Engine Swaps and emissions

I am looking to move to Colorado, most likely the Denver area. I am looking to do and engine swap before I move, most likely it will be a DIY project. I have 2008 jk, so I looked at swapping a 2008 Jeep grand Cherokee or Commander drive line and then use an AEV swap kit. From what I have read its better to use a 2009 Hemi that is a VVT, but the cost is quite a bit more. The other idea was to do an LS swap from Motech, which I like a lot better, but I emailed Robbie and he said Denver is hard to past. Has any one done any ls or Hemi swaps in Colorado and passed Denver emissions.

Emissions

You only have to do an emissions test if your vehicle is registered in denver. Theres no emissions or inspections in the rest of the state that I know of, at last not up here in the mountains.

I will probably living in Denver area for work.