Exhaust legality question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

toddtheodd · 10-18-2010, 03:33 PM

Ok, so this is the inspection code as found here, section 20.15:

Quote:

NOTE: Inspection of exhaust systems covers the discharge of exhaust fumes and is not concerned with the noise level.

1. Inspection Procedure. The exhaust system shall be examined visually while the engine is running to determine efficiency of the system.
2. Inspect for and reject if:
1. Vehicle is not equipped with a muffler.
2. Any joint is loose or leaking, including manifolds. Does not include minor leakage at exhaust control valve (manifold damper or heat riser valve).
3. Manifold is cracked or broken causing leakage.
4. Holes, leaking seams, or patches on the muffler, resonators, exhaust pipe, tailpipe, or catalytic converter.
5. Exhaust system is not secured to the vehicle by mounting brackets designed for exhaust systems (wire is not acceptable).
6. Any brackets are loose, broken, or missing.
7. There is excessive vibration of exhaust line.
8. Any part of the exhaust system passes through the passenger compartment.
9. The tailpipe is broken, pinched, or eroded off to the extent to allow exhaust fumes to penetrate into the interior of the passenger compartment.
10. The tailpipe fails to discharge exhaust from the rear or sides or top of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

What I'm looking at is the part I highlighted in red...
Exhaust must discharge from rear, top, or SIDES of the passenger compartment. Is right behind the front wheels considered the sides? I want to bring it up flush with the body on both sides right behind the front wheels. 2 1/2 in exhaust. The distance from the headers to the side is about 18 inches, and my mufflers (dynomax bullets) are only 12 inches long, so I can fit my mufflers between the headers and the exit, so I would be able to pass the inspection on that part. I'm just wondering what exactly it means by the "sides" of the passenger compartment.

I know my previous exhaust was an argument with the muffler shop, because one shop said that it had to exit the side of the body, but according to the inspection place, it could exit under the bed as long as it was 18 inches past the cab...

Your thoughts please.

GMCBubba · 10-18-2010, 03:38 PM

i think the regulation is just stating that you have to get it away from the passenger compartment. they don't care where it goes after that. just has to get fumes and gases away from passengers

**Clyde65** · 10-18-2010, 04:35 PM

I think that wording was put in there to make side pipes legal.

PanelDeland · 10-18-2010, 04:39 PM

It's been quite a few years since I went thru this in Tx,but the law was quoted to me as must exit "PAST" those points in order to keep fumes from the passenger compartment.It might be a good idea to talk to your inspection place.The law can usually be interpreted differently by different ones.

grs · 10-18-2010, 06:21 PM

I may move to Texas. Would my exhaust pipes work? See pic. Exhaust tips are just in front of the rear wheels.

Dark Knight · 10-18-2010, 06:50 PM

Yep. Used to have my pipes exit there and it passed just fine. My friends and I have also had our exhaust systems rigged up with turn-downs that exited under the bed. As long as the pipes exit behind or on the side of the cab, you're OK. You could always install some big chrome stacks. Not only would the exhaust exit away from the passenger compartment, but the cars behind you too. lol

rebel01 · 10-18-2010, 06:56 PM

Mine just passed yesterday with it dumping about 14" behind the cab.

Held up with baling wire.

Can't wait to get some new exhaust!

wwotr · 10-18-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddtheodd

Ok, so this is the inspection code as found here, section 20.15:

What I'm looking at is the part I highlighted in red...
Exhaust must discharge from rear, top, or SIDES of the passenger compartment. Is right behind the front wheels considered the sides? I want to bring it up flush with the body on both sides right behind the front wheels. 2 1/2 in exhaust. The distance from the headers to the side is about 18 inches, and my mufflers (dynomax bullets) are only 12 inches long, so I can fit my mufflers between the headers and the exit, so I would be able to pass the inspection on that part. I'm just wondering what exactly it means by the "sides" of the passenger compartment.

I know my previous exhaust was an argument with the muffler shop, because one shop said that it had to exit the side of the body, but according to the inspection place, it could exit under the bed as long as it was 18 inches past the cab...

Your thoughts please.

You want it to exit right behind the FRONT Wheels!!??
In California, I don't think it would pass.
We can't even run "Dump Down" exhaust that exits BEFORE the Rear-End.

Now if you meant exiting right in FRONT OF THE REAR WHEELS (like Mine), then that should be no problem in any State.

LONGHAIR · 10-18-2010, 07:31 PM

I always understood it to be "behind the rearmost operable window".

toddtheodd · 10-18-2010, 08:13 PM

Yes... right behind the front wheels.
Engine to headers to collector to 90 degree turn to mufflers to chrome tip right behind front wheels. Only way to dump it sooner would be open headers.
Posted via Mobile Device

sjarrett71 · 10-18-2010, 08:59 PM

I would suggest calling the local inspection station and asking them. (not trying to be a smart arse)

petey-pablo · 10-19-2010, 07:13 AM

You can always have two different Exhausts one with a muffler nice & Legal & one NOT SO LEGAL

straight header on the swich Electric Cutouts with turndows near the rear of the front tires... Heres a old picture of my truck with the Exhaust almost done since then I have added some turndowns and QTP Electric cutouts.. I am just running a single Exhaust to the passenger side in front of the rear tire..

toddtheodd · 10-21-2010, 05:34 AM

Well... talked to the inspection place, and it will pass inspection. So now my EXTREMELY loud exhaust is coming out right behind the front wheels.
I swear... my truck has more power now. How do I stop the ashtray from sliding out when I hit the gas?
Posted via Mobile Device

