Replacing stock exhaust...
Nah its like a 44 cut in half hamburger style LOL. Its on their website I'm at work on my phone right now so I can't look up the url
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 368
Likes: 1
From: Burleson, TX
I like flowmasters as well but most of their models are illegal in all 50 states due to the EPA mandates in articles 40-49. Using anything that your computer/s cannot control the exhuasts emmissions WILL cause check or service engine lights. If you spend the money for computer upgrades, reflashes and all the otehr required changes , most likely will never recoup the costs before driving into an area that catches you and makes you remove it all. Unfortunately it's coming to that anyway due to some lax enforcements that have caused ozone area violations like where I live. So not one to say I told you so, regularly , but watch where you drive it and keep it down at night.
Professional
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Okemos, MI
anything over 89 db is illegal in all 50 states per EPA articles 40-49 mandates and eventually driving into an area they will catch you. Not only that but the costs involved outweight the cool sounds. been there done that every which way. Eventually they were pulling me over on my way home from work . I have lived in 5 states and all had areas of lax , but opposite areas of enforcements. There are legal ways to get the power without thas much illegal noise. Dodge has warranty voids for such mods also as do extended warranties, such I'm just a messenger here cause going to jail for anything & everything in the end arguing over the exhausts or anything else will only get you in jail more. Redneck is as redneck does and the redneck cops love busting you either way. http://www.noiseoff.org/exhaust.php
http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/search/40cfr.html
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php
http://www.epa.gov/lawsregs/search/40cfr.html
http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...es/amquery.php
That being said, Title 40, Chapter 1, Subchapter G, Part 201 (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...2.17.1&idno=40) applies to rail cars, which is not what my Dakota is.
Likewise, Part 202 (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...1.17.3&idno=40) applies to motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce. I am nor a motor carrier engaged in interstate commerce, so that doesn't apply to me either.
Part 203 (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...dno=40;cc=ecfr) relates to certification by the government that a product is eligible as a low-noise emission product. Once again, not my Dakota.
Part 204 applies to any construction equipment regulated under the act. I see a specific section applicable to air compressors (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...2.17.1&idno=40). My truck is certainly not construction equipment nor is it a portable air compressor. I do not think it is covered.
Now, Section 205 is where I think you were referring to. It covers "Transportation Equipment" and includes regulations covering "Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks," "Motorcycles," and "Motorcycle Exhaust Systems."
Well, "Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks" are "any vehicle which has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) in excess of 10,000 pounds, which is capable of transportation of property on a highway or street and which meets the definition of the term “new product” in the Act." (http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...2.17.1&idno=40). Now, that would be one heavy *** Dakota.
Obviously, my truck is not a motorcycle nor does it have a motorcycle exhaust system, so the rest of the section is inapplicable.
Now, I could be missing something, but working off the links provided in the original response about how the EPA was gonna come and bust someone for loud exhaust, I just do not believe my exhaust is subject to EPA regulations related to noise.
Now, it is certainly possible that there are local regulations pertaining to the noise your exhaust is allowed to emit. But, you ever see a cop with a device that can measure decibels? If there isn't a requirement to exceed some pre-determined decibel level, then I would argue said law is unconstitutionally vague. If there is no means of knowing whether or not you are complying, how the hell are you supposed to comply?
I find it incredulous that anyone would fear going to jail for a loud exhaust. At least in my state, that is a civil infraction (which is a non-jailable offense). Of course, if you get a fine and don't pay it, then you are in contempt, which is not the same thing as having a loud exhaust. Likewise, if you are being a complete dink to the cop, then you are probably being disorderly or obstructing justice. Again, if you go to jail, for that, it is not because of the loud exhaust. It is because of your response to the cop.
Personally, I do not think my muffler is anywhere near 90 decibels, unless you stand 1 foot away from it. Just as comparison, 100 decibels is the volume of a subway (the train, not the sandwich place). Now, my truck is nowhere near as loud as a damn subway. It is certainly not as loud as the noise made by a fully-loaded semi going 65 mph. Heavy truck traffic is generally said to be between 80 and 90 decibels, so I think my Flowmaster is actually quieter than the average noise emitted from heavy semi traffic.
I have no idea how you claim that changing a muffler affects the ability of the computer to manage exhaust emissions. As far as I know, the computer looks to EGR and O2 to manage not emissions but combustion. By ensuring proper combustion, the engine minimizes emissions. The computer doesn't hook up to the damn muffler. Come on,
Now, you yank off the EGR and rip out the cat, and live in certain states, and you are probably violating some emissions laws. But, that really has absolutely nothing to do with the muffler, does it?
I have had a Flowmaster on my truck for 4 years now. Only check engine light I have gotten in that time was when the speed sensors went out.
Of course, all of this is JUST MY OPINION.