|
|---|
Edit: This might have been a Nissanie car.
Over at Jalopnik they posted a few pictures of a seized R33 GT-R that is up for auction. I do not think that this has anything directly to do with Kaizo. I don’t know what the funny VIN / Chassis number is. NM6AW-001022 is not a GT-R chassis number. It should be BCNR33-001022 if that is correct. Sometimes people read the top line off the blue plate and use that as a chassis code.
Source : Jalopnik
ICE agents seized a 1994 Cizeta V16 from Family Classic Car in San Juan Capistrano on Monday. According to the article in the Orange County Register, Family Classic car was surprised at the seizure, as the car was left after a car show that took place on Friday.
ICE said the Italian car is one of fewer than a dozen such vehicles produced by automotive engineer Claudio Zampoli in a joint venture with music composer Giorgio Moroder.
According to a news release, ICE investigators allege that Orange County resident Zampoli violated U.S. customs and environmental laws when he brought the car into the country in 2001.
In the affidavit filed in support of the seizure, Zampoli’s import agent stated on customs documents when the car was imported that it was worth $125,000, even though the car originally sold new for $600,000, ICE said.
ICE might have some wrong information according to Wikipedia. In 1991, the list price for a Cizeta-Moroder was an estimated €250,000 or US$300,000. Now the car is still in production (on demand), although again with a large price tag of $649,000, respectively $849,000 for the Spyder TTJ, exclusive of shipping, taxes and extras.
Family Classic Cars had a Kaizo R34 GT-R that they had registered and were offering for sale. This seizure seems to possibly be related to the Kaizo investigation.
“Make no mistake, the illegal importation of gray market vehicles like this is not just a technical violation,” said Miguel Unzueta, special agent in charge for the ICE Office of Investigations in Los Angeles. “Cars that don’t meet U.S. standards are outlawed for a reason. These vehicles can pose a real threat to public health and safety.”
Cars are not “outlawed”. In fact this vehicle would be eligible for a “Show or Display” exemption. This car has probably been driven/started less than a year old Prius. It poses no real threat to public health or safety. Most people that own this type of vehicle drive it very seldom, and it would put out less emissions than the fire you have burning in your fireplace. I would be interested to know how many miles or kilometers this car has on it since 1994. Just another case of ICE flexing its muscles at something minor and frivolous, wasting money.
Source : Orange County Register
Check out the JDM Ego - Public Enemy GT-R Shirts. If you know, then you know. And even if you don't you should buy one. JDM Ego said they were going to start selling these soon. If you believe in GT-R's you should buy one.
For more on the story of why the GT-R is public enemy #1…click here.
Source : JDM Ego
This will be a summary of posts so far to bring people up to speed on the Kaizo drama. No charges have been filed by the DOJ(Department of Justice) against Kaizo or the owners of Kaizo. The DOJ and ICE(Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have been sending letters out to owners, and seizing vehicles – Guilty before proven innocent – thank you for due process. We appreciate it, big bad, Kevlar clad, gun toting agents, going after car owners with as dangerous things as a speeding ticket on their record. We appreciate the use of your budget in these times of 17% unemployment in California, and the inability of the California legislature to even keep the Department of Motor Vehicles open on Fridays.
We appreciate it, thanks for running everything so well. Thanks for going after the drugs, the terrorists, and dangerous illegal aliens. These 50 or so Kaizo cars, most around the $75,000 range, are a danger to everyone everywhere.
Some of the Kaizo owners have got together and retained the services of a customs attorney. There is strength in numbers, and anyone else that wants to be involved, help out, or has something to contribute, email me. tyndago@gmail.com
June 4,2009
ICE agents raid Kaizos office with guns drawn and Kevlar clad agents, they seize three vehicles, leave one vehicle, and take all computers and records from Kaizo. The first three cars seized included the blue “hero” car from Fast and Furious 4.
Seized
Seized
Seized
A poster from an RX-7 forum posted up some information that he later asked me to take some specific references down. I altered what I had first posted, and he took his posts down from the forum. People getting a bit too “talky”.
