Will Utah ban aftermarket exhausts?

[mtrocket]

This was in, Restyling, one of the trade journals that I receive at my collision repair shop this month...

As reported by SEMA, through its government affairs division, a "substitute bill to ban the use of most aftermarket exhaust systems has been introduced in the Utah Legislature and passed by the [state's] Senate Transportation Committee," and will move "to the floor of the senate for a vote by all members. Under the substitute bill, all vehicles must be equipped with an exhaust system that is 'installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified; or meets specifications equivalent to the muffler installed by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and is not modified.'"
"Among other things," SEMA posted, "the substitute bill ignores the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions; does not supply law enforcement with a clear standard to enforce, allowing them to make subjective judgments on whether or not a modified exhaust system is in violation and; would make it difficult for hobbyists to replace factory exhaust systems with more durable, better performing options."

 

[speedway]

Dont they have some better uses for Law Enforcement's time than checking on exhaust systems???? Kinda reminds me of a really bad hang over.

Speedway

 

[Tiffany's Dad]

Reminds me of the 70's when I had my high lifted, oversized tires on my 4 wheel drive pick-up. I either got stopped for the tires extending outside the wheel wells or that my bumper was to high. So what did I do, I put on headers with thrush mufflers.

 

[mswaim]

For most applications (especially performance cars) the factory exhaust system flows nearly as well as any aftermarket that utilizes the factory-installed catalytic converters. Legally, you can only remove/replace the factory converters when they have failed or are damaged. Their failure is covered by warranty for at least 80,000 miles/8 years on all autos made after 1995.

I know, all of the after-market manufacturers will tell you that their systems flow better, but in reality most factory systems are not operating to capacity, so in many cases its a moot point.

Now, if your only goal is to improve the sound - that is another matter.