[DreamM3]

So.... i got pulled over for having a loud exaust. My car has the Valvetronic Stainless Steel full system, NO down-pipe and HAS cats. So now I'm unsure what needs to be done. Do i really need to go back to stock to have it tested, or can i take it in with the valves closed on comfort mode and pass? Well they require me to open valves and put it on Sport + and rev it?

Few places i read they said the cars are tested at normal operating conditions which means it can be on comfort since that's the default state when the car turns on and valves closed reved slowly up to 2500-3500 RPM, if that's all that's needed I'll 100% pass since the exaust is very quiet on comfort with valves closed.

Anyone been in this situation before?

P.s. a lit of cars are wayyyyy louder then this stock out of factory like Lambos, Hellcats and mustangs and 1000 others. Sure they might be quiet on comfort mode with the valves closed and only get loud on track modes but that's the same situation with a after market exaust. They can't possibly make me put it in a super agressive setting and then test it because if that's the case, every person driving the cars i listed should get a ticket as soon as they buy the car.

[USMC G2]

DreamM3,

I have not been in your situation, however, I would switch back to stock (if still available)...get it tested and be done with it. And of course, you could always take another chance...hopefully, they used a decibel meter to determine your exhaust sound. And finally, please don't worry about those "other" drivers...this is on you...don't mean to be harsh, but the other drivers (Mustangs, Lambo's, etc.) are not going to help you.

Semper Fi

[Hit_Apex]

Is this a state ref referral? If so, the inspection will be about identifying whether the exhaust is modified or in disrepair and the car overall is emissions compliant. Volume is not really a consideration other than the officer's assessment that it is louder than stock and should be inspected. How it compares to other stock cars is irrelevant.

[DreamM3]

Originally Posted by Hit_Apex

Is this a state ref referral? If so, the inspection will be about identifying whether the exhaust is modified or in disrepair and the car overall is emissions compliant. Volume is not really a consideration other than the officer's assessment that it is louder than stock and should be inspected. How it compares to other stock cars is irrelevant.

So if that's the case, my exaust even tho after market passes all emission regulation will most likely pass the test?

[Hit_Apex]

Originally Posted by DreamM3

So if that's the case, my exaust even tho after market passes all emission regulation will most likely pass the test?

No, you will fail the visual inspection since none of the exhaust mods for these cars have been CARB certified.

[Soylent]

It’s so easy to swap back the stock exhaust for the inspection. Why is this a question?

[DreamM3]

Originally Posted by Soylent

It’s so easy to swap back the stock exhaust for the inspection. Why is this a question?

My exaust is currently in a warehouse that i will need to rent a truck for to transport it to a body shop for the swap which Is $500. And do the same thing after to swap it been. The whole thing is going to cost $1200+

That's why I'm asking if i can pass with the after market exaust already on the car without having to do all this

[Soylent]

Ouch. Gotcha. May be worth a try if you don’t have any other non CARB mods like tuner or intakes that they can look for. You can always go the other route if you fail. You might want to consider a Quick Jack if you plan other upgrades like spacers, lowering springs etc. very simple to swap out the exhaust with one of those. Pays for itself after remove and replace exhaust on 2 cars.

[christianb5s4]

Been through this, switching back to stock is the best scenario. The key is fix it is correct able so you can try valves closed and hope CHP doesn't go to far on inspecting everything else.

[BzsBimmer]

Ask someone local if they have a stock to borrow. Can do on ramps

[BryanCO]

Drive car to warehouse, put car on ramps, swap, complete test and head back to the warehouse and swap back.

[FC4]

Why can't you just pay the ticket and not have to go through the hassle of swapping anything?

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by FC4

Why can't you just pay the ticket and not have to go through the hassle of swapping anything?

Not possible if needs a ref

[christianb5s4]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

Not possible if needs a ref

You can actually pay it off but then your car is flagged and can be pulled over again for the same thing.

[BzsBimmer]

Originally Posted by christianb5s4

You can actually pay it off but then your car is flagged and can be pulled over again for the same thing.

I was under the impression that the ticket is not able to be paid/cleared without it first being signed off by a state referee and at which point the DMV will not allow the vehicle to be re-registered.

Did this change?

[christianb5s4]

Originally Posted by BzsBimmer

I was under the impression that the ticket is not able to be paid/cleared without it first being signed off by a state referee and at which point the DMV will not allow the vehicle to be re-registered.

Did this change?

Technically you can just pay it off to the tune of $1k ish, so you could. But the caveat is what I mentioned.

[jivom5]

OP, is there a little sticker on your ticket that says referee inspection required? Or does it just say inadequate muffler. If it’s the second option pay it, if ref inspection buy ramps from Walmart and do the swap yourself or do the swap at any muffler shop and get the car inspected

[jmg]

Originally Posted by DreamM3

My exaust is currently in a warehouse that i will need to rent a truck for to transport it to a body shop for the swap which Is $500. And do the same thing after to swap it been. The whole thing is going to cost $1200+

That's why I'm asking if i can pass with the after market exaust already on the car without having to do all this

The OEM exhaust with downpipe detached will fit even in my M4 with the seats down.