Sucks they crushed his car, but to be honest most of the people I've met who have legitimate swaps still have the VIN on their car. Filing it off, just makes the car look at much more suspicious. From what I've heard stealing Honda's and Honda parts is a big business out in Cali.

Can't you use the VIN on new motor, to prove that you purchased it legally, from a legitimate source?

If a fiber glass hood, is an indication of street racing, I'd hate to see what the cops in Cali make of carbon fiber doors, and roll cages. Probably just an on the spot street racing ticket.