Epa Fun

[DogKnight]

So I was parked at my local maccas waiting for my mate to arrive and an undercover cop car pulled up next to me and the officers decided to do an inspection on my car. They found a boost tap and a BOV, which they said were illegal and had top be removed, etc.

Got the letter from the EPA saying my vehicle had to be tested for exhaust noise. Somethings the cops hadnt even mentioned that night. Appears they must have filled out the paperwork incorrectly, as when checking with the approved testers, I was informed (based off my reference no) that it was only for exhaust volume and that they wouldnt even look at anything under the bonnet.

So I went and got it tested and it failed. 91db sitting at 4200rpm and 94db on the back off (needs to be 90db max).

Currently I have a canon style muffler on there which it came with when imported to the best of my knowledge. Obviously I need to make some changes to pass but I want to go for the option that is either 1) least likely to affect power or 2) is easy to swap back (something I can hopefully do myself at home) for when I want to take it down to the track, etc.

The exhaust shop recommended a 2.5" resonator, but that would drop performance and would be welded in, so its permanent. Not the ideal route.

Another option is to find a second hand stock exhaust for an R33 or maybe even an R32, and use that (im not sure which models would work and even if there is difference between GTST to GTR?). Also whether or not this is easily reversed?

A third option I was told, is to get one custom made, something that can easily be swapped but is the more expensive option (and money is tight atm).

I really dont know alot about exhaust systems. I believe some come all the way back from the turbo (the dump pipe?) and others are only cat back? I believe my current canon style exhaust is only cat back, so hopefully it can be screwed off. Ideally, id like to be able to simply get under the car, take on off and bolt on the other.

Any advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated, and im sure ive made a few mistakes here and there, so if I have please let me know. Also if anyone has a stock exhaust that may do the trick, im willing to buy it (given its in good nick, ie no holes), or possibly even loan it. Ive already had one person say I could loan it, and whomever I take up on the offer, there will be a slab in it for them, or some other arrangement, they wont go empty handed. \

Thanks in advance.

[Gazee]

put the standard cat back on, go for test and call it a day...

theres a couple on ebay going for under $50, i baught one for $25 lol

[DogKnight]

put the standard cat back on, go for test and call it a day...

theres a couple on ebay going for under $50, i baught one for $25 lol

So basically Just change over the cat in the exhaust setup and leave the same canon on?

Sorry if it seems like a stupid question, just clarifying these things as my knowledge of exhausts is minimal.

[R32Big_boy]

just a cat wont cut it, you'll have to do the whole lot. its not hard to swap over an exhaust, takes about 20mintues.

[Gazee]

from the cat back... so you can leave your cat on it, just change the rest from the cat to the muffler with the standard exhaust

which maccas were you at by the way? (just wana steer clear LOL)

[R31Nismoid]

So I was parked at my local maccas waiting for my mate to arrive and an undercover cop car pulled up next to me and the officers decided to do an inspection on my car. They found a boost tap and a BOV, which they said were illegal and had top be removed, etc.

Got the letter from the EPA saying my vehicle had to be tested for exhaust noise. Somethings the cops hadnt even mentioned that night. Appears they must have filled out the paperwork incorrectly, as when checking with the approved testers, I was informed (based off my reference no) that it was only for exhaust volume and that they wouldnt even look at anything under the bonnet.

EPA and RWC (defects) are different.

They obviously noted your car down as being loud, and then hence, reported you to the EPA which is different.

Nothing to do with incorrect paper work or anything.

[Gazee]

Nothing to do with incorrect paper work or anything.

thats true... they're just being pricks i mean doing their job

[adznight]

Why not get a resonator put in with a flange at each end (tehehe - flange Ash) so you can put it on and off when you like if you really want the flexibility. The rest of the time you just have a straight pipe there. Kinda like a special cat

[DogKnight]

from the cat back... so you can leave your cat on it, just change the rest from the cat to the muffler with the standard exhaust

which maccas were you at by the way? (just wana steer clear LOL)

Well, if I can get a standard exhaust cat back, ill probably take that option as its guaranteed to do the job and is a bolt on/off job I believe.

Rowville maccas

--

It was just unusual R31Nismoid that they came up and were only talking about the BOV and boost tap, said I would get an epa letter to have those parts looked at as they are illegal. Not a single mention of noise.

Then when I got the letter it was all about noise. I spoke to one of the testers over the phone and he asked if my reference number had a 'T' or a 'N' at the end of it. Mine had a 'N' so he said it was only exhaust volume being looked at, however if it had a 'T' it would be volume as well as the whole exhaust system including anything that may effect emissions (boost controllers, ecu, etc).

The resonator with a flange also sounds like a good idea, given they can add flanges to the existing section of piping they take out or make a new middle piece.

[cheez]

hey dogknight,

if u need a lend of a standard exhaust, send me a pm. i have a standard turbo back zorst sitting in the shed. its in parts so its easy to just bolt on the cat back system. im not keen on selling it as i may need it myself if i have to go to the epa, but if u wanna lend, let me know.

daniel

[R31Nismoid]

Well, if I can get a standard exhaust cat back, ill probably take that option as its guaranteed to do the job and is a bolt on/off job I believe.

Rowville maccas

--

It was just unusual R31Nismoid that they came up and were only talking about the BOV and boost tap, said I would get an epa letter to have those parts looked at as they are illegal. Not a single mention of noise.

