If your cats are untouched do you still need CARB exemption for a catback exhaust (in CA)?

 

To be legal, yes.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/aftermkt.htm

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php

Sooooo, are you and John going to join So. Cal. for the Reno/Tahoe trip or what?

 

I'm asking because I never see exhausts with CARB EO #'s like I do with intake and headers. I look on the sites you listed above and seach for EO# by exhaust and all you see is headers (exhaust manifolds). The only thing I can find on exhausts and the law is related to th dB rating.
So basically if you add an exhaust to your car it is illegal? Then why aren't we all getting pulled over on a daily basis for modified exhaust?

 

catback exhausts do NOT need carb eo #s as they have nothing to do with emissions. the only thing they can get you for is for exceeding the legal db level as you've already stated

 

This is the best I can find:

Section 27151 VC prohibits the modification of the exhaust system to amplify or increase the noise emitted by the vehicle, making the vehicle not in compliance with Section 27150 VC or exceeding the noise limits established in Sections 27201-27206 VC. Section 27151 VC does not prohibit all modifications to an exhaust system.It only prohibits modifications that result in a noise level higher than those specified in Sections 27201-27206 VC. (Which is 95dB).

However I can't find anything in regards to aftermarket exhausts and emission? Does an exhaust not fall under the emissions category if it is bolted to a catalytic converter? I read something that mentioned backpressure could mess with how quickly the catalytic converters heat up and thus exhaust falls under emmission. But I can't find anything legal except what is mentioned above.

 

You're right, there are a lot of listings for headers and manifolds. But, if you click on the first site and select exhausts, you'll see a list for exhaust systems too. For example:

Manufacturer Name: Edelbrock Corporation
Device: Tubular Exhaust System
Device Type: Exhaust System/ Exhaust Modification
Part_Number: Model_Specification: Modification_Allowed: Remarks:
6640 1992-1993 Chevrolet/GMC Stainless Steel Suburban 2500 Series (C) 7.4L V8 2WD/4WD T.B.I. w/o A.I.R. auto & std trans. - Black

This makes sense that there would be more restrictions pre-cat. Post-cat, exhaust should not make any difference in emissions since the catalytic converter should work fine. However, pre-cat or at cat, it would make sense that emissions could be increased.

 

I guess I'll find out when I go to visit the BAR referee

 

In case anyone is interested- here is the outcome and what I learned from the BAR referees in regards to aftermarket catback exhausts in CA.
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=47973