Exhaust noise test

burkie_21 · 02-06-2011, 07:27 PM

hey guys
jus wondering if anyone has had to get an EPA exhaust check?? i have recieved a notice and it says it cant exceed 90db when stationary. jus wanting to know whats involved is all. is it tested at idle or high rpm???
cheers
burkie

arby · 02-06-2011, 10:54 PM

Have a look here. Page 27 Looks like the test is stationary at 3375 rpm for an EL XR8

2011G6E · 03-06-2011, 08:12 AM

Just make sure it's done in controlled conditions and in an open space, and not wth your car backup near a wall or with the "microphone" held close to the exhaust outlet to try and inflate the reading.

...not that I'm suggesting they'd even do anything like that...

**Mechan1k** · 03-06-2011, 08:24 AM

The EPA have a rig at the specified distance that they place in the correct position at the rear of the vehicle. I remember it being 3/4 of the redline ... that was a while ago.

The noise test includes back-off as well ... so loud crackles WILL put you over for sure.

**Whoosha** · 03-06-2011, 08:32 AM

In Vic you can get the test done at a licenced tester ( some exhuast shops) and forward the paper work to the EPA cost is about $80 but it will have to be with in the tolerance, most are fairly good and will let you know first if it is going to pass or not.

Trevor 57 · 03-06-2011, 09:01 AM

Pan-o-Market (muffler place) in Shepparton is an authorised EPA checker. I am sure there will be one in Bendigo.

superpursuit83 · 03-06-2011, 01:43 PM

In WA my engineer said to insist on a drive by test... But they did not test me at all when I got the permits??

burkie_21 · 05-06-2011, 05:38 PM

gettin it done tomoz in bendigo. cost jus under 40, still a pain in the *** considering the police woman told me it was because there was water dripping out the back at 10pm after it had ran for 2 mins. guess she missed the science lesson on condensation

GreenR · 05-06-2011, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burkie_21

gettin it done tomoz in bendigo. cost jus under 40, still a pain in the *** considering the police woman told me it was because there was water dripping out the back at 10pm after it had ran for 2 mins. guess she missed the science lesson on condensation

Is that seriously the reason you have been forced to have an EPA test conducted. Because that is just poor form on their behalf. Soo glad I don't live in Btown anymore

burkie_21 · 07-06-2011, 08:16 AM

yep that is the pathetic reason!! didn't get tested yesty, bloke said it wouldnt pass so i have had to go an get another rear muffler. will try today or tomoz an see how it goes

GT 160 · 07-06-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Just make sure it's done in controlled conditions and in an open space, and not wth your car backup near a wall or with the "microphone" held close to the exhaust outlet to try and inflate the reading.

...not that I'm suggesting they'd even do anything like that...

, this is exactly what the RTA tried on when i had my R32 GTR a couple of years ago. Enclosed shed with the meter jammed up the exhaust pipe.

2011G6E · 07-06-2011, 11:24 AM

Yep, I've seen reports of them sticking the microphone thing right into the end of the exhaust of things like old RD250LC's to try and fail them, and getting the expensive mike coated in oil...

Not sure about how high they get you to rev, but I do remember something about 3/4 or redline, and people said "On the street who sits there in neutral with thier engine revving like buggery????"

pauljh74 · 07-06-2011, 06:47 PM

The tester that did mine had a stand that was adjustable for height and was set at an angle horizontally to offset the microphone. Might be around half a metre away and perhaps a 30-45 degree angle?
Mine did fail, but they would re-test for free if they did the remedial work.

2011G6E · 07-06-2011, 06:56 PM

I'd say get a print out of the requirements for testing (distance from exhaust, height, making sure no reflecting surfaces nearby, how long since equipment calibrated, etc) and take it with you and make sure they follow it to the letter.

If you still fail, cop it on the chin. A quiet exhaust is quite possible with performance cars. I recall an R32 Skyline in Auto Salon magazine's "street car of the year" awards a few years back that not only passed all the roadworthy, braking, and legality requirements, but was actually quieter than the legal limit.
...and it put out 700hp...

grandpa_spec_F6 · 07-06-2011, 07:37 PM

I think it's somewhere around the 90db mark, I know with my car I'd fail with flying colours. It's the way it barks coming down the rev range that would put it over... angry little bugger that it is.

burkie_21 · 09-06-2011, 08:00 PM

had my twin pipes over diff to the rear removed and a muffler added with a single 2inch outlet an it only just passed. 88db it went. a pic of the exhaust system was drawn an gets sent to the epa!!! so loong story short condensation set me back $165

Linkachu · 10-06-2011, 02:23 AM

My brother borrowed a muffler to pass his, cost him $50

MexicanBatman · 10-06-2011, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burkie_21

had my twin pipes over diff to the rear removed and a muffler added with a single 2inch outlet an it only just passed. 88db it went. a pic of the exhaust system was drawn an gets sent to the epa!!! so loong story short condensation set me back $165

Condensation is not why you were required to be tested, as you said yourself the exhaust tester said it would not have passed, and after your modification it just did.. Don't worry about the excuses the police give you, if they or a member of the EPA believe your vehicle is too loud you will be required to have it tested... I was pulled over once for a g'day, and let go, later on I received the letter in the mail, got tested and it was legal..