Then when I got the letter it was all about noise. I spoke to one of the testers over the phone and he asked if my reference number had a 'T' or a 'N' at the end of it. Mine had a 'N' so he said it was only exhaust volume being looked at, however if it had a 'T' it would be volume as well as the whole exhaust system including anything that may effect emissions (boost controllers, ecu, etc).

The resonator with a flange also sounds like a good idea, given they can add flanges to the existing section of piping they take out or make a new middle piece.

Well... maybe you didnt know, but if you get pulled over, have a loud exhaust... its a given you'll get the "Exhaust EPA test" - Approved tester, or a "Full EPA Test" - Macleod EPA Testing Station. Its just how it is with illegally modified cars.

Nothing new, nothing unfair.

[Bass Junky]

a 3 inch Magnaflow large cannon on 3" mandrel bent pipes should do the trick.

I still make my power with one of them attached.

[femno]

Just borrow someones catback standard exhaust, thats what i did, go to the test, n swap it back after, no worries. Thats the easiest and cheapest.

Youll prob never ever get done for noise again....but then again you might LOL, but not likely, you were just unlucky this time...

[Gazzilla]

So I was parked at my local maccas waiting for my mate to arrive and an undercover cop car pulled up next to me and the officers decided to do an inspection on my car. They found a boost tap and a BOV, which they said were illegal and had top be removed, etc.

Got the letter from the EPA saying my vehicle had to be tested for exhaust noise. Somethings the cops hadnt even mentioned that night. Appears they must have filled out the paperwork incorrectly, as when checking with the approved testers, I was informed (based off my reference no) that it was only for exhaust volume and that they wouldnt even look at anything under the bonnet.

So I went and got it tested and it failed. 91db sitting at 4200rpm and 94db on the back off (needs to be 90db max).

Currently I have a canon style muffler on there which it came with when imported to the best of my knowledge. Obviously I need to make some changes to pass but I want to go for the option that is either 1) least likely to affect power or 2) is easy to swap back (something I can hopefully do myself at home) for when I want to take it down to the track, etc.

The exhaust shop recommended a 2.5" resonator, but that would drop performance and would be welded in, so its permanent. Not the ideal route.

Another option is to find a second hand stock exhaust for an R33 or maybe even an R32, and use that (im not sure which models would work and even if there is difference between GTST to GTR?). Also whether or not this is easily reversed?

A third option I was told, is to get one custom made, something that can easily be swapped but is the more expensive option (and money is tight atm).

I really dont know alot about exhaust systems. I believe some come all the way back from the turbo (the dump pipe?) and others are only cat back? I believe my current canon style exhaust is only cat back, so hopefully it can be screwed off. Ideally, id like to be able to simply get under the car, take on off and bolt on the other.

Any advice on this situation would be greatly appreciated, and im sure ive made a few mistakes here and there, so if I have please let me know. Also if anyone has a stock exhaust that may do the trick, im willing to buy it (given its in good nick, ie no holes), or possibly even loan it. Ive already had one person say I could loan it, and whomever I take up on the offer, there will be a slab in it for them, or some other arrangement, they wont go empty handed. \

Thanks in advance.

Sorry to hear you got done mate.. This didnt happen in the Evening At Rowville Maccas by any chance did it?

I just got a meal their a week or 2 back.. and saw a car very very similar to yours, park in the carpark. As i was pulling away i saw two Cops in a dark blue SS unmarked cop car. I told my brother To hit it and get the hell out of their. I was in a white R34, and noticed the bloke in the silver R33 Jump out his car and light up a dart. he eyed me off as i left. Was this you by any chance??

[Betz]

I just got a visit from Mr & Mrs Plod asking about my car...

seems someone has reported me as having a loud exaust and 'spinning the wheels' (which is crap, its a GTR and I told the coppers that and they gave me a blank look..

They wanted to see my car, I told them it is in the shop atm (was actually locked up in my garage)

Am I likely to get an EPA letter?

[adznight]

Yeah quite possibly. Depends on who saw you and how it was reported. If they came to your house they know where to send the mail

[XRAIDER]

As far as I know they don't have to even pull you over to give you an epa notice. I have never been pulled over but received an epa for excessive noise.

I ended up getting a rear muffler made up for $140, Man it was a liitle too quiet for my liking but I passed the test and swapped back to what I had.

If I get another notice Ill be prepared!

[femno]

I just got a visit from Mr & Mrs Plod asking about my car...

seems someone has reported me as having a loud exaust and 'spinning the wheels' (which is crap, its a GTR and I told the coppers that and they gave me a blank look..

They wanted to see my car, I told them it is in the shop atm (was actually locked up in my garage)

Am I likely to get an EPA letter?

HUH? They can come to your house and ask to see the car?!

[Betz]

they came to my work where my car is registered to, have a feeling it was someone in the industrial estate I work at dobbng me in, I was home today however which is close by and they called past after my employer told them where I live.

They were ok, not pushy or anything. Just asked to see the car and said they need to be seen to be following up on calls etc and then took my number, told me to take it easy and if there are any more reports they will be in contact.

[dmr]

i went to a exhaust shop and got a stupidly small sized (i think 1 or 1.5") exhaust and a stupidly big muffler made for my car for use on an epa i copped a couple months back. it was just from the flange after the cat, and it worked a treat. i got a couple decibel under on backoff, so i passed

it cost me about $200 or thereabouts, but it's a good investment to have