the swap car really doesn't matter.. exsample.. if you pull a LS1 from a 2002 Z28 Camaro.. You basically turn your 86 Elco into a 2002 Z28 camaro.. You would need to have all of the smog equipement from the donner car, in this case a 2002 Z28 camaro.
If the 86 Elco is rated as a truck, you would not be allow to use a Car engine. You can only swap in a Truck engine.. say from a 2002 Silverado... and you would need all of the smog equipement from the trunk and again as with a car engine swap.. it has to pass both visual and functionally.
You need to research the California smog laws.. there are a few thread on this forum about passing smog tests for various state, calf for one.
bottom line is cars and only receive car engine and truck can only receive truck engine. The engine has to the same year or newer. All of the smog relate equipement and functions must operate as the donner engine would have.
That means the Cats, EGR, AIR, Fuel tank sender (for pressure and level), EVAP, etc. would need to be from the donner car/truck.
It is not really that hard, just a bit troublesome to swap over all of the equipement and harness/wires. They will read the VIN in the PCM and that is what your recert will be based on. Granted there are way around it at times.. but it depends on the referree that is doing the ReCert. But do your research 1st.
im in los angeles and heard the newr the motor smog would apply but im wonderin if they call it a truck that might hurt me it does have commercial plates does anyone know where i could talk to a referee shop?
I am sure someone will ping in and suggest a Referee shop. I am in NorCal/SF Bay area. but you can also go on to the Calif DMV web site and get the information.
But it is best to talk to a few shops.. cause they are not very consistant, one may fail you and the next one will pass you... talk to a few and see which one will help you out with good information and seem like might look at thing in a good way..
bc what pan did you use and motor mount kit theres so many and people say good and bad about all i was thinkin to leave the f body pan and cut the crossmember what is your opinion?
so far what ive found is you cant get a truck mgot the car time to start gatering parts and ideasotor over 6000 gvw engine to pass in a lower gvw car or truck but it looks like the car to truck thing is possible im way under 6000 gvw jags that run have alot of smog info and even assure you its not a big deal so i guess i better get busy
I fab'd up some early BRP plates myself and using EnergySuspension motor mounts, I did modify and re-position the frame mounts. I was able to use my stock TH350 trans crossmember with just re-positioning the trans mount tab in the stock location.
I had a F-Body Pan on and teh engine in place, but I didn't like having so little clearance. I then switched to a CTS-V pan and it has the room that I was looking for around the pan. Just had to use Tall/Narrow engine mounts to raise the engine up a bit more.
I did notched the X-Member for the AC but I don't think I like the idea of cutting out more of the X-Member just to clear the oil pan.
Steve Elco, I just finished a 100% CA smog legal swap in to a 87 Elco. I have everything you would ever want to know about this emissions legal swap.As of now The car has passed the Smog Ref and we should be taking it today to get the emissions test done. Sorry I only found this thread today. Let me know if you are still doing the swap and have any questions I am sure I will have your answers!
anyone put an ls in a g body and pass smog 
