Yes, completely 100% legal. I helped my buddy convert an 89 four banger notch into a v8 notch using a wrecked 89 donor vert v8. Try and use similar years, be sure ALL of your smog components are in place. He had no problems whatsoever, they smogged him right on through as a v8 car. In cali it is 100% legal to use whatever drivetrain was offered for that car so long as the engine is the same year or newer than the car. You can also pm anthonydalrymple at the corral for more details, it's his car that got the swap.
Yes, it is. Technically you need a motor from the same model year car or newer, but theres no way for them to tell. Since you are going through all the trouble might as well put in a 351W block.
yes, its legal. my friend bought a notchback he didn't know was a former 4 banger. it still needed the brakes and suspension changed. also, the rack and pinion is different, although I haven't confirmed this. my friend has a 4 banger notchback he's selling. its a 92. shoot me an email and I can tell you what you need to change and what not to change, but should change later on. visionquest57@hotmail.com