I'm going to be looking at an '88 wagon that has spent most of its life in California (according to Carfax). I know that's supposed to be good as far at the body goes, but I was wondering if they have to do anything strange to the engine, as far as emissions go, when a California car is brought to the east coast.

Being from California I can tell you your car meets all Federal and State emissions laws as built so you do not have to change anything. California has tougher standards so if it meets Califonrina standard it must first meet federal standards. Bringing a federal car into California is a different story. I think you will find little or no difference in the fuel system. Some things may be different in the computer but not enough to bother changing it. These will make the car a little less power at WOT and drivability will be a little worse at low temps until the engine warms up. In real fact you would probably not be able to tell the difference.

Bill D.