... ICE said that pretty much the skylines from kaizo are contra band. They are taking a snippet of the law from one part, and another snippet of law from another part. (regarding chassis and smog/manufacturer liabilities). He did say they are not far off from doing it completely legit though... He asked if i knew anyone with a kaizo car, (dont worry i didnt rat you out :] ) but he said, that as long as you get your cali-smog expempt at the begining of each year, you are fine and there is nothing they can do against you. He also said tht AZ and FL are the only states that dont give a crap about such things and thats why they are so popular to have cars registered there.
July 2nd 2009
The initial government investigation against Kaizo was to check out charges of smuggling and violations of the Clean Air Act. The government always goes after the Clean Air Act. Everything is still in a holding pattern until any actual charges are filed. I also found out besides the "buggy" car that was not impounded(it had a VW engine in it), the black R34 had no driveline in it.
EPA Information
This section under "kit car policy".
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body.
These regulations were written when most cars were body on frame, not “unibody” as most new cars are constructed. That is why they refer to the body, and the chassis as two separate parts.
A disassembled vehicle that is shipped without an engine and transmission is treated for importation purposes not as a motor vehicle, but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. Such an assemblage can lawfully be imported into the U.S., provided any equipment included in the assemblage that is subject to FMVSS, but was not originally manufactured to comply with that FMVSS or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, is removed from the assemblage prior to entry into the U.S. Equipment items that are subject to the FMVSS include tires, rims, brake hoses, brake fluid, seat belt assemblies, glazing materials, and lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
July 22, 2009
I spoke to a person today that informed me that they had a call from ICE on their vehicle. The ICE agent asked to come out and take photos of the vehicle. The person that received the call asked if the car was going to be seized, and the ICE agent said that it was not going to be seized. I advised him that he should speak to a lawyer before he allows anyone to come and investigate any of his property.
What I think that ICE wants to see is the body and the engine together. They are still investigating Kaizo, and looking to see if they supplied engines and bodies together.
All "public interest" legislation (and any distribution of money taken by force from some men for the unearned benefit of others) comes down ultimately to the grant of an undefined undefinable, non-objective, arbitrary power to some government officials. The worst aspect of it is not that such a power can be used dishonestly, but that it cannot be used honestly. The wisest man in the world, with the purest integrity, cannot find a criterion for the just, equitable, rational application of an unjust, inequitable, irrational principle.-Ayn Rand
The law was made for one thing alone, for the exploitation of those who don't understand it, or are prevented by naked misery from obeying it.-Bertolt Brecht
August 2, 2009
Some of Kaizos customers have been contacted by ICE, and agents have come out and photographed cars, and asked questions. Here is an excerpt of one of the agents visits to a Kaizo car.
How did you first hear about Kaizo? Do you have the "blue plate" (the one that the cars from Japan have with the VIN)? Did Daryl Alison discuss the legality of the "installation" (i said, "what installation". he said, "nevermind")? Did the car come with an engine? What is the primary use of this vehicle? Were you able to title it for road use? Were was the car previously titled? Did Daryl Alison provide to you a Japanese owners manual? Did Daryl Alison provide documents on the importation of the vehicle? Did Daryl Alison provide any original Japanese paperwork? He then proceeded to take detailed photos. Items of interest were head and tail light assemblies, side view mirrors, Kaizo serial numbers on firewall and door jam, speedo, odometer, and 3rd brake light. He was interested in the writing scribed on the lenses of all the exterior lights, and in obtaining a photo of the engine serial #.... which he was not able to do,
August 16, 2009
One Kaizo customer recently received a letter from the US Department of Justice about his vehicle. The letter is a little vague as it says “if my information is correct…” , this sounds like they are second guessing themselves. They then say that non-compliant vehicles are subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Then the letter states that the vehicle must be exported within 60 days of receipt of the letter. Based on the information we have, this vehicle was imported as parts, and reassembled by the owner here in the US. The US allows for vehicles to be imported into the US as parts, and there fore was not “illegally” imported as the US Department of Justice is implying.