Nova70 · 10-21-2010, 05:51 AM

How did that pass? It definately shouldn't have. Your exhaust has to be atleast 16 inches behind the passenger compartment on a truck as far as I know.
Posted via Mobile Device

petey-pablo · 10-21-2010, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toddtheodd

Well... talked to the inspection place, and it will pass inspection. So now my EXTREMELY loud exhaust is coming out right behind the front wheels.
I swear... my truck has more power now. How do I stop the ashtray from sliding out when I hit the gas?
Posted via Mobile Device

We want pictures

and some sound clips to..

evilways · 10-21-2010, 09:07 AM

All I know is that I am sure glad we don't have those inspections here; I wouldn't be able to drive my truck. I am sure it will get here eventually though.

10-18-2010, 03:38 PM	#2
GMCBubba Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Simpsonville, SC Posts: 255	Re: Exhaust legality question i think the regulation is just stating that you have to get it away from the passenger compartment. they don't care where it goes after that. just has to get fumes and gases away from passengers __________________ 1969 GMC 3/4 ton, 307, 4-speed NP435GL, DANA 60, 4.10, HD rear leafs, manual everything, leaking oil and water. Now rocking 383, NV4500, power steering, power brakes. Finally undergoing restoration.

10-18-2010, 04:35 PM	#3
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,545	Re: Exhaust legality question I think that wording was put in there to make side pipes legal. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

10-18-2010, 04:39 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Exhaust legality question It's been quite a few years since I went thru this in Tx,but the law was quoted to me as must exit "PAST" those points in order to keep fumes from the passenger compartment.It might be a good idea to talk to your inspection place.The law can usually be interpreted differently by different ones. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

10-18-2010, 06:21 PM	#5
grs Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Roanoke, Tx. Posts: 1,561	Re: Exhaust legality question I may move to Texas. Would my exhaust pipes work? See pic. Exhaust tips are just in front of the rear wheels. Attached Images

10-18-2010, 06:50 PM	#6
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: Exhaust legality question Yep. Used to have my pipes exit there and it passed just fine. My friends and I have also had our exhaust systems rigged up with turn-downs that exited under the bed. As long as the pipes exit behind or on the side of the cab, you're OK. You could always install some big chrome stacks. Not only would the exhaust exit away from the passenger compartment, but the cars behind you too. lol __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!

10-18-2010, 06:56 PM	#7
rebel01 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Lorena, Tx Posts: 11	Re: Exhaust legality question Mine just passed yesterday with it dumping about 14" behind the cab. Held up with baling wire. Can't wait to get some new exhaust! __________________ Thanks, Jonathan 71 C10 Cheyenne 350/350 LWB Vices= cold beer, fast Mustangs, & old Chevy Trucks

10-18-2010, 08:13 PM	#10
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Re: Exhaust legality question Yes... right behind the front wheels. Engine to headers to collector to 90 degree turn to mufflers to chrome tip right behind front wheels. Only way to dump it sooner would be open headers. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY???

10-18-2010, 08:59 PM	#11
sjarrett71 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Rolla, MO Posts: 2,463	Re: Exhaust legality question I would suggest calling the local inspection station and asking them. (not trying to be a smart arse) __________________ -Scott-

10-19-2010, 07:13 AM	#12
petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Fremont Ca. Posts: 1,025	Re: Exhaust legality question You can always have two different Exhausts one with a muffler nice & Legal & one NOT SO LEGAL straight header on the swich Electric Cutouts with turndows near the rear of the front tires... Heres a old picture of my truck with the Exhaust almost done since then I have added some turndowns and QTP Electric cutouts.. I am just running a single Exhaust to the passenger side in front of the rear tire.. Attached Images __________________ Petey-pablo "THE GREEN GOBLIN" 1972 Cheyenne 10 Short Fleet Side Front 2.5inch Spindles with 2inch Springs Rear 4inch drop Springs. 454BBC TH400,Posi 1971 Cheyenne 10 Long Fleet Side 454BBC TH350,Posi Sold Drive it like you stole it! Petey-pablo@sbcglobal.net

10-21-2010, 05:34 AM	#13
toddtheodd The oddest Todd around Join Date: May 2004 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 1,418	Re: Exhaust legality question Well... talked to the inspection place, and it will pass inspection. So now my EXTREMELY loud exhaust is coming out right behind the front wheels. I swear... my truck has more power now. How do I stop the ashtray from sliding out when I hit the gas? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters." Ghengis Khan IIOY??? Last edited by toddtheodd; 10-21-2010 at 05:35 AM. Reason: can't spell on phone... fat thumbs

10-21-2010, 05:51 AM	#14
Nova70 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Dub VC Utah Posts: 364	Re: Exhaust legality question How did that pass? It definately shouldn't have. Your exhaust has to be atleast 16 inches behind the passenger compartment on a truck as far as I know. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ '70 K10-- 4" lift on 35"s-- For Sale http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=733...iew&ad=4578305

10-21-2010, 09:07 AM	#16
evilways Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Posts: 226	Re: Exhaust legality question All I know is that I am sure glad we don't have those inspections here; I wouldn't be able to drive my truck. I am sure it will get here eventually though. __________________ Mark 1967 C/10 stepside lwb daily driver 1968 C/10 fleetside lwb parts truck 1971 Cheyenne Super swb project



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