Getting U.S. car to pass emissions in Japan

[Darian]

Your profile says you are from San Diego. I suspect that the salt air around there contributes to this, too. Think about it. Why would things be any different on an island in the Pacific Ocean?

I question the whole idea of shipping a car to Japan in the first place. Why is this such a fixation in your mind? If you think you're going to enjoy driving it around a new country for 5-7 years, you should determine just how often you will have a chance to get out and what the driving options will be wherever you are stationed. My advice is to sell this admitted rustbucket and save yourself a heap of money before you return to the States, at which time you can enjoy another car in a land where people drive on the side of the road that you are used to, where road sign language is not confusing, where road tolls are not so expensive, where speed limits are higher, and where any accidents can be discussed in a language you understand.

Actually it's not so bad in Yokosuka. When I was there I had a '91 Nissan March. When I junked it 17 years later there was no rust on it even though the base is next to the ocean. Reason why is Yoko is in a calm port protected by Chiba Peninsula, so not a lot of salt spray. Also Japan doesn't salt the roads during winter like the U.S.

The Mustang is rusting lightly only on the suspension components (or components which are replaced over time like ball joints or control arms) and I am already fixing that up before I leave by painting it. Most of the late model U.S. cars have eliminated the vented cowl area and bottom of door seams are left uncrimped in a 'V' to eliminate rot.

As for driving a car in Japan, I think I know a thing or two about that. I have driven around the entire coastline of Hokkaido , Kyushu , Shikoku , Shodoshima and Sado Islands, and for Honshu, only have a stretch between Joetsu and Akita to go. I've done the Fukushima coastline twice from Iwaki to Hachinohe, before the tsunami hit, fortunately. And as I mentioned earlier, I've done Iya Valley in Shikoku, which has the longest network of one-lane roads in Japan. I've been on country roads so remote, there were no mirrors at the blind corners so you needed to beep the horn as you approach. I own all 8 or so of the $$$ Mapple guides. Yes, they are all in Kanji but I navigate by the Route #s, matching it up to the GPS. I use the Road Atlas Japan by Shobusha (English) to dial me into a general area - but it's not detailed enough for driving. The book BTW, is indispensible for train traveling, as it shows virtually every train line and station in Japan.

 

[Darian]

Maybe these guys can help with some more specific info?
[CAR MOVE] IMPORT TO JAPAN. EXPORT FROM JAPAN. TO:UK, USA, NZ

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for. There are tricks to getting emissions to pass, such as retarding timing, so these guys can tune the car and have their own testing equipment to check before you take it in. It would probably be a place that services imported cars.