September 3, 2009
Over at Supraforums someone posted this picture of two of Kaizos cars sitting at an impound yard near San Diego. The poster was told "they were going to crush them".
Charges have still not be brought against Kaizo, and in an interesting turn of events, these cars were not actually owned by Kaizo when they were seized. They were scheduled to be exported from the US . We are not going to disclose who the owner of these cars are, but it will probably come out in due time.
September 14, 2009
I had a call recently from someone that said the FBI was also in on this investigation. They had asked some information about some transactions. So now its FBI , ICE, DOT, EPA, CARB all on the chase of about 50 cars that were sold over the last three years. In that same amount of time, about 30,000,000 cars were sold new in the US. Way to use resources to chase after the dangerous car peddlers. The same guys that pay the taxes, and registration fees on the cars they put together here in the US.
Supraforums has an ongoing discussion on Kaizo here .
My latest post :
| Originally Posted by mignuts  Actually, from what they said, Kaizo was recognized in over 30 states as a manufacturer. The problem is that they never were an RI or ICI, so for them to even be bringing in these cars/parts was a bit questionable. Not even sure how Silvia's were starting to show up as well. |
If you are a manufacturer, then you should not be an RI or an ICI. They are different things completely. They follow different rules and regulations on importing.
So if Kaizo was "recognized as a manufacturer" by a state, and states are the ones that deal with titling a car, then were they in the right ?
Importing auto parts is legal. Titling cars is legal. So is this not a state issue, not a federal issue now ? Up to the individual states, like marijuana laws in California ? Although Federally its not allowed, on a state level it is allowed with certain restrictions.
If Kaizo only sold rolling bodies less engine and transmission like say Rossion or Superperformance, then where are the differences ?
http://www.superformance.com/Faqs.aspx
" How complete is a Superformance roller?
Imagine a complete car – take out the engine and transmission (transaxle) and that is our replica. They are completely assembled and painted at our factory by experts that have produced over 2500 MKIII’s plus our other product lines. "
"How do I register my Superformance chassis?
Each state in the USA has different requirements and regulations with regards to the registration of your specially constructed vehicle. We highly recommend that you verify all requirements with your local DMV office.
SEMA has posted a list of state by state registration information : visit this link. SEMA SAN."
September 26,2009
While checking out my friend Carters Jung's book - Import Tuner , in the letters section was a letter and a few pictures of the Fast and Furious Kaizo R34 on a tow truck. They mentioned that they first thought it was the “stolen” GTS from North Hollywood from a while back. This is not that stolen car.
This is one of the cars that was seized at Kaizo. They mention in the article that the car was at Manheim Auto Auction in Oceanside. Since then a poster on Supraforums mentioned that they had seen the Kaizo cars being moved on a transporter. I wonder where they were being moved to ?
Still no charges, or other information in the Kaizo case yet.
Source : Import Tuner
September 30,2009
UPDATE . Two R34's and an R32 were seized today. My information says that they are not done seizing cars. If you have a car, I would be on the look out.
I was just informed that a Kaizo R34, an individual owners vehicle was seized this morning by ICE agents. The agents in full Kevlar served a seizure warrant to an owner in the LA area. I know the owner and the car. Again, they came to the owners residence, and seized the car from there. Details are sketchy right now, but as far as we know this is the first "owner" vehicle seized. Still no charges against Kaizo, but it seems like the government is seizing cars. The car in California was an SB100 car, so this could be one of the focuses.
SB100 is a specialty constructed vehicle exemption in California. It allows for up to 500 cars per year to be registered with no smog checks if the car is accepted as a 1960 or does not resemble any other vehicle.
Per California Vehicle Code §4750.1, the first 500 program applicants in each calendar year may choose whether the inspection is based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. If the engine or the vehicle does not sufficiently resemble one previously manufactured, the referee will assign 1960 as the model-year.
