Why not keep the Sammy and use it off road only. Non opp the plates and get an off road tag. It's reasons just like this that I left Cali in 89 and haven't looked back. Ive got a carberated 302 ford in a 95 Grand Cherokee thank you state of  Idaho.

Because I like to get in my rig and be able to drive it somewhere and not have it sitting in the garage or on a trailer.

I believe the rock buggies (although they are very cool and show the mechanical ability of some) are the demise of our sport.

check into a propane conversion (500.00 on craigslist) or a
Diesel engine swap .

The 1.6 will most likely go unnoticed, but the Weber will not make it.

If you have all the OEM smog crap it will pass visual, but may not pass
emission, and if it is a Federal car, and not a California car, they will charge you
a California impact fee.

If you don't pass emissions, you will be required to pay a certain amount for repairs
trying to get it to pass, the amount varies depending on year of vehicle, until it passes
or still fails, if it fails, you will get a pass for the next 2 years, and come next Smog check
you will again be required to spend the money to get it to pass, again, and every year
until it passes.

You might want to get a few gallons of E-85, available out here where I live, use that
fuel to pass and then switch back to gasoline after your done

Some fuel for thought 

Wild

What if the military makes you move there? I dont have to change my residencey and can leave it as washington....so would I ever have to deal with smog in Cali if I move there? ....not trying to hijack your thread, just curious as i read thru you problem

Smog law in California would refer back to your registered state, so if you
maintain a Washington Drivers License you should have no problems in
Ca. However if you got a Cal. Driver License you would have to register
Cal, and smog the truck

Wild

Thanks for all the info and ideas.

Looks like the we will only be visiting the peoples republic to see family and not moving there

 

Thought you would like that answer.  Talk to you later.