better be right on for the timing after that, otherwise they'll fail you. A vehicle over ten years old gets emissions tested every year. Have fun. I got my 78 through with no problems, but my daughter's 77 had leaks in the fuel tank. After those were repaired, we passed no problem. But, both cars have emissions and engine components that are original. You also need the emissions sticker on the radiator core support.
Another thing, the highest octane we have is 91. Depending on how the engine was built, you could experience knock.
The smog stations are statistically checked for failure rates. If they continually come up with a low failure rate, they can lose their license.
The good news is that in some parts of rural California you don't need to get vehicles tested.
Here's how the test goes:
1. They do a quick visual (you could slide by with the carb because the shaker hides it)
2. They connect the sniffer (make sure the engine is hot..hot....hot)
3. They run the sniff test at two different speeds
4. They then check the timing
5. They pinch off the vent hose at the canister, remove the fuel cap and install the pressure cap system and run the pressure test.
6. They pressure test the cap.
That's it.
