[Traum]

This is most unfortunate. While I do not agree with the Don Docksteader Subaru tech's intepretation that exhaust needs to be OEM and that coilovers would automatically fail, there is little point in arguing with the front line hands-on person. This needs to be taken to the higher ups at CVSE instead.

In the CVSE inspection manual, Section 1 -- Power Train, the Exhaust System section goes like this:

With engine running, aurally and manually inspect:
a) manifolds

Reject if
a) missing, broken, cracked, loose, leaking


b) muffler

Reject if
b) leaking, missing, patch affixed other than by weld not OEM or equivalent, equipped with noise enhancing device



c) resonators (applicable units)

Reject if
c) leaking, patch affixed other than by weld, missing where OEM equipped


d) tail pipes

Reject if
d) leaking, perforated, missing, patch affixed other than by weld, collapsed, end is pinched, equipped with noise enhancing device


e) exhaust pipes

Reject if
e) leaking, perforated, missing, cracked, collapsed, patch affixed other than by weld


f) mounting hardware

Reject if
f) missing, loose, broken, insecurely mounted


g) leaks

Reject if
g) leaking along system or at joints


h) holes

Reject if
h) other than made by the original equipment manufacturer


i) location

Reject if
i) any part of exhaust system is closer than 25 mm (1 in.) to any part of fuel, brake system or any combustible material and is not protected by a shield – any component passes through an occupant compartment

All inspection procedures are visual unless additional inspection procedures are indicated or where applied force is necessary to verify tightness and/or component security.


j) tail pipe termination

Reject if
j) does not terminate within 50 mm (2 in.) of outside perimeter of the passenger compartment and expels exhaust outward (includes trunk)


k) exhaust cut-out

Reject if
k) exhaust is equipped with cut-out


l) catalytic converter (if OEM equipped) Required on all light vehicles manufactured after 1987 .Required on vehicles manufactured before 1987 if OEM equipped. Required on diesel engines if OEM equipped.

Reject if
l) missing or replaced with a non catalytic muffler


m) Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

Reject if
m) missing or does not operate


n) heat shield(s) (required where exhaust system may contact occupants when entering or leaving vehicle)
NOTE: Heat shields can be mounted at other than door areas.

Reject if
n) missing, incorrect size


o) noise emissions – confirm noise level with decibel meter for any vehicle with non-OEM, modified or altered exhaust system

Reject if
o ) excessive
The opinion of an inspector as to whether the engineand exhaust noise is greater than that made by other vehicles in good condition of comparable size, horsepower, piston displacement or compression ratio shall determine whether noise level is excessive. Must be comparable to OEM and confirmed with decibel meter.
– is equipped with any noise enhancing device


OUT OF SERVICE
Reject if
i) Any exhaust leak within the perimeter of the occupant compartment of the vehicle with holes in the floor(includes trunk).