Its a good program for specialty vehicles. Cars that are driven very little, and mostly just used to go to shows.
580. A "specially constructed vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.
#1 SPCV can be a kit
#2 SPCV can be new or used parts (aka does not need to be a "kit")
#3 SPCV can be a vehicle reported for dismantling that does not resemble original car.
A SPCV can be any one of these three things. It does not need to meet all 3 requirements.
The last line is ambiguous and open to legal interpretation.
So does everyone that is reading this post feel safer now ? Do they feel better that a couple of vehicles have been taken off the road ? Are you going to help out, or stand on the sidelines and watch ? Are you going to get involved ?
Fast Lane Daily and Motor Trend both picked up the Kaizo Story.
Head on over, post up comments to the stories. Let people know what you think about peoples vehicles being seized out of their houses.
Per California Vehicle Code §4750.1, the first 500 program applicants in each calendar year may choose whether the inspection is based on the model-year of the engine used in the vehicle or the vehicle model-year. If the engine or the vehicle does not sufficiently resemble one previously manufactured, the referee will assign 1960 as the model-year.Its a good program for specialty vehicles. Cars that are driven very little, and mostly just used to go to shows.
580. A "specially constructed vehicle" is a vehicle which is built for private use, not for resale, and is not constructed by a licensed manufacturer or remanufacturer. A specially constructed vehicle may be built from (1) a kit; (2) new or used, or a combination of new and used, parts; or (3) a vehicle reported for dismantling, as required by Section 5500 or 11520, which, when reconstructed, does not resemble the original make of the vehicle dismantled. A specially constructed vehicle is not a vehicle which has been repaired or restored to its original design by replacing parts.#1 SPCV can be a kit
While checking out my friend Carters Jung's book - Import Tuner , in the letters section was a letter and a few pictures of the Fast and Furious Kaizo R34 on a tow truck. They mentioned that they first thought it was the “stolen” GTS from North Hollywood from a while back. This is not that stolen car.
This is one of the cars that was seized at Kaizo. They mention in the article that the car was at Manheim Auto Auction in Oceanside. Since then a poster on Supraforums mentioned that they had seen the Kaizo cars being moved on a transporter. I wonder where they were being moved to ?
Still no charges, or other information in the Kaizo case yet.
Source : Import Tuner
The Kaizo offices were raided on June 4, 2009. We will assume prior to ICE , DOT, EPA, and CARB raiding the office that there was some kind of investigation to even bring on the search warrants.
I had a call recently from someone that said the FBI was also in on this investigation. They had asked some information about some transactions. So now its FBI , ICE, DOT, EPA, CARB all on the chase of about 50 cars that were sold over the last three years. In that same amount of time, about 30,000,000 cars were sold new in the US. Way to use resources to chase after the dangerous car peddlers. The same guys that pay the taxes, and registration fees on the cars they put together here in the US.
Supraforums has an ongoing discussion on Kaizo here .
My latest post :
| Originally Posted by mignuts Actually, from what they said, Kaizo was recognized in over 30 states as a manufacturer. The problem is that they never were an RI or ICI, so for them to even be bringing in these cars/parts was a bit questionable. Not even sure how Silvia's were starting to show up as well. |
Over at Supraforums someone posted this picture of two of Kaizos cars sitting at an impound yard near San Diego. The poster was told "they were going to crush them".
Charges have still not be brought against Kaizo, and in an interesting turn of events, these cars were not actually owned by Kaizo when they were seized. They were scheduled to be exported from the US . We are not going to disclose who the owner of these cars are, but it will probably come out in due time.
Recently there was a letter from the US Attorneys Office to some Kaizo owners about 60 days to export or surrender their vehicle, written by Thomas O’Brien. It seems he is going into private practice. I wonder how much an hour he wants to give some advice against his old job. He is joining the Paul Hastings law firm.
LOS ANGELES—U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien, who has overseen a number of high-profile cases as head prosecutor for the Central District of California, is stepping down to go into private legal practice in Los Angeles.
