Thats cool you got that car, but it sucks you live there! I guess if you are going to leave it stock its not a problem. I would have to move!

What are your plans for it? Since you cant "drive it yet" and have piston problems, I would rebuild the engine. Everything stock should be about $1200. They have better parts now and the 80s engines still run 30 years later.
The only thing I know about California is that you must pass gas.

(smog) So if you ever are going to upgrade anything I would try to find somebody that has a few mods and passed it.
Dont forget pics!!!!!!!