I am a halfie returning home to Japan after spending most of my life abroad.
I am looking to import a Caterham Fireblade to use at home in Japan. As its name implies, the car is a super seven that uses a Fireblade engine, one from a SC33 CBR900RR Fireblade. The car is part of James Whiting 24 car run done in collaboration with Caterham, and thus isnt 'technically' a modified car, but one produced as such.
My concern is whether or not it will survive the registration and Shaken to certify it's compliance.
The problem lies with the engine. Since it is from an SC33, the engine is carbureted, and naturally lacks lambda sensors and closed loop fueling capabilities, and thus a lack of modern diagnostics that may be required for Shaken certification (correct me if Im wrong).
Aside from emissions which is another can of worms entirely-
Would this prevent me from registering the car, given that it would be treated as a new car being imported in 2026, and thus would have to comply to new standards? Would fitting electronic fuel injection equipment allow it to pass? To my understanding, standalone / non oem ecu would be failed outright anyway, is this true?
Am I under the wrong impression or am I fucked?
Are there any workarounds?
by abeepak1