how illegal is illegal?
08-29-2009, 10:35 AM
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how illegal is illegal?
Right, I just bought my 04 on Aug 27 and of course I want to start doing some mods. I've listened to some video clips of what exhausts sound like and imo the HKS hi-power single exit sounds the best. I understand that it is not street legal but my question is, has anyone had any troubles driving with it? ie. has anyone been properly pulled over just because of it, or am I gonna be just fine driving on the street with it?
08-29-2009, 11:11 AM
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a catback is not illegal.
the HKS hi power is under the DB requirements in CA.
The reason people get pulled over with it is becaues they're running midpipes as well which makes it extremely loud.
the HKS hi power is under the DB requirements in CA.
The reason people get pulled over with it is becaues they're running midpipes as well which makes it extremely loud.
08-29-2009, 11:22 AM
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Actually, by most state laws, any modification to a car that isn't certified by a state approved inspector is illegal.
So yes any catback system not made originally by the manufacturor that was sold as oem equipment on the car can be considered illegal. Now most police officers won't even care, except when it comes to noise levels. Which if you read the how the law is written, is completely subjective. So hope you always get the nice officer!
So yes any catback system not made originally by the manufacturor that was sold as oem equipment on the car can be considered illegal. Now most police officers won't even care, except when it comes to noise levels. Which if you read the how the law is written, is completely subjective. So hope you always get the nice officer!
08-29-2009, 11:25 AM
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It woud have to violate ca VC 27150
27150. (a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Amended Ch. 558, Stats. 1977. Effective January 1, 1978. Supersedes Ch. 579.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
Amended Ch. 558, Stats. 1977. Effective January 1, 1978. Supersedes Ch. 579.
Can you get pulled over for it? YES but that's a completely different law that deals with cracking down on illegal / stolen parts. Don't get me started on that one...
Last edited by Jedi54; 08-29-2009 at 11:29 AM.
08-29-2009, 11:27 AM
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As someone that has driven MANY cars with loud to very loud exhaust..here is my take. Unless the cop spent the night on the couch, generally they wont bother you unless you are purposely making alot of noise at the wrong time.
Keep the revs down in the early AM hours. Dont try to put on a show at busy intersections. That local spot where the local street racers collect...yea, dont go there.
Keep the revs down in the early AM hours. Dont try to put on a show at busy intersections. That local spot where the local street racers collect...yea, dont go there.
08-29-2009, 11:30 AM
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I guess we should probably figure out where the OP is located... 
08-29-2009, 04:02 PM
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Thanks for all the infoguys, really helpful. I live in Calgary Canada now but I'm moving to palm springs in January for golf school. I think I'm gonna get it, it sounds pretty mean, any vendor suggestions that ship to Canada?
08-29-2009, 04:06 PM
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I think almost all will. Just good luck with the exchange rate and extra shipping fees.
I've been running Racing Beat race pipe and catback, sounds wicked, shoots awesome flames (even on MM tune with good MPG), and wows everyone when you launch at redline.
I've been running Racing Beat race pipe and catback, sounds wicked, shoots awesome flames (even on MM tune with good MPG), and wows everyone when you launch at redline.
08-29-2009, 08:57 PM
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YOU LAUNCH AT REDLINE?!
Are You mad?!
Dont complain when your tranny goes...
08-29-2009, 11:37 PM
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NO A/C :(
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True...... I'm running the HKS single HI power with the Racing beat midpipe and it is probably one of, if not, the loudest combo out there but it seems as if the exhaust noise can be controlled/muffled after awhile when driving at regular speeds but when I slam my foot down it sounds like I'm in the grand prix especially when I'm on the beltway. Cops don't bother me, if anything they just like looking at my car (knock on wood). I don't do random stupid **** when driving which also helps with unwanted attention.
08-30-2009, 09:08 AM
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I'm also running the HKS HiPower and RB midpipe...pretty loud most of the time. That's why I am getting ready to add a Vibrant resonator to the midpipe, not really to quite it down but to get rid of the raspyness and hopefully to cut down on the vibration from the heat shield under WOT.
08-30-2009, 09:39 AM
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08-30-2009, 07:32 PM
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NO A/C :(
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I'm also running the HKS HiPower and RB midpipe...pretty loud most of the time. That's why I am getting ready to add a Vibrant resonator to the midpipe, not really to quite it down but to get rid of the raspyness and hopefully to cut down on the vibration from the heat shield under WOT.
09-09-2009, 04:55 PM
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i love my hks hi power cops never bug me i just pop the clutch in and it sounds like the engine is off. but i do get alot of sh*t form people next door and parents about pulling out cause its really loud getting up to speed then it quits down
09-10-2009, 01:30 PM
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