Add me to the EPA list!!!!!

[silva33]

I just got an EPA notice in the mail....

I have an Apexi Power FC

Boost controller

Pod

Exhaust

Im going to put my silencer back in the exhaust and the stock airbox, do i need to put the stock computer back in?

and how do i reconnect the standard boost solenoid? i realise that there are 3 pipes from the standard boost controller and with the bleed valve i am only using 2 2 of them with one blocked off.

So how do i reconnect it for the EPA test? does anyone have any pics of how it is done?

any help is much appreciated..

[wreckedhead]

i dont think you have to reconect the standard boost controller, they dont care about your mods only about pollution control, just change your standard computer in and youll be fine, run as little boost as you can and youll pass easy, leave the rest its just a waste of time

[inark]

it actually depends on the reason u have to go to the EPA...

if its just a noise test u will be ok but a screw in silencer wont pass as they measure without it (screw into the tip that is)

[R31Nismoid]

as inark said.... what type of EPA, is it just an exhaust compliance one by the sounds of it.

There is a grave mis-conception about an EPa notice lately. One is nothing more than a waste of 30 mins

Just make the exhaust quieter and go get it tested at an exhaust place licensed to test it.

Dont waste time taking boost controllers off and stuff as thats not what you were EPa'd for and an exhaust shop wont give a shit anyhow

The full inspection is the only time you have to take a fair amount of stuff off (which is unlikely unless a cop pulled you over and went to town on you one night or you've had numerous other EPA notices, which you have not)

[silva33]

This is a first offence but what worries me is that they gave me an appointment to go to the EPA testing centre in Mcleod... Hence why i am asking how to bring the car back to standard.

It is an Air and Noise test the notice states.

Inark: It is just a silencer in the rear muffler with the one srew to secure it, with it in the car is very quiet, so much so that i can bearly hear it so i believe i will be under 90db but i dont know about the legallity of the silencer itself. does it need to be tack welded into place?

I wanted to reconnect the standard boost solenoid just to be sure as it is only a 10 min job but i cant remember the correct way to do so. any ideas?

[doxximus]

yeah i've been to that one to, and it was only for a noise check thats it. didnt take long, and i had a standared exhaust on

then again thats when i was n/a so there wasnt really much else to check

[whistla]

If the letter suggested you have to go to McLeod for the test, then its a full EPA compliance test.

Therefor, your only allowed ONE intake modification (ie: either a cooler, or pod filter...not both).

No boost controler, no fuel pressure ragulator, no injectors

Basically STOCK

Your silencer plate wont pass...even if you weld the plate in, its no accepted. I know this for fact

You will either have to put the stock exhaust back on (as its close to legal limit as it is) or somehow lower the current system down. Which you probably dont want to do as itll mean resonators/mufflers

Also, dont be sneaky and try to fool the guys up at Mcleod EPA. As they are pretty decentl blokes, they KNOW what to look for especially with Skylines as they get them in on a daily basis

Good Luck

[silva33]

i rang the EPA and was told they will be going over the whole car and as mentioned above, the silencer is illegal however can be welded at the screw but it need to be welded in a way that it cannot be just removed with the tap of a hammer. I suppose it all depends on the tester on the day.

therefore ill leave the front mount and the exhaust but ill have to remove the computer and the boost controller..

Any idea on how to reconnect the standard solenoid?

[[WLDCRD]]

i had to remove my avcr as well when i got mine tested. I got the boost solenoid removed completely as well as removing the screen. My powerfc was replaced with a stock ecu. They plugged into the diagnostic port to test something and it wouldnt work...so they assumed aftermarket computer. The opened the panel and saw the standard ecu. hehe

[silva33]

[WLDCRD]: if i put the stock ecu in the car and then replace it with the Power FC, does the PFC retain the settings i have or will i have to dyno the car again an tune it again?

from whjat people say, they really know what they are talking about at the EPA testing centre.

anyone have any pics of the stock boost solenoid so i can plug the hoses back up? There are 3 hoses from the standard solenoid, and at the moment with the bleed valve one is blocked, will i have to reconnect it?

[Ronin 09]

']They plugged into the diagnostic port to test something and it wouldnt work...so they assumed aftermarket computer. The opened the panel and saw the standard ecu. hehe

i don't think that they can 'plug something into the diagnostic port' - would they be liable if they fried something? I doubt this is within their 'power'

i certainly wouldn't be letting them do anthing of the sort!

[[WLDCRD]]

silvar33: powerfc retains all the settings

Ronin 09: yeah they did check it...they go throught near the steering column. They have the plugs! I dont think they alter anything...they just checked.

[Downforce]

anyone have any pics of the stock boost solenoid so i can plug the hoses back up? There are 3 hoses from the standard solenoid, and at the moment with the bleed valve one is blocked, will i have to reconnect it?

haha.. I've been shown how to remove and re-fit the AVC-R boost solenoid 3 times and I always forget which hoses go where! Next time someone shows me I think I should be taking notes

[Horus]

epa sux....Ive had my car for 3 months and have received 3 epa's for it so far

oh well, I guess its time for a new quieter zorst, so I just ordered a fujitsubo system from japan, should arrive late jan

[Downforce]

Nice choice. Fujitsubo r0xorz

[RNGTR]

Add me to the EPA list too. Just a noise test, so Im just going to get a quiet exhaust and leave it on, too much hassle with the one thats on it.

[JAPCAB]

Thats too bad. To avoid a return trip to EPA and get it sorted in one day you need to do the following;

Apexi PFC - remove, pop in stock ECU.

Boost controller - remove. not allowed because it can change the emissions, even if on stock boost levels

Pod - You are allowed a pod or a FMIC. one or the other not both.

Exhaust - When i go to EPA i have to put on a stock exhaust, my stock Exhaust measured 88dB (stock cat,muffler etc). I've been to EPA and seen guys with exhausts with a baffle plate, they will fail you for 2dB over so save yourself the trouble, get a stock exhaust (can be purchased for $100 roughly, check forums, good investment) and get it bolted on (about $70 from exhaust joint) , or if you want you can do it yourself with a trolley jack...who can be bothered i just pay the $70 and get it done in 30 mins without getting my hands dirty and back/neck sore!

Good luck with it.

[[WLDCRD]]

JAPCAB: you can have both pods and front mount if you got a GTR as the fmic is standard and you are allowed one induction mod

[Downforce]

']JAPCAB: you can have both pods and front mount if you got a GTR as the fmic is standard and you are allowed one induction mod

Not if the intercooler is aftermarket. Standard intercooler and aftermarket pod filters are ok. You can only have aftermarket air filter OR aftermarket intercooler - not both. Personally I think this rule is BULLSHIT, I've got my stock R34 airbox handy just in case I need to swap it over. Although last time I went through a RWC check point they didnt say anything about the 2 induction mods. Maybe cos I'm not on my P's

[silva33]

thanks guys...

ill have the car standard apart from the front mount and the exhuast, however i am going to pay the $30 ish for a db test and if it passes ill weld the silencer on as the EPA said this was fine to do so. if it fails ill buy a stock muffler and have them install that.

My only concern in how to reconnect the stock boost solenoid... there are 2 hoses... which 2 are connected together by the T-piece and which one connects to the solenoid on its own? am i right in saying that the hose from the turbo connects to the top of the solenoid and the other 2 hoses are connected together via the T-piece and then to the bottom plug of the solenoid?

I am really desperate for this info as i would assume if it is not connected together it would not meet emissions?

Also, how strict are the emissions? would an R33 GTST with only front mount and full exhaust pass easily?