CP

I've got a cat, so I'm not worried about passing emmissions testing. But I am worried about getting hassled for "altered exhaust" even though my car is 17 years old and the stock exhaust rotted away years ago.

I'd also like to pull the car in and out of the facility because my drivetrain is in a fragile state right now, and the clutch isn't easy to modulate.

Anywhere I can take the car in the north shore area? I don't mind giving the tech a "tip" for no hassles.

I've got 4 weeks to find a garage for my Sept inspection sticker.

Dave Griswold

my wife's Xterra (with exhaust and intake). Also, my friend had a modded Passat (that was LOUD) inspected at teh same place.

I obviously can't make any promises, but it's in the Citgo Station on Canal Street in Salem.

<a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=290%20Canal%20St&city=Salem&state= MA&zipcode=01970%2d4512&country=US&title=%3cb%20cl ***%3d%22fn%20org%22%3e290%20Canal%20St%3c%2fb%3e% 3cbr%20%2f%3e%20%3cspan%20style%3d%22display%3ainl ine%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22loc ality%22%3eSalem%3c%2fspan%3e%2c%20%3cspan%20style %3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b% 22%20class%3d%22region%22%3eMA%3c%2fspan%3e%20%3cs pan%20style%3d%22display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbotto m%3a0px%3b%22%20class%3d%22postal%2dcode%22%3e0197 0%2d4512%3c%2fspan%3e%2c%20%20%3cspan%20style%3d%2 2display%3ainline%3bmargin%2dbottom%3a0px%3b%22%20 class%3d%22country%2dname%22%3eUS%3c%2fspan%3e%3c% 2fspan%3e&cid=lfmaplink2&name=&dtype=s">Map of 290 Canal St Salem, MA 01970-4512, US</a>

CP

I need to return a bolt extractor that I borrowed last weekend for some broken ex mani studs.

Dave Griswold

Nice. Saturday, about 1pm-ish I'll be in my Driveway ripping my suspension out.

Vijay

I thought as long as the cats weren't changed, and the exhuast fell withing sound limit guidelines, there was no issue. Otherwise, if all "altered exhausts" are illegal, every Midas, Meineke, Pep Boys, etc exhaust is illegal.

Dave Griswold

<ul><li><a href="http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62241">http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?id=62241</a</li></ul>

Corey

As long as your lights turn on and you can pass emmissions you'll get a sticker

Vijay

Dear Senators,

While browsing the internet on assorted auto enthusiast websites, I came across what I found to be this almost amusing subject matter.

Firstly, with all due respect, aren't there more pressing matters to spend tax payer dollars on?

Secondly, the ecomomic impact of such legislation would be far reaching. Every non-dealer muffler shop in the state would essentially be put out of business. If not, the amount of testing and certication by the state for each and every
exhaust product for each and every car model to make sure it is no louder than the OEM unit would be, in this person's opinion, a colossal waste of resources.

Thirdly, since aftermarket parts would be essentially illegal, car dealers would also be in a position of being able to charge significantly higher prices for replacement car parts, unless of course, the state wishes to then regulate that industry also. Currently, most "altered" parts are available to consumers at
significantly less cost than OEM replacement parts.

Fourthly, the proposed legislation smells suspiciously of special interest. If the real issue is a concern over noise pollution, simply make a statewide standard on noise level. As it is, I believe there is already a federal regulation on this. How do you propose to deal with the unaltered Ferrari who's
exhaust is louder in stock form than the "altered" exhaust on a Honda Civic? Are Ferrari owners, in a sense, above the law because they are in a higher socioeconomic group. Likewise, the exemption over "hobby" or antique vehicles. A wealthy auto enthusiast may have the money to afford such a extraneous purchase, but a middle class person does not have that option.

Fifth, what about motorcycles? talk about noise!!!!

Finally, the law has serious racial and age discrimination undertones. It is older, affluent, whites that own the louder stock expensive sports cars and collector cars that would be immune and exempt, respectively, from this legislation. The younger, less wealthy, and minorities are clearly being discriminated against here.

By all means, set a noise standard. Make it equally applicable to all vehicles registered to be driven on Massachussetts public roads. A stock Dodge Viper with a 90 decibel exhaust or a 1967 Corvette with a 98 decibel stock exhaust should not be permitted if you are going to make illegal a Toyota Camry with an 85 decibel "altered" exhaust.

Of course, in the mind of this citizen, this has nothing really to do with noise pollution. Something else is driving this legislation. Be careful of the ramifications. Let's get real here!

Thank you for your time.


Vijay Gandevia, MD

Dave Griswold

Nicely put...they've tried this twice before...hopefully the 3rd time won't be the charm.

meem

sadly, most of the lick-n-sticks dried up a few years back when the state cracked down