The U.S. attorney's office said Monday that O'Brien will join the Paul Hastings law firm on Sept. 1.
O'Brien led the prosecution of Missouri mother Lori Drew in the MySpace cyberbullying case. He also oversaw a grand jury investigation of alleged molestation by priests in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
O'Brien was nominated in 2007 by former President George W. Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate that October.
Source : Boston.com
One Kaizo customer recently received a letter from the US Department of Justice about his vehicle. The letter is a little vague as it says “if my information is correct…” , this sounds like they are second guessing themselves. They then say that non-compliant vehicles are subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Then the letter states that the vehicle must be exported within 60 days of receipt of the letter. We had a conference call with a few key people yesterday to start talking about organizing. If you want to try and be a part of this, please contact me at tyndago at gmail.com . Based on the information we have, this vehicle was imported as parts, and reassembled by the owner here in the US. The US allows for vehicles to be imported into the US as parts, and there fore was not “illegally” imported as the US Department of Justice is implying.
Some of Kaizos customers have been contacted by ICE, and agents have come out and photographed cars, and asked questions. Here is an excerpt of one of the agents visits to a Kaizo car.
How did you first hear about Kaizo? Do you have the "blue plate" (the one that the cars from Japan have with the VIN)? Did Daryl Alison discuss the legality of the "installation" (i said, "what installation". he said, "nevermind")? Did the car come with an engine? What is the primary use of this vehicle? Were you able to title it for road use? Were was the car previously titled? Did Daryl Alison provide to you a Japanese owners manual? Did Daryl Alison provide documents on the importation of the vehicle? Did Daryl Alison provide any original Japanese paperwork?
He then proceeded to take detailed photos. Items of interest were head and tail light assemblies, side view mirrors, Kaizo serial numbers on firewall and door jam, speedo, odometer, and 3rd brake light.
He was interested in the writing scribed on the lenses of all the exterior lights, and in obtaining a photo of the engine serial #.... which he was not able to do,
We have been talking to many other owners of imported cars. In New Jersey a few owners have received letters asking for inspections of their vehicles. Some owners are talking about organizing, and coming together to really look at the convoluted laws . There is already a grassroots organization going on behind the scenes. The government treats imported parts as contraband, however they make it clear in the rules that its not illegal to import vehicle parts.
B. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or ChassisThis section under "kit car policy".
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 violate EPA regulations.
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body.
No engine and no transmission is significant in accordance with DOT requirements.
A disassembled vehicle that is shipped without an engine and transmission is treated for importation purposes not as a motor vehicle, but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. Such an assemblage can lawfully be imported into the U.S., provided any equipment included in the assemblage that is subject to FMVSS, but was not originally manufactured to comply with that FMVSS or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, is removed from the assemblage prior to entry into the U.S. Equipment items that are subject to the FMVSS include tires, rims, brake hoses, brake fluid, seat belt assemblies, glazing materials, and lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.That is direct from the DOT website. So as far as importing car parts, or a disassembled vehicle to the US, its legal as long as the parts aren't anything that is covered by FMVSS.
I spoke to a person today that informed me that they had a call from ICE on their vehicle. The ICE agent asked to come out and take photos of the vehicle. The person that received the call asked if the car was going to be seized, and the ICE agent said that it was not going to be seized. I advised him that he should speak to a lawyer before he allows anyone to come and investigate any of his property.
What I think that ICE wants to see is the body and the engine together. They are still investigating Kaizo, and looking to see if they supplied engines and bodies together. If anyone else gets any calls – please email me to tell me what was said. tyndago@gmail.com . I want to stay on top of this, and see where its going.
All "public interest" legislation (and any distribution of money taken by force from some men for the unearned benefit of others) comes down ultimately to the grant of an undefined undefinable, non-objective, arbitrary power to some government officials. The worst aspect of it is not that such a power can be used dishonestly, but that it cannot be used honestly. The wisest man in the world, with the purest integrity, cannot find a criterion for the just, equitable, rational application of an unjust, inequitable, irrational principle.-Ayn Rand
The law was made for one thing alone, for the exploitation of those who don't understand it, or are prevented by naked misery from obeying it.-Bertolt Brecht
B. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or ChassisThe EPA regulates only complete cars. It says it right there. They also say that without an engine a body is just a part.
