No Muffler, Straight Pipes and tips..Anyone done this?

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

Nice try. I live in CA and drive all over the state.

CW
ETA: The officer was a CHP.

You can stow the attitude here bub. I also live in CA and if you are driving in this state with no cats and no muffler, you are at risk to be cited and have you car impounded. That is simply the law.

The fact that it hasn't happened to you yet simply proves you are lucky, not correct in your assessment.

[Brucelee]

"The catalytic converter plays a major role in the emissions reduction of a motor vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer has matched a specific catalytic converter to the vehicle to minimize emissions output. Both CARB and the EPA do not allow the replacement of a catalytic converter with non-exempt "high flow" performance replacement unit. In fact, it is technically not legal to even replace a converter unless it has been proven by technician to have failed, and then it can only be replaced with an exempt OEM equivalent unit."

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

I agree with Brucelee 100% on this. These are afterall Street Cars - don't try to make it everything. Get a dedicated Track Car and have at it. If you can't afford this, then too bad, leave the Cats in place.

The Greens are already trying to zero-in on Enthusiasts as creating more pollution and wasting Dino Juice - we don't need people like you giving them more ammunition...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[Brucelee]

"The Greens are already trying to zero-in on Enthusiasts as creating more pollution and wasting Dino Juice - we don't need people like you giving them more ammunition..."

You are dead right on this one Jim!

[Cold Warrior]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

You can stow the attitude here bub. I also live in CA and if you are driving in this state with no cats and no muffler, you are at risk to be cited and have you car impounded. That is simply the law.

The fact that it hasn't happened to you yet simply proves you are lucky, not correct in your assessment.

Who said anything about no cats? I've got all 4. You're the one with the attitude BTW.

Bro

[eslai]

No dude, Bruce is 100% correct--there are sound laws in Cali that you're breaking and the CHP or whoever else WILL fine you for it, if they so choose.

Here's the problem--there's no standardized means for them to decide whether or not your car's exhaust is breaking the decibel law. It's basically up to the officer's discretion and then it's in your hands to take it to court and try to prove that your exhaust is legal.

So, if your car looks relatively normal and you seem like a decent guy, the cop's probably just going to go "it's a porsche, they're loud" and let you go without a ticket. If you look like a teenager and have neon and crap on your car, they'll be more likely to give you a ticket.

Ask me how I know!!!!!

[Brucelee]

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

Who said anything about no cats? I've got all 4. You're the one with the attitude BTW.

Bro

Here is the original question!


No Muffler, Straight Pipes and tips..Anyone done this?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Has anyone tried this?

KRZ

Given this question, our advice is appropriate. You are running an illegal exhaust system here in CA, which makes you subject to citation and having your car impounded.

The fact that you have not been cited, makes you lucky, not smart.

[KRZTACO]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

You are running an illegal exhaust system here in CA, which makes you subject to citation and having your car impounded.

The fact that you have not been cited, makes you lucky, not smart.

Master Bruce you are 50% correct.

IF you get pulled over with NO MUFFLER (straight pipes) but all OEM Cats still installed, you will be ticketed for having the exhaust EXCEEDing 95 decibels.

It's a fix-it ticket that can be negated once you goto a smog Referree as they will place a DB meter 18-20 feet behind your car for a reading. If your below 95 db's your good and can take that printout to court to be dismissed, if your over, then you need to put your OEM muffler or similar device to quiet it down.

Your call will not be impounded.

KRZ

[Brucelee]

From CHP website



"Excessively noisy exhaust systems and mufflers (27150, 27151 VC). Many aftermarket exhaust systems and parts are illegal. Look for parts that meet California law. If it doesn't say it meets the law, it probably doesn't.


Exhaust systems which meet smog requirements but are still too loud. Exhaust equipment that states it is, "Legal in all 50 states," refers to smog, not noise.
Note: New law (27150.2 VC) does not require law enforcement to use sound level meters to test for excessive noise. Citation is based on officer's judgment. Cited violators may have testing done at smog referee stations or may be directed by the court to have testing done. Vehicles in violation must be brought into compliance. A fine may also be imposed.

Illegal engine modifications. Most are illegal due to smog (27156 VC). See Air Resources Board web site for more info and list of parts that are legal. "

[KRZTACO]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

From CHP website



Note: New law (27150.2 VC) does not require law enforcement to use sound level meters to test for excessive noise. Citation is based on officer's judgment. Cited violators may have testing done at smog referee stations or may be directed by the court to have testing done. Vehicles in violation must be brought into compliance. A fine may also be imposed.

Exactly. It's the officers judgement, you can take your car to a smog referree station for testing. Your call will not be impounded.

KRZ

[Brucelee]

Lets try to wrap this silly ass thread up.

If you drive in CA without mufflers but with the legal cats in place, the officer can decide it is illegal, ie, write you a ticket for a loudness violation. It appears that he cannot impound your car if the smog is legal, BUT if he thinks it might be, he has that discretion. You then and go fight with the judge as to whether he overstepped his bounds.

If you are really running straight pipes, ie, neither cats nor muffler, it is pretty clear he can and will simply take your car. This is a clear violation of CARB regs.

On the truck you go!

Having said that, I know the CHP ARE picking up ricers and taking their cars if they SUSPECT that the engine and exhaust are not CARB legal. While the ricer may get his car back if it proves to be legal, that is faint consolation indeed, to my way of thinking.