[DML] Re: Engine Coversions and Forgotten Sports Cars

[Ann & Ed Thompson <RappaRivaRat@xxxx>]

> Also if you have any info from VA or NC or CA please speak up!
>
> Thanks,
>
> C

On a passenger automobile in Virginia it is not legal to modify 
or change the exhaust system in any way from original equipment 
specifications. For example, you cannot add dual exhausts to a
single exhaust system even if you use two catalytic converters. 
I don't know about any fine, but if the exhaust system does not
conform to the original configuration you cannot legally get an 
inspection sticker. If you do not have a valid current inspection
sticker on an automobile registered in Virginia you cannot legally
operate that automobile in Virginia. I should add that this law
(regarding exhaust systems) is very liberally enforced. I personally
know of only one case where a single exhaust system was converted to
duals and was subsequently rejected by a state licensed inspector.
This was a brand new Camero that the owner had converted over to 
duals and did not know about this law. The car was rejected by the
first inspector but was passed by another inspector. In any case, in
Virginia, you will NOT get an inspection sticker from ANY inspector 
if the car was originally equipped with a catalytic convertor that 
has been removed. 

In North Carolina there is no required state inspection. But that
does not mean that you can legally remove the catalytic converter.
I do not know what the North Carolina law is regarding that. Actually
as I recall the requirement for a catalytic converter is a federal
requirement (DOT) and is additionally enforced at the state level. 

Regards,
Ed Thompson (#6419 since 1982)
Midlothian, VA