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 violate EPA regulations.
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body.
A disassembled vehicle that is shipped without an engine and transmission is treated for importation purposes not as a motor vehicle, but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. Such an assemblage can lawfully be imported into the U.S., provided any equipment included in the assemblage that is subject to FMVSS, but was not originally manufactured to comply with that FMVSS or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, is removed from the assemblage prior to entry into the U.S. Equipment items that are subject to the FMVSS include tires, rims, brake hoses, brake fluid, seat belt assemblies, glazing materials, and lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.That is direct from the DOT website. So as far as importing car parts, or a disassembled vehicle to the US, its legal as long as the parts aren't anything that is covered by FMVSS.
Some new information from an RX-7 forum. One poster says ICE had this to say
... ICE said that pretty much the skylines from kaizo are contra band. They are taking a snippet of the law from one part, and another snippet of law from another part. (regarding chassis and smog/manufacturer liabilities). He did say they are not far off from doing it completely legit though...
He asked if i knew anyone with a kaizo car, (dont worry i didnt rat you out :] ) but he said, that as long as you get your cali-smog expempt at the begining of each year, you are fine and there is nothing they can do against you.
He also said tht AZ and FL are the only states that dont give a crap about such things and thats why they are so popular to have cars registered there.
Three cars got seized, along with records, and computers from Kaizo. Included in the three cars seized was the actual hero car from Fast and Furious 4. We will have to see how this plays out over the coming weeks and months.
June 9th , no new updates yet, although I have had contact with a lot of people with concern over what will happen next. It is hard to say exactly what is going to happen. It will all depend on the attorneys office and what charges are brought up.
July 1st, still nothing new except the Kaizo website is down. I have not heard of anyone having any other issues yet, but I still get a few emails a week from people asking questions.
July 2nd , the inital investigation was to check out charges of smuggling and violations of the Clean Air Act. The government always goes after the Clean Air Act. Everything is still in a holding pattern until any actual charges are filed. I also found out besides the "buggy" car that was not impounded(it had a VW engine in it), the black R34 had no driveline in it.
July 10th , I read on Supra forums the following about vehicles registered in New Jersey.
FYI, if you are own a Skyline or any imported non US compliant car in NJ, NJ DMV is going through their database to do visual inspections and document inspection, NHTSA and EPA paperwork, if they are not provided they are suspending the registrations and titles.
How do I know? I have a friend who received the letter and spoke with DMV.
Source : Supraforums
B. (2) Engine not in Vehicle or ChassisThe EPA regulates only complete cars. It says it right there. They also say that without an engine a body is just a part.
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 violate EPA regulations.
The production, sale and importation of automotive bodies alone (i.e., no chassis, engine or transmission) are not regulated by EPA since such units are not considered "motor vehicles" under the Clean Air Act. EPA form 3520-1 is not required for imported automotive bodies. A motor vehicle from which the engine has been removed is still a motor vehicle and is not considered a body.
No engine and no transmission is significant in accordance with DOT requirements.
A disassembled vehicle that is shipped without an engine and transmission is treated for importation purposes not as a motor vehicle, but instead as an assemblage of motor vehicle equipment items. Such an assemblage can lawfully be imported into the U.S., provided any equipment included in the assemblage that is subject to FMVSS, but was not originally manufactured to comply with that FMVSS or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, is removed from the assemblage prior to entry into the U.S. Equipment items that are subject to the FMVSS include tires, rims, brake hoses, brake fluid, seat belt assemblies, glazing materials, and lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.That is direct from the DOT website. So as far as importing car parts, or a disassembled vehicle to the US, its legal as long as the parts aren't anything that is covered by FMVSS.
