6 replies to this topic

[MADEVO]

so has anyone had a epa test done with vatex? just wondering how that went down?

[EVL20T]

Ive had an emissions test with a varex and also engineered with 1

[TRQ-STR]

They are 100% illegal and will not pass an Epa test of any sort as they were never intended to do so.

I have one myself and would say it is (hands down) my favourite mod. However, I did keep my stock exhaust for this kind of thing.

[Evo-00x]

I bought a Varex back in April 2007 when their popularity was starting to grow. When I was going through engineering my Varex registered 88.25db at 4300rpm in the closed position (with 52db background noise). Didnt bother checking it with the Varex open as we were too scared to find out

If the EPA (DECC) are conducting your exhaust noise test directly you have to remove the Varex and get a quiet exhaust on otherwise you can and will be fined - plus they also take pictures for comparison at a later date if ever you get referred for another check every 12 months or for an ad hoc inspection.

"Technically" to the letter of the law a Varex is illegal for road use... full stop.... and Im not going to beat around the bush and sugar coat this, but you will find it difficult to get somebody to overlook its fitment to your car during a noise test. To get away with a Varex fitted really depends on who is doing your stationary exhaust noise level test. A lot of people in the motor industry still dont see a problem with them if used wisely and think the law is a joke, but you have to check with the place going to test your car first before you hand the $$$ over.

You know, the reason why people think the law stinks is because it was OK to use them until the Protection of the Environment Operations Noise Regulation 2000 was amended to the 2008 version. Somewhere about clause 18, parts i or ii. There was a small amendement made to this clause that from 2008 onwards you are prohibited the use of a noise control device unless it was fitted by the manufacturer as OEM equipped . The law came about because of all the dikheads driving around with exhaust systems WAY too loud and causing a public nuisance. If only they kept their zorsts quiet around their neighbours and public areas, then let them flow on highways and sporting events this law may never had been amended. Those who live around Brighton Le Sands in Sydney with rotors etc... you guys suck because it was the residents there that kicked it all off about loud zorsts and thumping doof doof stereos

There's no hiding the fact that I hate the exhaust noise law because it is unfair and purposely manipulated to catch EVERYBODY out - even OEM cars after some use, when the zorst systems and engines wear over time, will fail a noise test
IMO, the guys who actually go out and spend the $$ to fit a Varex system are genuinely trying to do the right thing and consciously want to keep their zorsts quiet around the neighbours/populated areas so as not to create a public disturbance.
Put simply, those who fit a Varex justify it by finding the compromising equilibrium between a near impossible law and real life results.

Edited by EVO-00X, 12 October 2011 - 10:11 AM.

[GSRSOL]

Yes, as stated already - you wont pass a noise level test with a Varex.

Anything that is adjustable and therefore allows you alter the noise levels of the vehicle is not legal (in Vic anyway).

[evo-gsr]

^ and in NSW too..

[BMGTZ]

here in WA....they have taken a different view. Unless you are a wanker and have the car so loud it will wake the dead....you should be ok.

I know two cars that belong to older guys and have been over the pit with adjustable mufflers. one even made his own.

both people gave adopted a reverse approach to many out there using the adjustment, in that the cars ARENT equipped with raucous ear splitting exhausts and with the mufflers open they meet the required noise levels. with them closed they are even quieter!

as i recall the required limit for they older cars was 96db anyway so .....not super quiet to begin with