Quote:
Originally Posted by Traum
As far as exhaust is concerned, the operative word here is "OEM or equivalent" -- it needs to be comparable to the OEM setup, and I would argue that since manufacturers often offer OEM performance exhaust options, aftermarket solutions only need to be comparable to those to meet the "OEM or equivalent" definition.
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I suspect the argument would be that it was "equipped with noise enhancing device". Any muffler that is made to be louder than an "OEM or equivalent", by way of removing baffles or otherwise having it designed in a way that would increase the noise(and performance), would be susceptible to a fail on that basis.
A side by side cut-out of an HFP muffler and something truly aftermarket like HKS, Blitz, Tomei, Invidia, etc would be interesting. IIRC 99% of everything I have purchased over the years in terms of mods did have the "for off-road use only" disclosure so I wonder what muffler or exhaust system that is sold, licensed, warrantied, etc by a manufacturer that could be used as an example in favor of our argument.
It sucks that the current climate for licensed inspectors is "I'm just gonna fail anything that isn't stock so I don't catch heat" is only reinforcing the VPD's claims. That, and the apparent Soprano-style mafia visits they have apparently made to certain licensed facilities.