Some "How to Import Cars from Japan" Information . How to Import a Nissan Skyline .
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tm1JV_IKO15U8HcdfTy9EW3cBeiYQehFPaeR7TXM_Ii0AzlztclzRXca6lsFjV-M2m2tasttOnHYCNrn8_0-Bd36WvrRCOLltTLLfrifyAW-RwmykEzCR66QsC60Mbsm2i6jY-sWMovgxgrW8fja4=s0-d)
All body wiring and control modules are included, but no drive-train (engine or transmission) or engine wiring are supplied!
All it’s waiting for is a drive-train and new owner!
It comes with the Kaizo MSO and all paperwork detailing its legitimacy. Once completed, it could be registered as a SPCNS in most states! I’ve got it priced for immediate sale, so not interested in negotiating the price. Also not interested in any trades! Price is $16,500.00 
VW Powered VW buggy pictures after the jump VW Powered R34 GTS Buggy. Head over to the Just Driven Blog for more pictures.
Do you see the resemblance ? I did a little bit of technical advising for the insert unit. AKA Hands and Feet.
Import Tuner Coverage of the cars of Fast and Furious.
Parts list after the jump 
Exterior:
C-West GT-Type Widebody
C-West Front Carbon Canards
C-West Carbon GT-Wing
Custom Wing Scaffolding by Design Craft Fabrications (Removable)
C-West Vented Hood
Craft Square TC-F Carbon Side Mirrors
Moonface rear wiper delete
Endless Race Graphics Scheme
Footwork:
Zeal Function-X (highly modified to circuit spec)
Endless 6-pot Mini Front Brake System
Z32 Rear calipers / Inner drum
Endless Straight-6 rotors
Endless ME11 Brake Pads
Endless RF-650 Brake Fluid
Moonface Tension Rods
Peak Rear Camber Arms
Peak Rear Toe Arms
ARC Titanium Strut Tower Bar
AME TM-02 Wheels 18×9.5 Front, 18×10 Rear
AME Circlar Spec-R Wheels 17×9 Front, 18×10 Rear
Advan A048 or AD07 tires
Engine:
HKS GT-RS Turbo
HKS Step 3 Intake / Exhaust Cams
HKS Inner and Outer Valve Springs
HKS Retainers
HKS Rocker Arms
HKS Solid Lifters
HKS Valve Seals
HKS Injectors
HKS Twin Power DLI II
HKS Intercooler
HKS Oil Cooler
HKS Intake Filter
NGK spark plugs
Tomei Fuel Pump
Moonface Engine Damper
Moonface Racing Cat (aka straight pipe)
Moonface Racing Oil Block
Kakimoto Exhaust
Eneos Engine Oil
ARC Titanium Cooling Plate
Koyo Radiator (You should replace this with something better)
Nismo Radiator Cap
Nismo Theromostat
Nismo Engine Mounts
Transmission:
Nismo 6-spd Transmission
Nismo Transmission Mounts
Endless Transmission Oil
ARMS Transmission Oil Catch Tank
OS Giken STR2CD Twin Plate Clutch
OS Giken Super Lock LSD
Electronics:
HKS F-Con V Pro
HKS EVC
Defi BF Gauges (Water Temp, Exhaust Temp, Oil Pressure, Boost)
Relocated Odyssey PC680 Battery
Kill Switch
Bellof Evolution Type HID Sytem
Bellof Stinger System (As used in Super GT)
Interior:
Bride Zeta 3 Driver Seat
Bride Stradia Carbon-Kevlar Passenger Seat
Willans 5-point Harnesses
Works Bell Rapfix GTC Hub
Personal Steering Wheel
Moonface Shift Knob
A-Spec Spinturn Knob
Custom 6-point Roll Cage
The car is legal for NASA and Redline events, and as a result I imagine also legal for Speed Trial events. The rear interior is taken out but the front interior remains.
It's been featured on the cover of Super Street Magazine (Oct '08 issue) and been in commercials for Need for Speed.
